Student Life

UC Merced Celebrates 15 Years as a Hispanic-serving Institution

October 8, 2025

Photo depicts a graduation cap with writing on it in Spanish at UC Merced's commencement.

Fifteen years ago, UC Merced was designated as a Hispanic-serving institution. And though recent developments at the federal government have left what that designation means in limbo, the mission of serving the university’s largest demographic has remained unchanged. More than 53 percent...

Four UC Merced students pose for a photo on the bike path along Lake Road.

Students Spruce Up Bike Path Near UC Merced

Keeping a community clean takes a lot of effort and sweat equity from the people who call it home. That's why Bobcats rolled up their sleeves and got to work to make the area right outside UC...

Outdoor Experience Program staff and participants at Mariposa grove in Yosemite.

Adventures Abound at UC Merced’s Outdoor Experience Program

Zayd Andre doesn’t consider himself outdoorsy, but the second-year computer science and engineering major from Fullerton caught the exploring bug in elementary school. “I believe my...

Bobcat Day 2023 (Slideshow)

The UC Merced campus was buzzing with excitement as future Bobcats and their families experienced all that the university has to offer during Bobcat Day 2023. A record number of guests attended...

A student poses with several soccer balls on an athletic field.

A Day in the Life of a First-Year Student at UC Merced

First-year student Edwin Casillas found everything he was looking for in a university — and more — at UC Merced. Nearly a year after the Sonora native said he "felt at home...

Two people are seen in the snow in Yosemite National Park.

Environmental Conservation Takes Center Stage in Shakespeare in Yosemite's 'Romeo and Juliet'

"Romeo and Juliet" is considered William Shakespeare's most famous romantic tragedy. But this Earth Day weekend, it will be transformed into a new production that will offer hope for...

A family takes a photo with a UC Merced sign.

Bobcat Day Gives Future Bobcats a Taste of UC Merced

UC Merced is hosting its annual open house event Saturday, April 22, to give admitted, prospective and transfer students the opportunity to learn more about what the university has to offer....

College Track President & CEO Shirley M. Collado and UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz sign a partnership between the two entities.

UC Merced and College Track Partner to Democratize Potential Through Higher Education

The University of California, Merced, and College Track are pleased to announce a new partnership focused on ensuring that college students from underserved communities who want to be the first in...

UC Merced graduates celebrate at a party at downtown's Bob Hart Square in May 2022.

What's There to Do in the Merced Area? Plenty

One question students considering attending UC Merced might ask is, "What's there to do around there?" The quick answer is - a lot. There are plenty of ways for students to spend...

Diversity, Community, Creativity and Self-expression are the Focuses of Pride Week 2023

A drag show, open mic night and collaborative coloring are among the fun events slated for this year’s Pride Week, April 10-14, celebrating LGBTQ+ identity and culture at UC Merced. The...