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...

Andrea Ramos and Evelin Esteban enjoy pozole at The Pavilion at UC Merced.

Challenges Bring About Positive Change for UC Merced Food Services

After weathering a pandemic shutdown and some fairly withering criticism, UC Merced's food service programs have emerged better than ever. The shutdown that started in 2020 brought about...

Isabella Mitchell poses for a photo with the Beginnings sculpture in the background.

'Listen to Your Gut': First-Year Student Offers Tips for Success to Incoming Bobcats

Bobcat Day turned out to be one of the most important days in Isabella Mitchell's life. Her experience at UC Merced's open house event in April 2022 assured her that she belonged at the...

Campus community members create T-shirts for the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Clothesline Project.

April Events Devoted to Sexual Assault Awareness

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is a national campaign held in April that raises awareness and education about sexual assault. At UC Merced, the Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE)...

Public Health Society officers pose for a photo at UC Merced.

National Public Health Week Includes Research Symposium and Food Drive

The campus community is invited to take part in the first UC Merced National Public Health Week, from April 3-9. Several events are planned to show students, faculty and staff the importance of...

A montage of photos shows students at UC Merced.

Student Philanthropy Month Puts Spotlight on Giving Back to UC Merced and Community

For the second year, UC Merced's Student Alumni Association (SAA) and Office of Alumni Relations have partnered to host Student Philanthropy Month in March. The monthlong initiative is...

The Los Lobos rock band poses for a photo.

Free Tickets Available for Los Lobos Concert Hosted by UC Merced UpstART

Downtown Merced is getting ready to rock out as Los Lobos make their way to town for a concert. UC Merced students, faculty, staff and the community are invited to enjoy the show at the Art...

Two students are seen sitting and talking inside an Amtrak train.

UC Merced Students Have Several Low-cost Options for Spring Break Travel

Whether it's a trip back home to visit family, a ride to see friends or simply a vacation, UC Merced students can choose among multiple ways to travel for spring break. For the 2023 spring...

Engineers Week takes place the third week of February.

Engineers Week Commemorated with In-person Events

Engineering gets its annual turn in the spotlight next week, and UC Merced is planning a number of events to celebrate. Engineers Week, often shortened to EWeek, was founded by the National...

Linda Frey, director of the California College Corps program, speaks to attendees of a meeting at UC Merced.

Statewide College Corps Representatives Convene at UC Merced

Nearly 100 participants from higher education facilities across the state gathered at UC Merced in January to exchange ideas around a program that pays students to do volunteer work in their...