Student Life

UC Merced Recognized on Newsweek’s Inaugural ‘America’s Best Colleges for Women’ List

February 4, 2026

Recent female UC Merced graduates wave to the camera

UC Merced has been recognized on Newsweek’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 list, a national ranking designed to spotlight institutions that support, advance and elevate women across campus and beyond. Newsweek developed the new report in partnership with Gender Fair...

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...

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...

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...

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)...

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...