Second-Year Experience
Welcome back, Bobcats!
Now that you are transitioning back to in-person instruction we have created two lists to help you get acquainted with UC Merced. During your second year, you will find opportunities to apply what you have learned in your field of interest, learn about ways to get involved with the Bobcat community, explore leadership opportunities, and more.
Things to Do
Students are required to meet with an academic advisor within their current School during their third or fourth semester at UC Merced. We hope that this connection with an academic advisor will give you a jump start on your third year by facilitating progress in your degree and support in the development of your educational goals.
Please visit the website for your major for more information:
Bobcat Advising Center (for undeclared students)
School of Engineering Academic Advising
School of Natural Sciences Academic Advising
School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Art Academic Advising
Ask your Faculty and TA for their available times. You may also review the course syllabus for term Office Hours and availability. This is a good time to start connecting with your instructors and find mentorship.
Getting involved with Social Clubs and Organizations will help you start getting connections with other students that share similar interests and may help you create a support system.
- Get involved with Social Clubs and Organizations - CatLife: https://catlife.ucmerced.edu/
- Get involved with Professional Clubs and Organizations for Engineering students - Vanguard: http://engr-advising.ucmerced.edu/student-orgs
- Visit the Outdoor Experience Program website for upcoming adventure activities.
- Visit the Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center for leadership development opportunities.
- Visit the Community Engagement Center website for community service opportunities.
- MyDegreePath combines degree audits with academic planning. A degree audit analyzes degree requirements for a major, concentration, and minor according to the catalog year when you entered UC Merced. Academic planning allows you to use roadmaps built by your academic School along with your degree audit to create a path towards graduation. You create a plan divided by terms and can check your plan against your degree audit. The planning feature allows you to project your GPA and post a message if you are planning on studying abroad, or attending the Intercampus Visitor Program.
UC Merced’s Success Anywhere website supports student success by providing support, guidance, and resources that equip students to pursue their educational journey. This site serves as a hub for opportunities, programs, and services that promote success for currently enrolled UC Merced students. Maintain your academic success and maximize tutorial assistance.
You may also learn about career preparation programs:
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC),
Discover new career paths. Find amazing jobs and internships. Connect with great companies and non-profits. All in Handshake.
Take a break from studying and explore the many places Merced has to visit. Find some Fun things to do, Bike paths to Lake Yosemite, Merced has more opportunities you can experience! You may also visit only a short time away.
Visit: https://learning.ucmerced.edu/ to utilize learning tools and available workshops provided by the Calvin E. Bright Success Center.
Visit the CatCard Services website to request your CatCard. CatCard is your on-campus identification card, your access to athletics and gyms, the library, residence meal plans, and laundry facilities, photocopy and printing, purchasing textbooks and supplies, CatTrack Pass, housing, and academic building access, and more.
- Attend an event hosted by the Office of Student Involvement for more campus activities.
- Attend an Athletic Event.
- View the Events Calendar for all on campus events.
- Academic Advising Calendar
Places to Visit
At the Students First Center (SFC) Staff can answer your general questions about:
- Admissions
- Financial Aid
- Registrar Services
- Billing
Location: 100 Administration Building
UC Merced Recreation and Athletics Department provides recreation and athletic opportunities for our students to lead healthy, engaging lifestyles that enhance student success, promote individual well-being, and foster a commitment to lead and serve the community.
Location: Varies. Visit website.
The Center for Career & Professional Advancement (CCPA) at the University of California, Merced empowers students and alumni to reach their full potential by offering services in career development, experiential education, employment, and graduate school.
Visit the Study Abroad Office and learn about all of their different programs.
Location: KL 101
Find and learn about different art installations on campus like the Bobcat sculpture and Beginnings Sculpture.
Location: Varies. Visit website.
Visit and become familiar with the different locations you can find dining, retail, and catering services.
Location: Varies. Visit website.
1. Visit the Health Services.
- Location: Health and Athletics Center
2. Visit Counseling & Psychological Services.
- Location: New Wellness Center
Learn about the different services and spaces available that UCM Library provides.
Location: Kolligian Library Floor Maps
Get your textbooks and essentials at the UC Merced store.
Location: Varies. Visit Website.
Information Technology provides Windows computer labs for instructional use, open-access use, and special events in order to meet the educational needs of staff, faculty, and students.
Location: Varies. Visit website.
For Campus Map visit: https://www.ucmerced.edu/maps