UCMerced-FirstYear-ViewBook-2016_FINAL

12-13 / 20

Academic Highlights
Innovate to Grow:
This annual celebration of student ingenuity and entrepre-
neurship encompasses these three signature threads:
»»Innovation Design Clinic (IDC): The capstone project
experience for cross-functional teams of graduating se-
niors who collaborate with partner organizations and
industries to define engineering problems, discover so-
lutions and demonstrate their results.
»»Engineering Service Learning (ESL): UCMerced’s cor-
nerstone engineering experience designed to expose
first year students to the power of engineering.
»»Mobile App Challenge (MAC): Encourages students
to design, prototype and pitch their ideas for innova-
tive mobile applications that address today’s most
pressing societal needs.
UCDC:
Combine an internship in your area of academic interest
with field research and coursework taught by University
of California professors in our nation’s capital.
UC Education Abroad Program:
There are opportunities in nearly 35 countries through
scores of international partner institutions for summer,
semester and yearlong internship, field study and research
programs.
LEARNING OUTSIDE The Classroom
The Calvin E. Bright Success Center is the hub of academic
advising and learning support services that help students to
adapt to challenges and demands of university life and be
successful.
Programs:
> Fiat Lux Scholars
> Guardian Scholars
> Success Mentor Program
> Strengthening Talents and Exploring Pathways (STEP)
> Peer Assisted Learning Support (PALS)
> Academic Competitions
> Orientation
Services:
> Undeclared Advising
> Peer Academic Advising
> Online Workshops
> Undocumented Students and Special Populations
Other services:
> Disability Services
> Student Health Services
> Veterans Services
> Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE)
> Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Services
STUDENT SUPPORT
World Heritage Research Experience Scholars Program:
WHERE is a new one-year undergraduate research program
for students across all academic disciplines. The program
focuses on natural and cultural heritage, the legacy of
the human past, and how it is reflected today in places,
landscapes, and intangible aspects of our cultures. Students
create digital maps and GIS databases of culturally relevant
places; build 3D visualizations and reconstructions of
ancient cities and monuments; and design virtual exhibits
and museums to support heritage tourism.
Yosemite Leadership Program:
YLP is a two-year co-curricular program focused on giving
UC Merced students, regardless of major or previous
outdoor experience, the skills to lead, advocate for the
environment, make informed ethical decisions and create
social change.
Yosemite Research Experience for Undergraduates:
Take part in field trips and individual research projects
spanning a broad range of disciplines such as ecology,
geoscience, biodiversity and conservation, all while getting
paid to do so.
Regardless of grade level, all students at UC Merced have the opportunity to get internship positions at a variety of industry partners,
nonprofit organizations and the Peace Corps.
Many students have secured positions because of their involvement in research – something that is key to the UC Merced experience.
The campus’ diversity prepares students for a diverse work force and fosters thinking on a global level.
Mid-Semester Grades
Faculty members and advisors and services on campus are able
to give students in lower-division courses early feedback (both
positive and negative) about their academic performance mid-
semester, while there is still time to intervene if a student is seen
to be struggling, which helps students get back on track.
12 13 2017-18 First Year Viewbook UC Merced Office of Admissions