Saturday, April 19, 2025

Dining Options:

Bobcat Day 2025 - Presentations

TIME

EVENT

LOCATION

TYPE

Two Sessions:

• 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
• 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

School of Engineering Presentation

School of Engineering offers an engaging opportunity for students and families to discover more about the diverse engineering majors at UC Merced. Hear directly from faculty as they highlight the newest majors. Listen and engage with a student panel that will share their unique experiences as engineering students, including their participation in research opportunities and campus activities.

School of Natural Sciences Presentation

The School of Natural Sciences is conducting cutting-edge research, from fighting disease to creating sustainable energy sources. Hear from the Dean and current students how working side-by-side with world-renowned faculty deepens your knowledge. Learn about student resources, academic planning, mentorships, internships, and career opportunities awaiting.

School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts Presentation

Come learn all that the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SSHA) at UC Merced has to offer! Our broad range of outstanding undergraduate programs prepares students for varied roles as responsible, informed citizens and leaders. The panel of SSHA Peer Navigators, who are current UC Merced undergraduate students, will allow you to ask them specific questions about their experience in SSHA and UC Merced.

The Heart of the Student Experience

Join us for the "At the Heart of the Student Experience" session, where current students will share firsthand accounts of their experiential education journeys. Discover how extracurricular engagements enrich academic learning, shape career aspirations, foster leadership skills, and fuel active participation in student clubs and organizations. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and inspiration from our student community.

Study Abroad

Discover how you can make study abroad a reality at UC Merced! In this session, you we will explore diverse global programs, learn how financial aid and scholarships make it affordable, and see how international experiences boost your academics and career. Get the facts, break common myths, and take the first step toward your global journey—your adventure starts here!

On-Campus Student Employment and Internships

Join us for an exciting session on on-campus student employment and internships. We’ll walk you through how to find and apply for paid opportunities that fit your schedule and career goals. Plus, you’ll hear firsthand from five current student employees and interns about their experiences, the skills they’ve gained, and how these opportunities have helped them prepare for the future. Don’t miss out on this chance to get ahead and make the most of your time on campus!

You've Committed to UC Merced, What's Next?

Mock Experiment in Political Science Labs (PS) Labs

School of Natural Sciences Lab Tours

Join a 50-minute guided tour of School of Natural Sciences instructional and faculty research labs. 10:00am-12:00pm. Sign up at the School of Natural Sciences' booth at the Information Fair.

How Cognitive Science got a Nobel Prize in AI

Cognitive Science is young and growing field being propelled by advances in AI and neuroscience. Last year, the Nobel prize in Physics was shared with a Cognitive Scientist whose research on neural networks is foundational to the remarkable advances in AI. UC Merced Faculty in Cognitive Science will highlight some of the key breakthroughs that got us here, exciting new directions in the field, and the careers that students pursue as cognitive science majors.

Can you see the invisible? Engineers can!

This lecture introduces three fundamental topics in engineering: modularity (how engineers design complex systems by connecting multiple components together), iterative design (the ability to tune parameters to achieve a desired performance), and an engineering presentation.

Legislative Simulation Demonstration

The Legislative Simulation Course (POLI 109) offers students immersive, hands-on experience in the California legislative process. By role-playing as state legislators, lobbyists, journalists, and executive officials, students navigate real-world policymaking challenges, draft and debate legislation, and engage in political negotiations. 

Chemical and Materials Engineering – Hot Topics and Cool Demonstrations

Chemical engineers are involved in the sustainable production of fuels, reagents, food, beverages, raw materials, and pharmaceuticals.  Materials engineers focus on the processing of metals, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers and composites into sustainable products that meet specifications for everyday objects and advanced technologies.  Considerable creativity is required in both professions.  For example, there are times when electrical conductors are made from plastics, springs are made from cement, glass is made from metals, and ceramics are made from stuff assembled by bacteria. Come and learn how Harry’s invisibility cloak, Spidey’s webs, and Frodo’s mithril are closer to fact than fiction.

All Day Activities - Available 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

TIME

ACTIVITY

LOCATION

Campus Information Fair

Explore over 200 tabling events to learn more about clubs and student organizations, summer session opportunities, greek life, cultural groups, sports, academics, health promotions, the university police department, and much more!

Campus Tours

Explore and discover UC Merced. Tours leave from the Welcome Center. The last tour leaves at 2:00 p.m.

Housing Tours

Tours are available at Sentinel Rock, Glacier Point, and Granite Pass. The last tour leaves at 1:30 p.m.

Actions for the Earth: Art, Care, & Ecology

Presented by UC Merced Arts at La Galería

VISION - Into the Quantum World

Offered by the VISION-PREM (https://visionprem.ucmerced.edu/), this event involves both Quantum Play Time (hands-on demos) and a Quantum Talk with VISION student researchers. Sessions begin every two hours starting at 9:00am. Sign up at the Physics department table at the Campus Information Fair.

Physics with Phones

Learn how you can make scientific measurements with the smartphone in your pocket. Some of these activities have been used in physics lab classes here at UC Merced. Eleven UC Merced undergraduates have spent paid summers working with Dr. Rakestraw on developing these activities and you could too! These 30-minute sessions begin at 10:00am, 11:00am and 12:00pm. Sign up at the Physics department table at the Campus Information Fair.

Student Engagement Activities brought to you by the Division of Student Affairs

OPEN HOUSES: Discover Your Community. Find Your Support.

Prospective students and families—step inside UC Merced’s vibrant student support spaces! Explore the resources, programs, and centers designed to help you thrive. Whether you're looking for career guidance, leadership opportunities, or a sense of belonging, these spaces are here to empower your journey. Drop by, meet the teams, and see how UC Merced supports your success!

Kolligian Library (KL)

• Student Career Center (KL 184)
• Souza Leadership Center + Yosemite Leadership Program (KL 172)
• Community Engagement Center (KL 190)
• Campus Advocacy, Resources, and Education (CARE) (KL 107) – Enter via Social Justice Quad
• LGBTQ+ Pride Center (KL 159)
• Multicultural Center (KL 169)

Granite Pass (GP)

• Black Scholar’s Resource Center (GP 101 & 102)

Sentinel Rock (SR)

• Asian & Pacific Islander Resource Center (SR 101 & 102)

Bobcat Day Bash: The Ultimate Pavilion Lawn Experience!

Step into the heart of campus excitement as the Pavilion Lawn comes alive with music, activities, and unforgettable experiences! This is your chance to immerse yourself in student life, connect with Bobcats, and make lasting memories. Get ready to feel the UC Merced spirit—we can’t wait to welcome you!

• Hands-On Fun & Games – Win prizes, take part in interactive activities, and explore student programs brought to you by the Office of Student Involvement & Student Health & Wellness.
• Live Entertainment – Feel the energy with student performances and live DJs keeping the vibe going all day long!
• Bobcat Family Photo Op – Capture the moment! Gather with your family for a special keepsake photo at the iconic
  UCM Letters.
• Discover Merced’s Best – Meet local businesses and community partners showcasing what makes the City of Merced
  special.

Get in the Game: Recreation & Athletics Experience

Stop by the Recreation Fields & the Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation Center for a fun-filled day of sports, games, and activities—jump into the action, get moving, and win some Bobcat swag!

RECREATION FIELDS

JOSEPH EDWARD GALLO RECREATION CENTER

Resources - Available 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Financial Aid

You can speak to an advisor about your financial aid award letter and package.

Statement of Legal Residence, Billing / Payment Options

Meet with an advisor focused on your Statement of Legal Residence (if applicable), billing, and payment options.

Receptions & Luncheons

University Honors Program Meet & Greet (Presentations offered at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.)

Welcome new Bobcats! Join us to hear more about the UC Merced University Honors Program and all the opportunities this campus-wide program has to offer! Honors Program faculty, staff, and students will provide information on program eligibility, application, benefits, and requirements. Scheduled presentations will be at 9 am and 11 am, and we will be available between 8 am – 12 pm to answer any questions you may have! More information can be found on our website here: https://honors.ucmerced.edu/.

8 a.m. - 9 a.m.,

10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Community Partners Program Reception

Join us on Saturday, April 19, 2025, for the Community Partners Program Meet N’ Greet at Bobcat Day! Stop by Granite Pass 145 between 8 AM - 9 AM or 10 AM - 11 AM to connect with Dr. Danielle Bermúdez, Associate Director of Educational Equity and Access, and Mr. Jose Medina III, Coordinator for Educational Equity and Access. Enjoy light refreshments and great conversation as we share how the Community Partners Program supports students on their educational journey. We look forward to meeting you!

UC Merced Division of Professional & Continuing Education (PACE) and CalTeach Reception

Are you interested in becoming a PK-12 teacher? UC Merced offers a full pathway with any degree plus an education minor that stack into a preliminary post-bacc teaching credential. Join us for a networking and reception style event in the state of the art CalTeach Learning Lab (SRE 201) from 12-1 to learn more about teacher education pathways.

Chemical Engineering and Material Science Engineering Sweet Treat and Faculty Meet & Greet

Native American / Indigenous Heritage Community - Wide Celebration

We are excited to invite you to Native American / Indigenous Heritage Community Wide Celebration, a special event where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with staff and students of UC Merced’s Native American / Indigenous community. You’ll meet other incoming First Year and Transfer students, be introduced to campus resources, have an opportunity to ask questions and get a head start in networking with future peers!

African American Community - Wide Celebration

UC Merced and other sister UC Campuses strive to increase education opportunities for underrepresented ethnic populations. Bobcat Day, being the biggest calendar event of the year, provides prospective FY and TR students time to check out what the campus offers in a variety of ways: majors, housing, admissions, and financial aid. While checking off those boxes, most ethnic groups want to know if there is an existing community. More importantly, the community is supportive of their students. The African American Community-Wide Celebration will allow students and their families to meet with existing Faculty/Staff, Students, Alumni and Organizations.

You Belong Here: Latino / A Heritage Community - Wide Celebration

We are excited to invite you to You Belong Here: The Latino/a UC Community Welcome Celebration, a special event where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with UC Merced’s vibrant Latino/a community. Meet fellow incoming first-year and Transfer students, engage with staff and student leaders, and get introduced to the many resources that support Latino/a student success. This is your chance to ask questions, build connections, and start creating your community at UC Merced—because you belong here.