We can't wait to meet you in person!
UC Merced is pleased to host Bobcat Day, a special day for admitted and prospective first-year students, transfer students, and their families. Our local community is welcome too. We invite you to attend this special event and explore the UC Merced campus!
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, and maybe even a hat since you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. We will have water refill stations around campus, so bring a refillable bottle.
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 8 am - 2 pm | UC Merced Campus | Parking is Complimentary | Directions
Share your experience on social media and use the hashtag: #BobcatDay26
Special Event
Admitted Student & Family BBQ
Join us the evening before Bobcat Day for a relaxed BBQ at Lake Yosemite. Meet future classmates, families, and faculty—great food, great company.
April 17 • 5:00 – 6:30 pm
$25 per family
$25 per family
Your Bobcat Day Game Plan
Saturday, April 18 • 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Opening Welcome
Start with a Welcome from Chancellor Muñoz
Kick off an amazing day at UC Merced by joining us for a special welcome from Chancellor Muñoz. It’s the perfect way to begin Bobcat Day and feel the energy, pride, and possibility that define our campus community. Hear an inspiring message as we officially open a day filled with exploration, connection, and discovery. From campus tours and academic presentations to meeting future classmates and faculty, it all starts here.
Time
8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Location
University Plaza
Tours
8 am – 2 pm
Campus Tours
Last Tour will depart at 1:30 pm Join us for a guided campus tour and discover world-class research facilities, vibrant student spaces, and everything that makes our Bobcat community one of a kind. Whether you're a prospective student or a curious family member, this is your chance to explore the campus you could soon call home.
Welcome Center
8 am – 1:30 pm
Housing Tours
Last Tour will depart at 1:30 pm Join us for a guided housing tour and get an up-close look at UC Merced's on-campus living options. From cozy residence halls to shared common areas where friendships are built, see firsthand what it means to live the Bobcat life. Come explore what could be your future home!
Academic Walk
8 am – 2 pm
La Galería presents Actions for the Earth: Art, Care & Ecology
UC Merced’s annual Bobcat Art Show is back for its third presentation at La Galería - this group exhibition showcases the creativity of the entire UC Merced community, showing artwork by students, faculty, and staff.
El Portal 120
9 am – 2 pm
Makerspace Tours
Step inside our makerspace for a guided tour and live 3D printer demonstrations, perfect for curious minds ready to create.
SRE 101
9 am – 2 pm
Wind Tunnel Lab Tour
Tours depart at the top of each hour, with the final tour leaving at 1 PM. Go behind the scenes of aerodynamic research with a guided tour of our wind tunnel lab where airflow, drag, and lift are tested and studied in real time.
Science and Engineering 2, 165
10 am – 2 pm
Tour of Dr. Kara McCloskey’s Cardio Vascular Tissue Engineering Lab
Instructors from General and Organic Chemistry will showcase examples from their courses.
Last Tour will depart at 1:30 pm
Last Tour will depart at 1:30 pm
Chemical and Materials Engineering Table
11 am – 12 pm
Civil Engineering Lab Tours
Take a guided tour of our Civil Engineering Labs, including the Surveying Lab and the Strength and Sustainability Lab, where students and researchers tackle real-world challenges in infrastructure, materials, and the built environment.
Science and Engineering 2 Lobby
12 pm – 1 pm
Chemistry and Biochemistry lab tours
Peek into the instructional labs and walk through some of the chemistry and biochemistry research labs, and see real equipment used to collect chemical data
1:15 pm – 3:15 pm
City of Merced Bus Tour
Last Tour will depart at 2:30 pm Welcome to your new home! Join us for a guided bus tour created especially for students admitted to UC Merced for Fall 2026. This experience introduces you to the city of Merced and gives you a sense of what life is like beyond campus.
Ride along with fellow future Bobcats as you explore local neighborhoods, favorite hangout spots, shopping areas, and community resources. Along the way, you’ll see how students live, connect, and thrive in Merced, helping you picture your college experience both on and off campus.
This is a great opportunity to meet new friends, ask questions, and start imagining your life at UC Merced!
University Transit Center
10 am – 11 am
Political Science Lab Tours
The PS Lab is a state-of-the-art experimental laboratory for understanding political behavior and cognition. The PS Lab offers faculty and students the opportunity to conduct research on political attitudes and behavior using a variety of methods, including computer-based surveys with the ability to collect physiological reactions.
COB 2 356
11 am – 12 pm and
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Language, Learning and Teaching Lab – Eyetracking & Implicit Cueing Research Tour
Step into the science of how people learn at UC Merced’s Language, Learning, and Teaching Lab. This interactive tour reveals how language, culture, and cognition shape understanding in a complex world. Using advanced eye-tracking technology, visitors can watch attention move across text and media in real time—showing how readers process information, where they struggle, and how bilingual learners navigate multiple languages. These insights help researchers improve teaching methods and create more accessible learning environments. The lab also explores how subtle cultural signals influence perception and decision-making through immersive visual and auditory experiments. Blending psychology, linguistics, education, and AI, this lab is reimagining how we design more inclusive learning experiences.
SSM 114
9 am - 12 pm and
1:30 pm - 4 pm
1:30 pm - 4 pm
Internet of Things Sensing Systems Experience with Pervasive Autonomous Networked Systems Lab
See the future in action! Students will experience live demos of our groundbreaking ambient intelligent systems firsthand.
SE2 230D
Resources
8 am – 2 pm
Financial Aid
Conference Center, Room 110
8 am – 2 pm
Statement of Legal Residence, Billing / Payment Options
SFC Lobby
Presentations
8:30 am – 8:45 am
Welcome from Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muńoz
University Plaza
9 am – 10 am
School of Engineering
The 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.
Conference Center Ballroom
9 am – 10 am
School of Natural Sciences
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.
COB 102
9 am – 10 am
School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
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.
ACS 120
10 am – 11 am
School of Engineering
See above for description.
See above for description.
Conference Center Ballroom
10 am – 11 am
School of Natural Sciences
See above for description.
See above for description.
COB 102
10 am – 11 am
School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
See above for description.
See above for description.
ACS 120
10 am – 11 am
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
COB 120
10 am – 11 am
Study Abroad
Discover how you can make study abroad a reality at UC Merced! In this session, you will explore diverse global programs, learn how financial aid and scholarships make them affordable, and see how international experiences boost your academic and career development. Get the facts, break common myths, and take the first step toward your global journey. Your adventure starts here!
COB 105
10 am – 11 am
Movies are Mental: How Motion Pictures Illuminate Human Mental Processes and Behavior
This lecture explores how film serves as a powerful lens for understanding psychological phenomena. In UC Merced’s Psychology and Film course, movies are examined as a modern form of storytelling that reveals human thoughts, emotions, and behavior. As both art and entertainment, films reflect the human condition, offering insight into motives, relationships, and societal experiences. Because they are created by people for people, their content is inherently psychological. Through portrayals of emotions such as love, fear, anger, and joy, films illuminate why people act the way they do and invite audiences to engage with the inner workings of the human mind.
SSB 160
10 am – 11 am
Preview of General and Organic Chemistry
Instructors from General and Organic Chemistry classes will show some examples from their classes
SSB 170
10 am – 11 am
Imagination, Integration, Impact: Computer Science in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
We are living through the greatest shift in technology since the invention of the Internet. In the Age of Artificial Intelligence, the role of the Computer Scientist has evolved. It’s no longer just about writing code; it’s about Imagination (defining the vision), Integration (building the bridge between human needs and machine power), and Impact (solving problems at a scale never before possible). Join us to see how a CS degree gives you the tools to architect the future.
SSB 120
10 am – 11 am
The Climate Change Challenge
Why is climate change so hard to solve? This lecture from ESS002 Sustainability Science explores the scientific and social complexities of climate change and introduces sustainability approaches for tackling this global challenge.
SSB 130
10 am – 11 am
Becoming a UC Merced Partner in Success
The goal of this session is to provide participants with information regarding resources specifically available for parents, families, and supporters of our incoming and current UC Merced students. Participants will hear from a student and a partner on the success panel, followed by a brief presentation, and conclude with an activity to share feedback on which information would be most helpful to receive during Parent and Guest Orientation this upcoming fall semester. Attendees will also be entered into an opportunity drawing for prizes, and light refreshments will be provided.
GLCR 120
11 am – 12 pm
School of Engineering
See above for description.
See above for description.
Conference Center Ballroom
11 am – 12 pm
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!
COB 102
11 am – 12 pm
Political Science Legislative Simulation
POLI 109 is a course on the California State legislative process. It is designed to be a total immersion in the legislative process—particularly the California State Senate—in which students role-play to understand its formal and informal hierarchies of influence, norms, expectations for behavior, complex rules, and traditions. Roleplay includes simulating committee meetings, floor sessions, and the bill creation and passage process. The goal of this class is for students to learn how the system works by examining it from the inside.
COB 105
11 am – 12 pm
Engineers as Problem Solvers – Chemical and Materials Engineers Tackle Some of Society’s Biggest Problems
The fields of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering will be introduced. We'll then discuss some of the largest problems facing society, including energy security, water security, and global warming, and how Chemical and Materials Engineers are addressing them. We will remain at the forefront of developing solutions to these complex issues.
SSB 120
11 am – 12 pm
SOIL: The World Under Our Feet
The soil system is one of the earth's most vital and threatened resources. Professor of soil biogeochemistry, Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, is here to tell you how the complex system beneath your feet is beautiful and key to the diversity of life. You will hear about the role of soil as the basis for all terrestrial life, the role of soil in health care, water regulation, waste recycling, climate regulation, and more. Dirt no more, you'll leave with new awe for the world of soil.
SSB 160
11 am – 12 pm
Can you see the invisible? Engineers can!
The mock lecture will introduce students (and parents) to four key principles in engineering: modularity, iterative design, parameter tuning, and effective communication. All attendees will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on work with an electrical engineering circuit that detects fixed obstacles at varying distances. Furthermore, all attendees will gain an appreciation for how engineers tune systems to achieve desired performance and how this pedagogical style is the centerpiece of the classroom experience at UC Merced.
SSB 170
11 am – 12 pm
Water Treatment: What is Coagulation and Flocculation?
Ever wonder how your water is treated and reaches the tap? In this lecture, we will explore the basics of water treatment, including coagulation and flocculation (methods for settling particles to clean water). There will be a small demonstration. This is adapted from a lecture given to CEE020: Introduction to Civil and Environmental class at UC Merced.
GLCR 160
11 am – 12 pm
History and CRES Gallery Tour
We invite admitted students and their families to experience the research, teaching, and community fostered by Faculty and Students in the History and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies majors.
SSB 130
11 am – 12 pm
The Journey of a Former Student: How UC Merced Computer Science Gave Me the Tools to Succeed
Want to hear from a UC Merced Professor who was once in your shoes? Join Prof. Giovanni Gonzalez Araujo as he shares his journey growing up as a first-generation student in California’s Central Valley. Learn how the UC Merced Computer Science and Engineering program, through supportive faculty, research opportunities, and hands-on experiences, helped him overcome challenges and build his path forward.
ACS 120
11 am – 12 pm
The Philosophy of Engineering: What Can Robots Teach us About Ourselves?
Mechanical and aerospace engineers use automatic control systems to shape the behavior of self-driving cars, flying drones, and much more! Control theory helps us to model neurons in the brain, make robots walk, and even predict the weather. We’ll explore how ideas from controls offer an engineering perspective for understanding our own bodies and the world around us.
COB 120
11 am – 12 pm
Compañeros en el éxito de su estudiante de UC Merced
The goal of this session is to provide participants with information regarding resources specifically available for parents, families, and supporters of our incoming and current UC Merced students. Participants will hear from a student and a partner on the success panel, followed by a brief presentation, and conclude with an activity to share feedback on which information would be most helpful to receive during Parent and Guest Orientation this upcoming fall semester. Attendees will also be entered into an opportunity drawing for prizes, and light refreshments will be provided.
GLCR 120
12 pm – 1 pm
What’s UC Merced Really Like? Ask our Students
You’ve been admitted—now it’s time to hear what life is really like from the people who know it best. Join our student panel to get an honest, inside look at the UC Merced experience. Current students will share their stories about academics, campus life, clubs and organizations, housing, research opportunities, and what it’s like to live in Merced.
Bring your questions and get real answers about classes, making friends, getting involved on campus, and transitioning from high school to college. Whether you're curious about majors, student life, or tips for your first year, this is your chance to hear directly from students.
Learn what it’s really like to be a Bobcat and imagine your future at UC Merced!
ACS 120
12 pm – 1 pm
How Can Community Service Pay for my Education?
Join us for a session to learn about programs that provide financial assistance and engage students in service! Learn how these programs help students reduce educational expenses while building leadership skills, gaining real-world experience, contributing to the community, and developing relationships. Explore with us why service-funded opportunities are so valuable—not only for easing financial burdens, but for helping students feel connected, confident, and prepared for success in college and beyond.
COB 120
12 pm – 1 pm
Psych in Real Life!
Participants will experience a day in the life of a Bobcat in one of our many engaging psychology courses! In this mock lecture on Multicultural Psychology, we’ll use an interactive series of activities to highlight cultural similarities and differences in morality. After a brief Welcome and introduction, participants will debate the well-known Heintz Dilemma, which fosters a lively, collaborative discussion where everyone can share their ideas. Then, we’ll do a quick Mentimeter poll to illustrate the variance in our ideas before wrapping up with an overview of what psychology and UC Merced have to offer!
SSB 160
12 pm – 1 pm
Vision, Language, and Action: AI for Safe Autonomous Driving
Autonomous vehicles must do more than detect objects — they must interpret complex scenes, understand human intent, and make safe decisions in dynamic environments. What if cars could understand the world the way we do? In this lecture, we’ll explore how artificial intelligence connects vision, language, and action to create safer autonomous vehicles. You’ll learn how researchers build systems that can reason about the real world, collaborate with humans, and make life-saving decisions — and how you can be part of this rapidly growing field.
SSB 170
12 pm – 1 pm
Why Do We Need Public Health?
Students will work to solve a real-world public health issue and then learn the principles and values of public health.
COB 105
Receptions & Luncheons
10 am – 2 pm
Fiat Lux Meet & Greet (Invite Only)
GLACIER 165
11 am – 12 pm
Gateway Scholars Program Reception
The Gateway Scholars Program Reception is an opportunity to welcome incoming Gateway Scholars to UC Merced while introducing them to the community, resources, and support systems available through Gateway Scholars. The reception provides a welcoming space for students and their loved ones to connect with program staff and learn more about the academic, personal, and community-based support Gateway offers. Through informal conversations, relationship-building, and a program overview, the reception aims to foster a sense of belonging, ease the transition to the university, and help students begin building meaningful connections before the start of their UC Merced journey.
Granite Pass, 115
12 pm - 1 pm
Transfer Reception
ADMIN 306
1 pm – 2 pm
Africana American Community-Wide Celebration
Conference Center Ballroom
12 pm – 1 pm
Future Teachers Welcome Luncheon
This reception is for aspiring PK-12 teachers, co-hosted by the Liberal Studies major program, CalTeach, and the Teacher Preparation Program. Learn more about academic programs, internship opportunities, and teaching credential pathways at UC Merced!
SSM 104
8 am – 2 pm
University Honors Program Meet & Greet
Stop by and meet the University Honors Program community! Students, faculty, and staff will be available during Bobcat Day from 8 am to 2 pm to share information about the University Honors Program. The Honors Program Faculty Director will also give 30-minute presentations at 9:30 am and 12:30 pm. We are here to answer your questions about our community and UC Merced! Go Bobcats!
GRAN 140
12 pm – 1 pm
Chemical and Materials Engineering Department Meet and Greet
SSB 120
12 pm – 1 pm
History & Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Luncheon and Q&A with Faculty and Students
We invite all students and families interested in History or Critical Race and Ethnic Studies to join us for a casual conversation and a question-and-answer session with a panel of students and faculty. We look forward to breaking bread and building community with you!
SSB 130
1 pm – 2pm
Computer Science Engineering Reception
Behind every great line of code is a great community. Grab a snack and get to know the professors and mentors who will support your journey at UC Merced. This is a low-pressure environment where you can chat one-on-one with our faculty, meet fellow prospective students, and get a feel for the collaborative culture that defines our department. No formal presentations, just good conversation and a look at what’s possible here.
SSB 160
Dining Services
7 am – 3 pm
Pavilion
Breakfast 7 am – 10:30 am
Lunch 11 am – 3 pm
Lunch 11 am – 3 pm
The Pavilion offers a buffet-style dining experience with a wide variety of rotating meals throughout the day. From comfort foods to global flavors and healthy options, it’s the perfect spot to get a full taste of everyday campus dining.
Pavilion
10 am – 3 pm
Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Center
Lunch
The Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Center provides a buffet-style experience with diverse menu options. Guests can enjoy a mix of nutritious meals, customizable options, and classic favorites in a spacious, welcoming environment.
Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Center
10 am – 2 pm
Food Trucks
Food trucks along Scholars Lane provide street food options at UC Merced. Guests can explore different cuisines and flavors while enjoying the outdoor energy. It’s a great way to mix things up and try something new.
Scholars Lane
7:30 am – 3 pm
Lantern Café
The Lantern Café is a cozy, café-style stop where guests can grab coffee, light bites, and quick meals. Located inside the library, it’s ideal for a relaxed break while exploring campus.
Kolligian Library
7:30 am – 2 pm
Bobcat Snack Stop
The Bobcat Snack Stop is a convenient mini-market offering snacks, drinks, and ready-to-eat items for guests on the move.
Kolligian Library
7:30 am – 3 pm
Summits Marketplace
Summits Marketplace offers a selection of convenient food options in a modern marketplace setting.
Summits
7:30 am – 2 pm
Bobcat Kitchen
Bobcat Kitchen is a Retail Services concept located on South Campus, focused on fresh, nutritious options made with locally sourced ingredients at value pricing. Guests can enjoy deli sandwiches, tacos, hot dogs, grab-and-go items, and a full selection of coffee and cold drinks featuring Peet’s Coffee.
Behind Sentinel Rock
