New Student Orientation is a requirement for all new students. Orientation will provide valuable information to help jumpstart your transition to UC Merced!
JUNE 9
Deadline to register for orientation
FALL ORIENTATION PROGRAMMING
Our Mission
The mission of UC Merced's New Student Orientation is to facilitate a seamless transition for incoming students by providing essential information, resources, and connections. Our goal is to foster a welcoming and supportive environment that empowers new students to thrive academically, socially, and personally that prepares a successful pathway to graduation. By achieving these objectives, the New Student Orientation at UC Merced aims to lay a strong foundation for each student's journey, ensuring they are well-prepared to make the most of their college experience.
Students will:
- Understand the purposes of a college education and the differences between high school and college.
- Set educational goals by engaging with campus services and resources and understanding academic skills that will lead to graduation.
- Develop connections for involvement in co-curricular activities through engaging and personal encounters with faculty, staff, and fellow students.
Goals:
- Get Connected - Ensure students are connected to a member of the UC Merced community
- Get Motivated - Ensure students are motivated to achieve their personal and/or academic goals
- Get Prepared - Ensure students feel ready to start their first semester successfully by being academically prepared and registered for their courses
How does it work?
Orientation is a three-part experience that begins with Online Pre-Orientation and continues throughout the summer.
- Online Pre-Orientation: Complete this one-hour online experience at least 2 weeks prior to your Orientation date. Online Pre-Orientation opens June 10th.
- Orientation Day (In-person): You and your guest(s) will hear from current students and staff about what it means to be a successful student. This on-campus full-day experience is designed for you as well as your family and supporters.
- Webinar (Online): Participate in a live webinar to continue learning about resources to help you be successful at UC Merced. The webinar will focus on Financing Your University Education.
Learn more at orientation.ucmerced.edu/student-orientation/orientation-overview
HAVE YOU REGISTERED?
If you have not registered yet for orientation, please confirm your spot as soon as possible, as this is a mandatory offering. Reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost to participate in Orientation is $110. The cost for parents and guests is $100 each. We encourage you to register parents, guardians and supporters so we can provide resources and information designed especially for them.
Important Fall Orientation Dates*
Summer 2025 Orientation Dates:
- Friday, July 11 (First year students)
- Thursday, July 17 (First year students)
- Saturday, July 19* (First year and transfer students**)
- Tuesday, July 22* (First year and transfer students**)
- Thursday, July 24 (First year students)
- Saturday, July 26*** (Spanish-speaking parent and guest orientation)
- Tuesday, July 29 (First year students)
- Thursday, July 31* (First year students)
Online Pre-orientation: Available starting Tuesday, June 10th. Please complete the online pre-orientation at least 2 weeks prior to your in-person orientation date. It will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete.
* Simultaneous interpretation days: English parent and guest sessions with the option to hear the presentations in Spanish via an ear piece. Two Spanish interpreters will be present and interpreting the presentations in Spanish.
** July 19th will serve as first year and transfer orientation day - all students are welcome; however, there will be more focused content for transfer students on this day. If you are an incoming transfer student and you cannot attend the July 19th date, you are encouraged to attend our transfer alternative date on July 22.
*** July 26th will only offer one Spanish-speaking parent and guest orientation. There will be no English parent and guest orientation sessions on this date. The student orientation program will remain in English.
