New Student Orientation is a requirement for all new students. Orientation will provide valuable information to help jumpstart your transition to UC Merced!

JUNE 3

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?

Our new orientation model for students is “conference-style”, which means students will not be stuck in a single room all day; you get to build a custom schedule by selecting workshops and presentations that actually interest you or help with your specific major and goals. See below for the break down of our orientation dates:

  • August 18th: We will hold an orientation program specifically for our commuter students and their parents and guests, so that you can get focused attention and support before the on-campus move-in process begins.
  • August 19th - 22nd: On-campus move-in and programming for parents and guests of students living on campus.
  • August 23rd - 25th: Conference-style orientation programming for all students.
  • August 26th: Classes start!

HAVE YOU ENROLLED?


If you have not enrolled 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 $210 and covers the student and up to 4 guests. We encourage you to enroll parents, guardians and supporters so we can provide resources and information designed especially for them.

Important Fall Orientation Dates*

Summer 2026 Orientation Dates:

  • Tuesday, August 18 Commuter Student Parent/Supporter Orientation
  • Wednesday, August 19 - Saturday, August 22 On-Campus Move-In & Parent/Supporter Orientation
  • Saturday, August 22 Spanish-Language Only Parent/Supporter Orientation
  • Sunday, August 23 - Tuesday, August 25 Mandatory Student-Only Programming
orientation.ucmerced.edu

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