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Frequently Asked Questions

Does this program offer afternoon courses?

Yes, but it varies on the specific course and availability during each semester.

Does this program offer part-time status?

Yes, our Degree Completion Program offers part-time classes.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

Our Reentry Advisor is available to answer any questions you have. You can schedule a 1:1 meeting, email us at degreecompletion@ucmerced.edu or call and text 209-285-9319.

When is the application deadline?

The Rentry Schedules are:

Fall Semester: October 1 to May 1

Spring Semester: May 1 to November 1

Summer Semester: November 1 to February 1

May I apply after the deadline?

Yes, you can petition after the deadline.

Do I have a designated advisor to discuss my academics and financial eligibility?

Yes, the Degree Completion Program has dedicated academic and financial aid advisors for our Degree Completion students.

What does student support look like?

We offer one-on-one assistance and develop individualized plans for each student to meet specific bachelor degree requirements. 

Will my transfer credit be accepted?

The transfer credit will need to meet the articulation agreement, which you can review on assist.org

I attended another college. Do my courses satisfy my course requirements? How do I update my information?

Send us your unofficial or official transcript so we can assess the information. We can then review your records and confirm if the course meets the requirements.

If I were to enroll in part-time status, am I eligible for Financial Aid?

There is financial aid available for part-time students, but it is reduced according to the number of units you take.

If you register for less than 6 units, you are still be eligible for a Pell Grant. You can learn more at studentaid.gov.

Can I return to UC Merced if I did not leave in good academic standing?

Yes, but you may need to meet some requirements. Your Degree Completion Academic Advisor will help you with your academic reentry plan.

It’s been years since I last attended UCM, am I still able to return?

Yes! Reach out to us to discuss your options.

Can I change my major?

Yes, you can change your major before reinstating. Please check your school of choice requirements. If the major is not within School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, you may not be eligible for the program at this time.

Can I repeat a course? How will that affect my GPA?

If you have a D or below, you can repeat the course. If you repeat the UC course at a community college, you will get the grade replaced, but it may not affect your GPA. If you repeat the UC course at a UC, it will replace the grade and it will affect your GPA. You cannot repeat a course in which you earned a C grade or better.

What if I want to take courses at a community college to satisfy requirements?

If you take courses at a community college, use assist.org to help you determine which courses will articulate to UC Merced.

Am I eligible for housing on campus?

Yes, you are eligible whether you attend full time or part time. Please visit housing.ucmerced.edu to review housing options and application dates. Our Reentry Advisor will also be able to help you with your questions.

Is it COVID SAFE to return to campus?

Yes, we have a strict COVID protocol. For more information, visit doyourpart.ucmerced.edu.

Do I have to be fully vaccinated to attend UCM?

The COVID vaccine is required for all students, staff and faculty that attend UC Merced. You can file an exception if necessary.

Does the program apply to students working on a transfer degree from a community college to a UC campus?

We are assisting transfer students from Merced College. We offer assistance if Undergraduate Admissions is not able to answer your questions or assist with your transfer.

What does "2 consecutive regular terms" mean, in the "Not enrolled for 2 consecutive regular terms prior to reentry"?

Our Degree Completion Program is designed to prioritize assistance for students who were not enrolled in the last two consecutive semesters. For instance, if you were interested in attending UC Merced in Fall 2022, you would not have been enrolled during Fall 2021 and Spring 2022.

Is this program available online?

We are currently working on an upper division liberal arts option that would be online. We are also offering online summer courses that you can enroll in to work toward degree completion.

I live a few hours away and work a full-time job. Would online synchronous or asynchronous classes be available at this campus?

Many courses are being offered online during the summer semester. We are working on a liberal arts degree with upper division courses online.

I previously attended UC Merced. Will the Degree Completion team assist me in gathering transcripts and records for program applicability?

We do have access to UC Merced transcripts, so we can definitely assist you.

What if we’ve been away from school for 6+ years?

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you and evaluate your academic record.