Campus Life

Your Comeback Year

Life happens—maybe it was a job offer, family needs, or just the wrong timing, but something stopped you from finishing your college degree. If you’re thinking about it now, there has never been a better time than 2026 to make it happen. Why head back now? A degree isn't just a piece of paper; it’s a career upgrade. In California, degree holders earn about ...

Take Advantage of Available Office Hours for Academic Success

by Ashley Ramirez When I began my undergraduate studies, I initially found professors and teaching assistants (TAs) to be quite intimidating. Their depth of knowledge and professional experience felt overwhelming, especially as I was just starting to learn the fundamentals of my field. Looking back, one of my biggest regrets during my first year was not taking advantage of their office hours....

students using laptops, ipad and notebook

Technology Tools for the Digital Immigrant 

by Jayme Richards I’ll be honest: when I returned to school last year to pursue a master’s degree, it had been more than two decades since I was a student. My freshman year of college was the first time we had internet in our home – and yes, it was dial-up. As a student, I toted around stacks of thick textbooks, mailed in a paper FAFSA form each year, and research assignments...

The Challenges of Raising Children While Going Back To School

by Lilly Uvalle I started my college journey at UC Merced back in 2010. Like many students, I had big dreams, but life had other plans for me. I got married in 2012 when I was just 20 years old, and by 2013, I had stopped going to school altogether. Life moved forward quickly. I had my first daughter in February 2017, and with hope in my heart, I tried returning to school that same fall. I...

Make A Plan

by Ashley Ramirez The first week of classes is crucial—not only because it provides an opportunity to meet your instructors and teaching assistants, but also because it sets the tone for the rest of the semester. Most instructors will distribute a syllabus during this time, which typically outlines the course objectives, grading criteria, and a tentative schedule of assignments and exams...

What I wish I knew before returning to campus

by Ashley Ramirez Give Yourself Time When returning to campus, it is important to give yourself time to arrive to campus and also walk to class. In my own experience, the walk from the Bellevue parking lot to the SSM building can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the weather. I usually tried to give myself enough time to arrive to class at least 7-10 minutes early to...

Back to School in the Sandwich Generation

by Jayme Richards When I resumed my college education at age 44, I knew some things would be different. I was now the mother of two, worked a full-time job, assisted with the care of my elderly mother, and had all the responsibilities of adult life – including a mortgage and a minivan. The demands on my time and resources were already enormous, but I knew this was the...

Returning Stronger: How Mental Health Support Helped Me Finish my Degree

by LIlly Uvalle When I first came to UC Merced in August 2010, I had no idea how much my mental health would impact my college experience. What started as excitement quickly turned into confusion and despair. I began missing classes, couldn’t concentrate, and felt constantly down. I would read pages of material and retain none of it. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was...

Lilly Uvalle, UC Merced Degree Completion Program Reentry Advisor

New UC Merced Graduate Joins Degree Completion Team

We're so proud of Lilly Uvalle for finishing her dream! Read her story and learn more about our new Degree Completion Program Graduate and Reentry Advisor.

UC Merced Ranked #1 in Nation

The university's dedication to social mobility has been a consistent strength, earning a top-5 ranking in this category for several years. This latest achievement solidifies UC Merced's position as a leader in providing access to quality education and helping students succeed. Our Degree Completion team is completely dedicated to bringing you back to college and supporting you to...