UC Merced Graduate Division

07/24/2026

🦈!

University CommunicationsJuly 22, 2026Professor Sora Kim is joined on the show by Ken Jeong and Rei Ami. Talk about meta: A pop culture phenomenon is using a pop culture phenomenon to undo the results of a pop culture phenomenon. And for the fourth consecutive year, paleoecology Professor Sora Kim i...

06/29/2026

05/28/2026

A few words of advice can go a long way. 🎓✨
 
We asked UC Merced faculty to share the guidance, encouragement, and lessons they hope our graduates carry with them beyond commencement. From career advice to reminders about resilience and community, their words reflect the support behind every graduate journey.
 

 
Visual Description: UC Merced faculty members are featured sharing advice and words of encouragement for graduating students as they prepare for their next chapter beyond UC Merced.

05/27/2026

Academic regalia tells a story. 🎓✨
 
From colorful hoods to unique gown details, every piece represents the universities, experiences, and academic journeys that helped shape our UC Merced faculty. We’re spotlighting the regalia worn across campus and the institutions represented.
 

 
Visual Description: UC Merced faculty members are featured wearing academic regalia. The post highlights the different colors and styles of regalia representing the universities where faculty earned their degrees.

05/22/2026

One week ago, history was made at the UC Merced Graduate Division Commencement ceremony. We officially hit an incredible milestone: conferring our 1,000th doctoral degree!🌟

From our very first doctoral graduate in 2008 to the trailblazing scholars who walked the stage last week, this moment represents two decades of groundbreaking research, relentless dedication and innovation. 🎉



Image description: Photos of graduates at commencement.

05/19/2026

🎉 Class of 2026 — you did it! 🎉
On Friday evening, we came together to celebrate an incredible group of scholars, awarding more than 100 master’s and doctoral degrees. We also reached a historic milestone — conferring our 1,000th doctoral degree — a powerful testament to how far UC Merced has come and the bright future ahead.

Graduates:: go boldly, celebrate BIG and keep making history. We’re so proud of you!

04/21/2026

TOMORROW is the day!
Cheer on Quantitative and Systems Biology Ph.D. candidate Tahirah Williams as she represents our campus at the UC Grad Slam systemwide finals, streaming live at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22.

Grad Slam challenges graduate students to distill complex research into engaging, three‑minute talks for a general audience — showcasing both scientific impact and communication skills.

Don’t forget to vote for Tahirah for the People’s Choice Award at the end of the competition and help bring another win home to UC Merced!

Watch live: https://gradslam.universityofcalifornia.edu/



Image description: Tahirah Williams holding UC Merced Grad Slam champion award with details about upcoming UC Grad Slam finals.

04/15/2026

National Labs Day 2026 provided some great information for our students and postdocs. Thanks to the representatives from Lawrence Livermore, Lawrence Berkeley, Pacific Northwest, SLAC and Oak Ridge national laboratories! For sharing with us today!

Video description: A compilation of short clips of speakers from National Labs Day.

04/15/2026

Today’s the day 👀🎓
 
If UC Merced has been on your mind, consider this your sign to make it official. Submit your Statement of Intent to Register today and take the next step toward your graduate journey.
 
Join a vibrant, R1 research community where your ideas, your research, and your leadership truly matter. We’re ready to welcome you. If UC Merced feels like the right place for you, take that final step and SIR today!
 

 
Visual Description: Hrant Hratchian, Vice Provost & Dean of Graduate Education, is standing outside with the UC Merced Beginnings Sculpture in the background and is speaking directly to the camera. He delivers a message to newly admitted graduate students, inviting them to submit their SIR today and join the UC Merced community.

04/10/2026

Ready to take the next step? 🎓

The UC Merced graduate program SIR (Statement of Intent to Register) deadline is April 15, 2026. Submitting your SIR officially commits you to UC Merced and helps secure any funding that has been offered to you.

Log in to your portal and submit your SIR today. Scan the QR code on your screen to learn more, or visit:
https://graduatedivision.ucmerced.edu/incoming-students/newly-admitted

Don’t miss your chance, make it official!