UC Merced opened Sept. 5, 2005, as the newest campus in the University of California system and the first American research university of the 21st century. Situated near Yosemite National Park, the campus significantly expands access to the UC system for students throughout the state, with a special mission to increase college-going rates among students in the San Joaquin Valley. It also serves as a major base of advanced research, a model of sustainable design and construction, and a stimulus to economic growth and diversification throughout the region. Since 2005, our students have formed 200 clubs and organizations, written their own constitution and created a thriving governing body. They serve internships at companies, nonprofits and in government, study abroad, contribute to the local community through outreach projects and pride themselves in having helped build the foundations of this campus. In addition, our graduate and undergraduate students are conducting some of the most cutting-edge research of our time, including stem cells, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
