• When is orientation for transfer students?
• Why should I attend new student orientation?
• Do I need to register in advance for orientation?
• What if I cannot attend orientation?
• What if I miss my orientation date or need to cancel my registration?
• What if the orientation session I want to attend is full?
• Why is there a fee for orientation?
• How do I pay my orientation fees?
• Why does the Admissions Office need my transcripts and test scores by July 15, 2011?
• What if my final transcripts are not received by the deadline?
• How can I be sure my official documents will be processed on time for orientation?
• As a transfer student, am I required to take placement exams?

When is orientation for transfer students?

Summer orientation is one-day event held on campus on August 1. This orientation is specifically designed for transfer students and their guests, so you'll want to make every effort to attend on this date. If you absolutely cannot attend, you may register for the August 3 or August 5 session for first-year students. Check in will occur between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. in the Kolligian Library Lantern. Park in the Lake Lot near the main entrance of campus. When you register you'll recieve a free parking pass for your orientation date.

Why should I attend new student orientation?

Research indicates that students who attend orientation perform better in college and are more likely to graduate than those who do not attend. Orientation provides your only opportunity, in advance of beginning classes, to connect with professors and key administrators in person, meet other students, engage in group activities, and ask questions of many different program directors and deans in a single day. Working with advisors and getting registered for your fall classes also helps to ease your pre-college jitters. Most importantly, New student orientation provides you with a memorable day that will help to motivate you to succeed in college.

Do I need to register in advance for orientation?

In addition to seating being limited for each session, food needs to be ordered in advance, and advising and registration materials need to be prepared for each participating student. As a result, requests for walk-in registrations, including guests, will not be accommodated. We strongly suggest that you register by June 1, in order to reserve your seat, since registration sessions fill quickly. It is easy to register online; here's how.

What if I cannot attend orientation?

Orientation is a required one-day event for all new students. We strongly suggest you arrange your vacation dates or work obligations in order to make attendance at orientation a priority. Most employers understand the importance of this event for college students. This is a critical step to take on your pathway to success in college. If you cannot attend, please visit the Student Learning and Advising website to find out how to reach your academic advisor to register for classes after orientations have concluded.

What if I miss my orientation date or need to change/cancel my registration?

Refunds cannot be made. Spaces are limited, so all new students are encouraged to make a strong commitment to attending once they have submitted their registration. You may edit your orientation registration online until two weeks prior to your orientation date. A $20 administrative fee will be assessed after the two week deadline has passed. No changes will be allowed a week before your orientation date. 

What if the event that I want to attend is full?

Registration for new student orientation is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. All students are encouraged to register as early as possible in order to reserve a space. Seating at each event is limited, and therefore once an event is listed as "closed" no further registrations for that session will be offered.

Why is there a fee for orientation?

Orientation expenses such as staffing, materials, equipment, facility rental and food for events are not covered by regular operating funds. However, UC Merced's orientation fees are as much as $50-100 lower than those charged at other institutions — at $85 per student and $75 per parent or guest.

How do I pay my orientation fees?

Once you complete registration, orientation fees will be posted to your UC Merced student account the second week in August and must be paid in full by the fall 2011 payment deadline (Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 4 p.m.). Make your payment online. It is your responsibility to pay all orientation fees by the payment deadline.

Why does the Admissions office need my transcripts and test scores by July 15, 2011 or earlier?

At orientation, advisors will help you identify the courses you should take during your first semester. Transcripts and test scores must be received in advance of your orientation date to ensure advisors get the important information they need to help you choose those courses. The information in your transcripts and test scores is particularly important to determine your readiness for courses that have prerequisites. We suggest that you also bring a copy of your transcripts with you to orientation.

What if my final transcripts are not received by the deadline?

It is your responsibility to ensure that the Admissions Office receives your final transcripts and any other required materials at least seven days before your orientation date (or by July 15, 2011). But even if your materials do not arrive, you are strongly encouraged to attend orientation. Please bring paper copies of these documents with you. You will be permitted to participate in the advising process so that you will understand what kinds of courses in which you might enroll. However, you may not be permitted to register until all of your materials have been received. The Admissions Office may cancel student registrations if transcripts are not received by July 15.

How can I be sure my official documents will be processed on time for orientation?

Go to MyAdmissions and look for "Requirements" that have not been received. This information is updated with receipt dates when your transcripts and test scores arrive. Ask you schools and colleges to use the following address for admissions processing:

UC Merced Admissions
5200 North Lake Road
Merced, CA 95343-5603

Be sure to use UC Merced's institution codes as you request official score reports:

• ACT code: 0450
• College Board code: 4129

As a transfer student, am I required to take placement exams?

Some transfer students also will be required to take placement exams. Contact your academic advisor to find out whether you need to take placement exams.