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FAQ's for Spring Orientation - Transfer Students

When is Orientation for transfer students?

Spring 2025 Orientation 

Friday, January 17th Orientation will take place in-person from 8:00am-5:00pm. 

Why should I attend Orientation?

National 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. Most importantly, 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?

Yes! Registering in advance is crucial because space is limited for each session and program materials need to be prepared for each student. We strongly suggest that you register by January 8th, in order to reserve your spot. It is easy to register online— here's how.

What if I cannot attend Orientation?

Orientation is required for all new incoming students. We strongly suggest you arrange your vacation dates or work obligations in order to make attendance at Orientation a priority. Most employers and professors understand the importance of this event for college students. This is a critical step to take for your pathway to success at UC Merced. If you are unable to attend the online Orientation please contact our office.

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 one week prior to your orientation date (Jan 10th).

I've already registered for Orientation; however, I need to change my registration date.

If you are unable to attend orientation and have already registered, you need to contact the Orientation team at orientation@ucmerced.edu at least one week prior to your scheduled orientation date.

No changes can be made after January 10, 2025

If you still plan to attend Orientation but need to cancel your registered guest:
  • Log back into the registration system
  • Select Parents/Guests from the left side menu
  • Click anywhere on the registered guest information you previously entered
  • In the new window that appears, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Delete
  • You will see your guest information deleted on the Parents/Guests page
  • Click on Save & Continue on the bottom of the page to confirm changes
  • You may view updates or changes under MyReservation on the left side menu
To add a parent/guest:
  • Log into the registration system
  • Select Parents/Guests from the left side menu
  • Click Add A Parent/Guest!
  • In the new window, provide the required information and click on Add at the bottom of the page
  • Click on Save & Continue at the bottom of the page to confirm changes
  • You may view updates or changes under MyReservation on the left side menu

Why is there a fee for Orientation?

There is a fee to attend New Student Orientation to cover the program costs. Orientation expenses such as staffing, materials, and equipment 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. 

The New Student Orientation fee for students is $110 and $100 for each parent or guest if registered by the priority deadline (January 8, 2025)

How and when do I pay my Orientation fees?

Once you complete registration, Orientation fees will be posted to your UC Merced student account and must be paid in full by the Spring 2025 fee payment deadline (January 15th). Make your payment online. It is your responsibility to pay all orientation fees by the payment deadline.

Why are fees posted to my account in the month of January? 

Financial Aid can be used to pay Orientation and registration fees. During the month of January, the University can determine final fees and what is covered by financial aid. It is recommended you keep checking your E-Pay account for final fees and deadlines.

Why does the Admissions Office need my final transcripts and test scores?

Transcripts and test scores are 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. If you are finishing a spring term, you'll want to make arrangements immediately to have final transcripts sent following the end of your term. If the Admissions Office does not receive your final qualifying transcripts and any other required materials by its respective deadline, your admission may be rescinded.

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. We understand that some of you are finishing your spring term and that your final official transcripts for this term may not be available before Orientation. Even if your materials do not arrive prior to your Orientation date, we still strongly encourage you to attend Orientation. The Office of Admissions considers your admission status as provisionally admitted until final transcripts are received and, therefore, may cancel a student's admission if transcripts do not meet qualifications or are not received by the deadline.

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

Go to MyMerced in Connect and look for Requirements that have not been received. This information is updated with receipt dates when your transcripts and test scores arrive. Ask your schools and colleges to use the following address for Admissions:

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?

Your placement exam scores, combined with your other academic data, determine your level of readiness in math, chemistry and foreign languages. These scores allow your academic advisor to place you in the courses in which you will be most successful at UC Merced. More information to come at a later date. For now, information on placement exams can be found through UC Merced Advising.