New Student Orientation at UC Merced Campus
Here is a streamlined checklist and timeline to help you navigate the New Student Orientation process for Fall 2026:
| Date | Milestone |
| April 15 | Orientation Enrollment Opens. You must submit your SIR at least 24 hours prior to enrolling. |
| June 3 |
Priority Deadline. Ensure you have enrolled by this date. |
| July 21 |
Session Selection Opens. Return to the orientation enrollment portal to pick your specific workshops. |
| Aug 5 | Session Selection Deadline. All specific workshops must be chosen by today. |
| August 18 |
Commuter Student Parent/Supporter Orientation. |
| August 19 - 22 |
On-Campus Move-In & Parent/Supporter Orientation. Parents and Supporters will only need to attend the orientation session on the day their student moves in to their residence hall. |
| August 22 |
Spanish-Language Only Parent/Supporter Orientation. |
| August 23 - 25 | Mandatory Student-Only Programming. All incoming students are required to attend orientation these 3 days. Orientation programming will take place between 8am-5pm. |
Fees and Registration
- Cost: $210 covers the student and up to 4 guests.
- Billing: You don’t pay upfront; the fee will appear on your MyBill.
- Requirements: Have your UCM NetID, password, and Student ID number ready.
- Cancellation: If your plans change, you must cancel via the orientation website at least one week prior to your date to avoid being charged.
- Additional details will be added in the summer.
Student Programming (August 23 - 25)
This year your orientation program is "conference-style." This means you aren't stuck in a single room all day; you get to build a custom schedule by selecting workshops and presentations that actually interest you or help with your specific major and goals.
It’s time for you to enroll in your orientation elective sessions that will take place Sunday, August 23rd-Tuesday, August 25th from 2:00-5:00pm.
You can now view the full Student Orientation Schedule here: fall_2026_new_student_orientation_full_schedule_file.pdf
Please note, each students' personalized schedule will be available starting on Monday, August 17th.
Action Items:
Log in and complete the following steps:
- Select your Parent and Guest Orientation date
- Enroll in your required Academic Workshops
- Enroll in your orientation elective sessions
- Students will be enrolling in 2 elective sessions each day from Sunday, August 23- Tuesday, August 25th from 2:00-5:00pm
- Please note, you will be enrolled in required sessions from Sunday, August 23rd-Tuesday, August 25th between 8:00am-2:00pm.
Parent and Guest Orientation Information
Parent and Guest Orientation dates will take place between Tuesday, August 18th-Saturday, August 22nd. The parent and guest orientations offered will repeat each day and parents and supporters will only need to attend 1 day of parent and guest orientation.
Dates available:
- Tuesday, August 18th: Commuter student Parent and Guest Orientation from 12:00pm -7:00pm
- Wednesday, August 19th: On campus resident student Parent and Guest Orientation from 1:00pm-7:00pm
- Thursday, August 20th:On campus resident student Parent and Guest Orientation from 1:00pm-7:00pm
- Friday, August 21st: On campus resident student Parent and Guest Orientation from 1:00pm-7:00pm
- Saturday, August 22nd: On campus resident student Parent and Guest Orientation (All parent and guest presentations on this date will be delivered in Spanish only). Program will run from 1:00pm-7:00pm
On campus resident students, once you have signed up for your move-in date please select that same date for your parent and guest orientation.
Parent and Guest orientation sessions will take place between 1:00pm-5:00pm and will end with a Family and Supporters BBQ from 5:00-7:00pm.
Academic Workshops
All students are required to attend three academic workshops that will be offered between Tuesday, August 18th-Saturday, August 22nd with a final offering of workshops available on Monday, August 24th. Students need to enroll to attend these three workshops anytime between the dates mentioned above.
New Student Orientation Information
New Student Orientation programming will take place Sunday, August 23-Tuesday, August 25th between 8:00am-5:00pm. Evening programming will also be available for students to participate on Sunday, August 23rd-Tuesday, August 25th.
Students will be able to start viewing their finalized orientation schedules starting on Monday, August 17th. Starting on that date, we encourage you to print your schedule or you are welcomed to view your schedule via your mobile device. If you need help with accessing your orientation schedule our orientation team is happy to provide support.
If you have any questions, please contact our orientation team at orientation@ucmerced.edu.
Pro-Tips for Success FAQ's
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The 24-Hour Rule: Submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) as soon as possible. The system requires a full 24-hour update period before you can access the orientation registration portal.
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Check Your Email: Monitor your UCM email account regularly. We will send the registration link and additional summer updates directly to your inbox.
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Guest Planning: Your enrollment fee covers up to four guests. This is a great opportunity to bring family along to explore the campus; just be sure to include them during your initial enrollment.
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Stay Updated: Visit our website frequently throughout the summer. We will post the latest information and any schedule adjustments as they become available.
FAQ's
I'm living on campus. When do I move in?
- August 19-22, depending on the move-in date you selected in the housing portal.
Is my orientation the same day as move-in?
- Parent and Guest Orientation takes place on the same day as move-in for on campus residents. Parent and Guest Orientation for commuter and transfer students will take palce on Tuesday, August 18th from 12:00pm-7:00pm.
- New Student Orientation programming for all incoming students is Sunday, August 23- Tuesday, August 25. The program runs approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
I'm a commuter student. When is my Orientation?
- You are encouraged to attend Parent and Guest Orientation on August 18 with your parents and supporters. New Student Orientation programming is required for all incoming students between August 23-25.
Is Parent and Guest Orientation Required?
- You are encouraged to attend Parent and Guest Orientation with your parents and supporters, however, it is not required. If you are unable to attend Parent and Guest Orientation with your parents and supporters you are still responsible for attending the three Academic Workshops being offered between Aug 18-22. If you are unable to attend the Academic Workshops between Aug 18-22, please reach out to our office at orientation@ucmerced.edu and we can enroll you in the Academic Workshops taking place Monday, August 24th between 2:00-5:00pm.
I will be moving in early, what parent and guest orientation should I sign up for?
- You are encouraged to attend the August 18th parent and guest orientation with your parents and supporters. However, if your parents and supporters are unable to attend parent and guest orientation that is okay. We still need you to attend your three Academic Workshop between August 18-22.
Do I have to attend Student Orientation?
Yes. The student program on August 23-25 is required for all incoming students.
Please note: Admissions and Orientation are two separate offices with different deadlines and functions. It is the student's responsibility to communicate with New Student Orientation if their admission decision changes and they will no longer be able to attend UC Merced. It is the student's responsibility to cancel their Orientation date by the one week deadline via the orientation website in order to not be charged any Orientation fees. After the one week deadline, students will be responsible for paying their Orientation fees.
