We are excited to welcome students for Fall 2024!
Every Fall, the ASCEND Student Experience is offered to help students with their academic transition to UC Merced. ASCEND provides incoming first-year and transfer students with essential academic skills and an understanding of university expectations, and it connects you with vital campus resources to help you continue your successful transition to life as a Bobcat.
All new UC Merced students will participate in the ASCEND activities during the first two weeks of the Fall 2024 semester. Workshop descriptions and details can be found further down this page.
UC Merced Campus Map can be found here (you may also download the campus map directly to your device from the link provided).
First-Year Students
Students will complete:
- Two (2) live workshops
- Bobcat 101 and
- one of the Walking Session/Student Panels
- "Classroom Learning Success" CatCourses Module
Transfer Students
Students will complete:
- One live or online workshop
- Bobcat 201
- At least one other workshop (see more information below)
- "Classroom Learning Success" CatCourses Module
Workshops
ChatGPT
This workshop will introduce students to generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools with a particular focus on large language models like ChatGPT. Students will learn about ethical, environmental, and social issues surrounding AI tools in our wider society and implications for their own ethical, responsible use of this type of technology.
Participants will engage in a conversation about what it means to be an undergraduate at a research university and the university’s culture of academic honesty, and reflect on their personal choices when considering using this technology.
- Monday, August 26th, 9:00 am (SSB 160)
- Monday, August 26th, 10:00 am (SSB 160)
- Monday, August 26th, 3:00 am (SSB 160)
- Tuesday, August 27th, 2:00 pm (SSB 160)
IT101 – Tech Essentials for New Students
Attend this session to learn the basics about IT at UC Merced.
In the first half, we’ll cover the services we offer students (for free!), how to get help if you have tech problems, some basics about keeping your information safe, plus insider tips about computer labs, printing, and gaming/device registration on campus.
In the second half, we’ll give you a crash course in CatCourses, the campus course management platform. Learn about finding your courses, submitting assignments, managing notifications, and tips and tricks to get things done.
- Workshop Times
- Monday, August 26th, 10:00 am (COB1 120)
- Tuesday, August 27th, 2:00 pm (COB1 120)
- Other Resources
More information about the Office of Information Technology can be found here.
Time Management
Helping new students make the best of their time for studying, work, and more. Through an interactive workshop students walk away with a better understanding of how much time it takes to be academically successful and having mapped out what their specific weeks will look like for the fall semester.
- Monday, August 26th, 3:00 pm (SSB 130)
- Tuesday, August 27th, 3:00 pm (SSB 130)
Pre-Health Advising
Are you interested in a career in healthcare? Join us for a workshop introducing the pathway to becoming a physician/dentist/pharmacists/veterinarian, including how you can start preparing right now!
- Monday, August 26th, 10:00 am (COB1 105)
- Monday, August 26th, 3:00 pm (COB1 105)
- Tuesday, August 27th, 3:00 pm (COB1 105)
More information can be found at Pre-Health Advising's Website.
Academic Integrity
What does it mean to have Academic Integrity? From collaboration to AI, and everything in between, join this interactive discussion on how to succeed academically while avoiding academic misconduct. Test your knowledge, while learning the tips, tools, and resources needed to be a successful Bobcat both in and out of the classroom.
- Monday, August 26th, 10:00 am (COB1 116)
- Monday, August 26th, 2:00 pm (COB1 116)
- Tuesday, August 27th, 3:00 pm (COB1 116)
More information about Academic Integrity can be found at the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities Website.
Classroom AdvenTOURS
To help you prepare for your first days of instruction, we have partnered with the Welcome Center to host "Classroom AdvenTOURS". These classroom specific tours will help you locate buildings, find your classrooms & labs, and will ensure that you know how to navigate the campus like an experienced Bobcat!
With tours happening daily, there is sure to be a time that's right for you. To see available tour times or to sign-up, please visit:
https://uc-merced.foleon.com/admissions/classroom-tours/
Insights from the Inside: A College Student Panel
Join us for an engaging and informative panel discussion where current college students share their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs. This Q&A session provides a unique opportunity to gain insights directly from students who are navigating the complexities of college life.
Please meet the ASCEND leader at the information table located in front of COB1 if you are interested in joining this session.
- Monday, August 26th, 11:00 am (SSB 120)
- Monday, August 26th, 1:00 pm (SSB 120)
- Monday, August 26th, 3:00 pm (SSB 120)
- Tuesday, August 27th, 11:00 am (SSB 120)
- Tuesday, August 27th, 1:00 pm (SSB 120)
- Tuesday, August 27th, 3:00 pm (SSB 120)
Student Career Center: Meet & Greet
This session will provide a unique opportunity for students to meet directly with their Career Specialist. Interested in a part-time job? Internship Experience? Graduate School? Attend this meet and greet to introduce your career goals and dreams with professional staff fully-vested in your success.
During this event, we will discuss navigation of Handshake – the campus’s job opportunities portal and Career Specialist Appointment Hub.
Monday, August 26th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm (California Room)
More information about the Student Career Center can be found here.
Tracking Completion
All first year and first semester transfer students are expected to participate in the ASCEND Experience, however, your completion of ASCEND is by honor system.
