The Bobcat Advising Center (BAC) is the academic advising home for all first year students in every major, all lower division undeclared transfers, and all continuing undeclared students in any class year.
We promote student success through academic advising appointments, walk-in advising, workshops, and connecting students with appropriate resources.
Our team is here to support your educational journey as you work toward your personal, academic, and career goals.
Complete the three mandatory trainings (Sexual Violence Prevention, Alcohol Edu, and Mental Well-Being for Students) by the training deadlines. These one-time trainings must be completed by every new admit early in your first semester at UC Merced.
If you plan to apply for a job on campus, you will have additional required trainings for all UC employees (including student employees).
Read your UC Merced email daily.
Review the 2024-25 Academic Calendar for important dates and deadlines.
Mid-semester grades in lower level classes (numbered 001-099) will be posted by professors on Tues. Oct. 22.
NOTE: To translate this site into a non-English language, click on the globe icon at the top of the page (next to the word Directory) and select the language.
Log on to your Connect student portal and continue to read your UC Merced email each day.
Use the Success Anywhere site to stay informed and connect with free tutoring resources to help you earn the highest possible grades.
Log on to CatCourses each day when classes are in session.
Schedule an appointment with your BAC academic advisor each semester.
Attend office hours with your professor and teaching assistant (TA) in each class.
Get involved and build your resumé! See our Exploring Interests & Majors page for ideas.
Use the BAC Major Exploration Activities Checklist & Major Exploration Worksheet to record your activities.
Fall 2024 admits will be given access to placement exams approximately 5-7 business days after you submit the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
Placement exams opened March 1, 2024. See exam deadlines on Step 6 on Next Steps for Admitted Students.
Fall 2024 admits: review the information and short videos in the Fall 2024 First Year Registration section to prepare to register.
Read your UC Merced email regularly for important messages about registration. To find your email: go to connect.ucmerced.edu, log in, and select the email icon.
Fri. May 31: read the message on your UC Merced email from your BAC temporary summer academic advisor that includes information about optional Zoom summer walk-in hours (drop in on Zoom) that begin Mon. June 3.
Watch the recordings of registration webinars (on Zoom) that were held June 4-20.
Mon. June 24 - Thurs. June 27: assigned registration times for Fall 2024 admits. You will register online for your fall classes.
Enroll in 12-16 units at your assigned time. Registration will remain open 24 hours a day after your assigned time.
Mon. July 1 at 9:00 am: waitlists for closed classes will open to Fall 2024 admits. Being on the waitlist does NOT count toward full-time enrollment.
July 10 - 31, 2024: New Student Orientation for Fall 2024 admits (in person). You will register for Fall 2024 classes online in June before you attend Orientation in July.
