According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law enacted to protect the privacy of student education records, the right to review a student’s academic record is transferred to the student once he or she attends a school beyond the high school level. A written authorization from your student is required for us to release specific academic information to you as parent. We encourage you to talk to your student.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) considers this information to be private, protected information. Parents may not have access to such information unless the school has a written authorization from your student. Again, we encourage you to talk to your student.
Information about course topics, expectations, grading policies, and exam dates are often written in a document called a "syllabus." A syllabus for a course is often distributed to students by a professor or instructor at the beginning of the semester. Syllabi for core math and sciences classes offered by the School of Natural Sciences are also available through the course listing.
Your student can always learn about their academic progress throughout the semester by asking the professor or instructor.
If your student's major is in the School of Natural Sciences, then he or she can contact one of the school's
A college catalog is available online as well. To find out what classes are being taught each semester, visit the Registrar's website.
Students are encouraged to make time to meet with their professors and teaching assistants (TAs). Students are regularly encouraged to take advantage of a professor's or TA's office hours, with or without an appointment, for assistance.
The Calvin E. Bright Success Center has many resources to help students who are in need of academic assistance. Their website offers more information about tutoring and study skill workshops. Students are also encouraged to seek academic assistance from their TAs and professors via office hours or appointments.
The EXCEL! program works with students in the School of Natural Sciences individually to establish a study plan to help them return to good academic standing. If your student is experiencing symptoms of depression or other health problems, you are welcome to refer your student to Counseling and Psychological Services for assistance.
Students may purchase their new or used textbooks online and pick them up at the Campus Store.
If you are concerned about your student's academic performance, you may want to encourage him or her to contact his/her advisor or EXCEL! program staff. It is recommended that your student be responsible for his or her own academic career at UC Merced.
Yes, provided you do not need to take MATH 023 or beyond.
No. As of Spring 2011, students will only be able to replace a not passing grade in MATH 021 with a passing grade MATH 021, and a not passing grade in MATH 022 with a passing grade in MATH 022.
Yes, but remember MATH 021 and 022 are also changing and there will be additional material covered that was not covered when you first took MATH 021 or 022.
Yes, but you will need to either:
Remember, students who choose to enroll in MATH 022 after completing MATH 012 will lose the grade points and units for MATH 012. This may impact financial aid and/or degree progress so you are strongly encouraged to speak to an adviser regarding this choice.
Yes, but you will have to either:
Remember, students who choose to enroll in MATH 021 after completing MATH 011 will lose the grade points and units for MATH 011. This may impact financial aid and/or degree progress so you are strongly encouraged to speak to an adviser regarding this choice.
Yes, but you will have to either:
Remember, students who choose to enroll in MATH 022 after completing MATH 012 will lose the grade points and units for MATH 012. This may impact financial aid and/or degree progress so you are strongly encouraged to speak to an adviser regarding this choice.
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There are many resources on campus to help a student develop as an individual. Some programs include the STEM Resource Center and the Excel! Program. The STEM Resource Center provides natural science and engineering students free, student-run tutoring in popular science and math courses throughout each semester. They also provide students with internship and research opportunities. The Excel! Program is designed to help students not only connect with other faculty and staff to help them achieve their goals, but also provides outlets to improve and develop a strong foundation in their study techniques.
Our class sizes range from 377 students to eight students. These class sizes range depending on major and if the class is lower or upper division.
The culture of research at UC Merced is very different compared to the other UCs. Other UCs have labs full of graduate students, typically wanting to fill any vacant spots with more graduate students or not having room for additional students in general. Our graduate population is extremely small, with about 1 to 4 graduate students per lab, providing lots of opportunities for undergraduates to join the research groups to help out. Undergraduates are seen as committed and can dedicate 2-3 years of research when they stay in their research group. Undergraduates provide help with research projects, and faculty members know that if a student really enjoys research, they are more likely to be interested in pursuing graduate school to contribute even more to the world.
Yes. All of the majors within the School of Natural Sciences are designed to be completed within four years, not including summer sessions. Students are allowed up to nine semesters (fall and spring) to complete their degrees as stated in the Normal Progress to Degree Policy. Most students either take summer school to lighten their next semester class schedule or to get ahead in their degree.
Yes, students can switch their majors before they reach 90 units. The given student’s cumulative GPA — among other requirements — will be reviewed to determine if the student is eligible for changing their major. Students can also add or change a minor before 90 units following similar application guidelines.
Students that major in the School of Natural Sciences have to take two to five mathematics courses, depending on their major (except Applied Mathematics majors, where the majority of their major is mathematics courses).
Many of our undergraduate students are involved in research. One of the most common ways students participate in research is by reaching out to faculty. Students can find faculty research interest in our Faculty Directory. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) provides students with research opportunities and programs such as the California Alliance for Minority Participation program (CAMP), the Maximizing Access to Research Careers program (MARC), and the UC Leadership Excellence Through Advanced Degrees program (UC LEADS).
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Resource Center at UC Merced can also assist undergraduate students interested in research opportunities.
Yes! Students can visit the UC Merced Education Abroad office to discuss all the possible study abroad options.
Yes, through the CalTeach Program there are a couple different ways to pursue a teaching credential program. We offer the Natural Science Education Minor (NSED) and the Natural Science Education Minor with Teaching Credential (NSEC). For more information about these programs, you can visit the CalTeach website.
In order to be successful in courses, it is recommended that students study outside of class for three hours per unit. We have various resources through departments such as the Bright Success Center and the STEM Resource Center to help you manage your course work and succeed.
We encourage students to choose their major based on their interests and career goals. The School of Natural Sciences has five majors, and their descriptions can be viewed here.
UC Merced will accept credits for AP classes with a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam. A score of a 4 or 5 may result in an exemption from certain introductory courses.
1. How do I get an office hours room?
If you have an office and feel it is not large enough to hold office hours, please email Vivian Saephan (vsaephan@ucmerced.edu) with a request for an available space.
2. How many office hours do I have?
Two (2) hours per week minimum, per course. Offer additional times to students that may not be able to attend your scheduled office hours, as needed.
3. What if I need to change my office hours?
Make sure to communicate to students the new time and location of office hours immediately and update the course webpage.
1. How do I get rosters of my sections?
2. What if a student who is not on my roster claims to be enrolled?
For the first week of the semester, students are allowed to enroll into any section where space is available. CROPS rosters are updated daily and may not yet include every student.
3. What if a student asks to switch into my lecture or section?
For lab courses and math courses, the enrollment caps are strictly enforced. If a student enrolled in your section wants to switch places with a student from another section, send the students together to the school advisors office for help. If in doubt, please direct students with enrollment issues to the Undergraduate Advising Staff (Erica Robbins erobbins2@ucmerced.edu) for help.
1. How do I keep track of my students' section scores/grades?
If your course is using the UCM CROPS Gradebook, you should enter your scores into the gradebook as you go. You may also wish to keep your grades in Excel (or another similar spreadsheet program). TA's/Lecturers: Remember to keep track of your grades for at least a year? Students may come back and ask about their scores. This includes keeping exams that have not been picked- up.
2. Where do TA's enter grades?
The official grade rosters are usually kept in UCM CROPS gradebook. After midterm exams scores are entered into the gradebook. At the end of the semester, TA's will be responsible for entering their students' section scores if they have not been entering them throughout the semester. Final exam scores will also need to be entered after the exam grading is completed.
3. How are exams graded?
TA's grade exams at the direction of the course instructor. The instructor will provide grading criteria and will assign who grades which question, in the case of multiple TA's.
4. Is there a Scranton reader available for grading multiple choice exams?
Yes, there is a machine in Science and Engineering 1 Building, Room 347 that reads the green forms #882-E. The School of Natural Sciences no longer has access to the red forms reader.
5. Where do students pick up their homework/mid-terms if they are handed back?
Homework and midterms are handed out in lecture or section. It is against the law (FERPA) to give graded/marked/scored materials to anyone other than the student who turned in the work. If you don't know the student, ask for photo ID before giving them graded materials. It is also against the law to place graded/marked/scored materials unattended to be picked up outside office doors or in any comparable location.
6. What if a student asks a TA to re-grade their exam?
Most instructors will set a specific re-grade policy. This policy should be strictly enforced. If you feel there was a mistake in grading a question, ask the student to submit a re-grade request according to the instructor's policy OR collect the exam and ask the instructor about the grading.
1. Can I make photocopies of course related material for my students?
By University and School policy the only items that are handed out to students are the course syllabus, lab safety protocols, exams and quizzes. TA's will be responsible for making photocopies of quizzes and exams and other required materials for their sections. This photocopying task will also be as assigned by the lecturer, especially in courses with multiple TA's.
2. What if I can't access the course webpage?
Instructors: email ucmcrops@ucmerced.edu
TA's: email the course instructor
3. Where do I get dry erase markers?
Come to the Dean's Suite in Science and Engineering 1, Room 370 and ask at the reception desk for these materials.
4. Who do I contact with work related conflict issues?
For instructions labs: Dr. Jim Whalen (jwhalen2@ucmerced.edu), Life Sciences Labs and Dr. Donna Jaramillo-Fellin (djaramillo-fellin@ucmerced.edu), Physical Sciences Labs
With fellow TA's: The course instructor AND Angie Salinas (asalinas8@ucmerced.edu), Assistant Dean for Student Support
With course instructor: Dora Lopes (dlopes@ucmerced.edu), Personnel Director, School of Natural Sciences
5.What if I am unable to attend a required lecture/section/meeting (for TA's)?
In general, classes should not be cancelled unless there is compelling reason to do so. When circumstances related to illness or unanticipated problems arise, and you are not available to hold class, please notify your class via UCMCROPS or CatCourses of your absence. Please also send an email to Vivian Saephan, with a CC to Natalie Hibdon, so that notice can be posted on your classroom door(s). If you are unable to email, please call 209-228-4309 and inform Vivian Saephan or Natalie Hibdon of your absence. Under no circumstances should you miss any aspect of your teaching duties for personal extracurricular activities. If your absence is related to extracurricular activities (i.e., academic conference, medical appointment, family or personal matter) it is your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements well ahead of time and arrange for a colleague to substitute for you. A Leave of Absence Request form should be completed and submitted to Dora Lopes if an absence will be greater than three (3) business days.
6. How do I reserve a review session room?
Email Vivian Saephan (vsaephan@ucmerced.edu) several days in advance. Include the date, time, number of students, any AV needs, course CRN number, and Title/Number (i.e., Math 11).
1. Who do I contact regarding for student misconduct/dishonesty issues?
Contact Angie Salinas (asalinas8@ucmerced.edu) Assistant Dean for Student Support with questions and/or concerns involving student related issues, which include misconduct and dishonesty.
2. What do I do if I am a TA and I witness academic dishonesty during an exam?
Immediately consult the course instructor. If you believe an assignment was copied or plagiarized, inform the course instructor It is it is the responsibility of all university members to uphold the academic integrity of UC Merced.
Lecturers: Take Note! It is easier to prevent academic dishonesty than to take action against it. Educate students ahead of time about the ramifications of academic dishonesty and cheating. Reference the academic honesty policy in the course syllabus. It may seem obvious to you but students might think sharing their work is not a "big deal." If you need to move a student during an exam, quietly tell him/her that you are worried someone is looking at their exam and that you want to protect their work. This takes the blame off the student being moved, even if they are the problem.
A: In order to change or declare a major/emphasis, a student must fill out a change of major form along with a graduation planner and submit it to the front desk of the NS advising office. A student’s request for a change of major may be denied if the science GPA is less than a 2.0. In the event of a denial, a student may request another change of major into the School of Natural Sciences after the Early Progress Policy criteria has been satisfied and the science GPA has reached 2.0.
A: Except for unusual circumstances, if a student has senior standing (90 units) they will not be permitted to change their major/emphasis/minor. If a student has submitted his/her graduation application with the Office of the Registrar, the student will not be permitted to change their major/emphasis/minor. Changes to one’s audit can be seen if the changes are allowed and submitted within the first three weeks of the semester, if not, the changes will be noted at the start of the next term.
A: Students must declare their emphasis by the end of their second year or by the time they have completed 60 units, whichever is greater.
A: In order to declare multiple majors, a student must have sophomore or junior standing and must have completed a multiple major application packet. Students must have a minimum of a 2.7 UC GPA, and complete at least 2 courses in each major. Only 12 units of upper division course work, excluding upper division general education requirements, may be counted to fulfill major requirements for both majors. Course work must be completed in 165 semester units or 11 semesters.
A: Students must submit a Minor Change form and a Graduation Planner to the School to which they are declaring within the first three weeks of the semester. Except under unusual circumstances, no change of minor will be permitted after a student has attained senior standing (90 units).
A: It would be best to speak with either your advisor to discuss your options/possibilities.
A: Your catalog year is the year and term (Fall/Spring) you entered UC Merced.
A: To see your options, visit the Center for Career and Professional Advancement for career opportunities.
A: You can visit the catalog site of your respective major. Check out the course flow charts on the NS advising website (Found under Academics> your respective catalog year). You should also consult with the online schedule of courses for course availability.
A: Check out the list of planned NS course offerings on the NS advising Website.
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A: One of the best resources for getting help in a class is office hours: your professor’s office hour, or the TA’s office hours. Office hours can help you gain not only an understanding of the material but what the professor feels is important to know. You may often find that what is frequently asked in office hours will show up on the exam. There are also several other options of tutoring on campus as well, such as the Bright Success Center, and the STEM Resource Center.
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A: Studying abroad is definitely a possibility, it is best to speak with your advisor about this possibility as well as meeting with the study abroad advisors in KL 101 and visiting their website in order to discuss your possibilities.
A: Receiving a “W” on your transcript is not necessarily a good or a bad thing. The main focus here is to avoid receiving a pattern of “W”’s on your transcript since they do not go away. Students who have specific concerns are encouraged to meet with their advisors to discuss their situation
A: The Undergraduate Resource Opportunities Center and the STEM Resource Center offer a variety of opportunities geared at allowing undergraduates to participate in undergraduate research through formal programs. There is also another route to attain research and this involves developing a relationship with one of your undergraduate professors. This can be done by attending a professor’s office hours so that you begin to develop a relationship with the professor. If a spot opens up in his/her research lab you can ask if you could be of any use to him/her. Different professors will have different requirements for their prospective lab students. The most important thing is to ask and show an interest for their research.
A: There are usually backup or alternative courses that could be taken, but if a student is confused as to what exactly to take, they should meet with either their academic advisor or an academic advising mentor to discuss the different options. Students should select alternatives that will count towards their degree requirements.
A: Students are encouraged to meet with their advisors whenever they have a question about their audit, academic policies, programs/events offered, next semester’s schedule, graduation plans, etc. Their availability can be found here
A: Before meeting with an advisor, students should have a copy of their “MyAudit” ready (a “what-if” audit of the proposed major is recommended for those students inquiring about switching majors), and all of their questions prepared as well.
A: Check your MyAudit, if the lab is not listed under one of your degree requirements on the audit and it is not linked to a lecture, the lab is optional.
A: Yes, it would be best to bring your “what-if” audit for your proposed major
A: 16 units per semester (or 4 classes) is recommended to stay on track for the degree requirement of 120 units.
A: If you would like to discuss your goals for pre-health you must schedule an appointment. Additionally, if you are a new student interested in pre-health, you must attend an informational workshop before meeting individually with our pre-health advisor, Erica Robbins. The workshop schedule can be found here. The purpose of the mandatory workshop is to provide students with a basic understanding of the requirements and application process for the intended profession. Having this knowledge in advance will make an individual appointment more productive. You can also visit the pre-health advising webpage for more information on your intended profession or visit the Academic Advising Mentors.
A: The School of Natural Sciences Graduate Programs is proud to provide extensive financial support for graduate education. Most of our Ph.D. students receive full financial support in the form of:
-Teaching Assistants (TA)
TAs help provide instructional assistance which includes leading labs and discussion sections, help prepare instructional materials, and grade homework and exams.
-Graduate Student Researchers (GSR)
GSR positions assist with research work in a wide variety of ways, and some projects may provide opportunities for advanced students to leader certain efforts, with guidance and oversight of principal investigators.
-Fellowships
Fellowships are awards made directly to graduate students to support advancement in their academic programs, research and careers and may be funded by the UC or an external agency, foundation or institution.
For more funding information, please visit https://naturalsciencesgrads.ucmerced.edu/funding.
A: All graduate students must pay their campus-based fees by the established deadlines. If you hold a TA or GSR position and have a 24% GSR (or higher) or a 25% TA (or higher) appointment AND you are enrolled in 12 units minimum, your tuition, student services fee and health insurance fees will be paid via a fee remission as a benefit of your employment. If you have a fellowship that pays fees and you are enrolled in a minimum of 12 units, your tuition, student services fee and health insurance will be paid by your fellowship. If you do not have financial support through a TA/GSR appointment or fellowship, you are responsible for paying your tuition, student service fees, health insurance fee and non-resident supplemental tuition (if applicable) by the fee deadline.
A: TA must be a full-time UC Merced graduate student enrolled in at least 12 units during the semester of appointment and must be in good academic standing as defined in the Graduate Advisor’s handbook. Any graduate student seeking employment as a TA, they must submit an application for a position through the UC Merced employment website, https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/.
A: You will be paid on the first of the month, and you will always be paid for the previous month’s work.
A: When you have completed your hiring paperwork, you have an option to do a direct deposit. If you choose direct deposit, you will need to pick up your first check as a new direct deposit can take up to one cycle to process. You can pick up paper checks (first check for direct deposit) in SE1 370 and will need to present an ID. You will be notified via email when paychecks are ready.
A: Each Graduate Group have designated courses that each graduate student will need to complete. For a timeline and sample of course schedule for each graduate group, please visit https://naturalsciencesgrads.ucmerced.edu/academics.
A: In order to maintain 12 units in a semester, students can register for Research Units (295 courses) to reach 12 units. To register for research units (295) you must email your faculty advisor with the subject and course number (ie. CHEM 295) and the number of units you will need to reach 12 units. Once approved by your faculty advisor, forward the approval from your advisor to the SNS graduate support staff, Joy Sanchez-Bell for QSB & CHEM or Amanda Sargent for AMAT & PHYI. Once the approval is received the graduate group staff will send you the CRN to enroll online.
A: Students could be assigned an initial advisor when they first enroll; if not they will need to select an advisor no later than the end of the second semester of study. Each student should discuss research interests and possible research projects with faculty members in his or her group as early as possible. The student and his or her faculty advisor will develop a research topic. Selecting an advisor requires students to make an honest assessment of their working style. To successfully complete your theses or dissertation, you need an advisor who complements your working style. To see helpful tips in choosing your advisor, https://naturalsciencesgrads.ucmerced.edu/faculty-advisor-/-major-professor. Once selected you will need complete the “Change of Advisor” form and submit to Graduate Division.
A:You can change your faculty advisor for the following reasons:
To change your faculty advisor you need to complete the “Change of Advisor” form and submit to Graduate Division.
A: The dissertation committee is a unique feature of doctoral education. The goal is to provide each student with the guidance and support with the guidance and support he/she will need to conduct an independent research project of the highest quality and relevancy. The graduate Faculty Advisor, normally in consultation with the student and other program faculty, recommends appointment of faculty members to advise on and supervise each student’s dissertation research as part of their examination committees. Final approval of committee membership rests with the dean of Graduate Studies. For questions to consider when selecting your committee, https://naturalsciencesgrads.ucmerced.edu/faculty-committee.
A: Once you have assembled a faculty committee, the first Annual Meeting should take place in May of the first year. Schedule a faculty committee meeting with your faculty advisor and at least one other faculty member before the start of fall semester. The first meeting can be informal and a full committee does not need to be assembled, but should include at least one other faculty member who is not your faculty advisor. The qualifying exam, master’s thesis defense of dissertation defense may be counted as an annual faculty committee meeting. For more information about annual committees and working with your committee, https://naturalsciencesgrads.ucmerced.edu/annual-committee-meeting.
A: The deadline for receipt of applicants for all UC Merced Graduate programs is January 15th, except Quantitative Systems Biology QSB which is December 15th. These dates change per academic year, please refer to Graduate Division’s website https://graduatedivision.ucmerced.edu/prospective-students/application-dates for current application dates and deadlines. You can access the online application at UC Merced Online Application. Students are normally notified of admission between March 1 and May 1.
A: To see all requirements to apply for Graduate Programs at UC Merced, please refer to https://graduatedivision.ucmerced.edu/prospective-students/how-apply/application-faq
A: The satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. There is no average GRE scores as they change year to year, however the General GRE test is required for admissions.
A: No, applicants do need a department code when sending GRE scores. The institution code for UC Merced, which is 4129, will be sufficient for sending GRE scores. Please not, your GRE scores are valid for up to 5 years after you complete the exam.
A: Yeas the School of Natural Sciences does have master’s of science degree’s. Please see https://graduatedivision.ucmerced.edu/prospective-students/how-apply/degrees-offered to see the two different plans offered as well as which fields offer MA programs.
A: Spring admission are by exception only. Contact faculty members to see which of them may be accepting new students for the spring.
A: This is done on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, you would will need to re-apply to the program of interest. Please contact your graduate group admissions chair for further information.
A: Undergraduate research experience is a strong positive for applicants. It helps faculty members and the admissions committee determine if the candidate would be a good fit for a lab at UC Merced. However, candidates without research experience are also carefully evaluated for admission.
A: Applicants are encouraged to submit letters of recommendation from faculty members who know them and are familiar with their potential for future graduate work. Letters of recommendation help an applicant’s candidacy most when they are detailed, refer to recent experiences and address how the applicant’s research interests would fit in at UC Merced.