Re: Welcome, Bobcats
To: All students
Aug. 26, 2020
Dear Bobcats,
Welcome to the start of the 2020-2021 academic year! As many of you already know, the University of California, Merced is a special place where intelligent and talented people come together to create, grow, learn and achieve. I am honored to be a part of it and thrilled to have you as a member of our Bobcat community.
For those of you returning to UC Merced, welcome back as you continue your journey to the graduation stage. For those new students who are just joining our community, we encourage you to make the most of your time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty for all of us; the uncertainty is especially pronounced for our student scholars and their families as we begin the semester. I want to assure you that the Division of Student Affairs and the entire university community are committed to your success, and no matter where you are joining UC Merced this fall, we are here and committed to partnering with you on your journey.
As you start a new academic year, please take advantage of the many services available to help you achieve your academic, career and personal goals. In an effort to help you navigate the campus resources, especially in this remote situation, we have put these resources on our Success Anywhere site. The resources are set up around Be Informed, Be Engaged and Be Well.
Be Informed links you to resources about fall instruction, news connected to the campus and updates related to COVID 19. Be Engaged links you to academic support, resources for remote learning, student involvement and leadership opportunities. Finally, Be Well focuses on health and mental well-being and information on campus resources around Basic Needs and student advocacy.
During the year, you can also join me for Student Hours – an opportunity for me to learn more about you and your plans for your future and to answer your questions.
I encourage you to utilize the services, resources and programs available. So while this year will be unlikely as we imagined initially, know that those elements of UC Merced that define us — our commitment to student success and our strong spirit of community — have not changed. We are here to support you every step of the way.
#BobcatProud
All my best,
Charles Nies, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
