Honors Experiences

As part of the University Honors Program, students succeed in areas beyond their grade point average. This allows students to elevate their academic journey by engaging in experiential learning, community services, and leadership opportunities. Honors students are required to complete two experiences: one in the category of Experiential Learning, and one in Community, Mentorship, and Leadership. 

Students that are interested in beginning their co-curricular experiences will fill out the Co-Curricular Experiences form. Honors staff members will follow up after the form has been submitted to ensure opportunity can fulfil the co-curricular requirement. 

Once students have completed their co-curricular experiences, they may fill out the Co-Curricular Experiences Reflection form.

More information regarding each co-curricular requirement can be found below.

Experiential Learning 

There is a broad range of options to meet this requirement. Honors Students may work on an individual research project, participate in one UC Merced's research opportunities, engage in internships, write a senior thesis, or complete a capstone project. Students may choose an immersive experience such as Study Abroad, UCDC (Washington, D.C.), or UCSC (Sacramento, CA).

Opportunities include (but not limited to) the following:

• Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE)

• National Science Foundation Center of Reserch Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) Program

• Opportunities Fellowship Program (OFP)

• Shakespeare in Yosemite

  • If you have any questions or need more information, you may reach out to the Co-founding Artistic Director and Producer, Dr. Katherine Steele Brokaw at kbrokaw@ucmerced.edu. 

• Student Success Internship (SSI)

• Study Abroad

• Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI)

• UC Center Sacramento (UCCS)

• UC Washington Program (UCDC)

• UC Merced Department of Physics Research Experiences for Undergraduates

• Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC)

Students may petition the Honors Program Faculty Director to receive credit for opportunities not currently listed above.

To receive credit for the Experiential Learning requirement, students will present outcomes of their experience at the annual Honors Program Showcase.

Community, Mentorship, and Leadership

Honors Students will participate in at least one community service, mentorship, or leadership activity with a minimum of 20 hours of engagement.

Opportunities include (but not limited to) the following:

• Associated Students of UC Merced (ASUCM)

• Campus Activities Board

• Campus Tutoring

  • Chem Center

  • Peer Led Undergraduate Study (PLUS) Center

  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Resource Center

• Community Engagement Center

  • Long-Term Service Programs

    • Best You, Best Future Program

    • Bright Spark Scholars Program

    • Lift While You Lead

    • Restorative Justice League

  • One-Time Service Projects

    • USDA Food Distribution

  • CollegeCorps at UC Merced

• Community Research & Service Minor (Anthropology & Heritage Studies Department)

• Leadership position in a registered campus club or organization

• Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center

  • Bobcat Leadership Seminar

  • EMPOWER: Womxn and Ally Leader Development Program

  • Student Leadership Conference

  • Yosemite Leadership Program

• Success Mentor Program

• University Writing Center

Students should consult with the Honors Program Faculty Director to determine if an experience will satisfy this requirement.

To receive credit for the Community, Mentorship, and Leadership requirement, students must submit a reflection piece. Students may start the reflection process by filling out the Co-Curricular Experience Reflection Form.