Dear UC Merced students:
Welcome back to campus after the winter break. I hope you enjoyed rest and relaxation in preparation for what promises to be another activity-filled semester.
The new year brings a significant change at UC Merced (and our sister campuses throughout the UC system). We are now a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus, effective Jan. 1. As a leading research, teaching and service university, we are taking a proactive role in addressing the impact of smoking and tobacco use. The new policy will create a healthier learning and work environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Students interested in quitting are encouraged to contact Health Promotion Coordinator Kristin Hlubik. Students who want to explore using nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patches, etc.) or prescription medications to help them quit should make appointments with a medical provider at the health center.
Last week, the university announced yet another increase in undergraduate applications for fall 2014 enrollment. The record applications of more than 17,000 reflects strong demand for the UC Merced experience. Much of our success in increasing awareness of our burgeoning campus throughout the state is thanks to you, our current students, who play an important role in spreading the word to friends and family about your time at UC Merced.
Even though the campus continues to see strong growth in applications, space constraints will limit our Fall 2014 enrollment increase to 165 additional students, for a total student body of about 6,360.
As announced last year, we are moderating undergraduate enrollment growth to keep pace with construction of new classrooms, laboratories and housing.
The Science and Engineering Building 2 is on track to open this fall. Funding for the Classroom and Office Building 2 was secured last May, and construction will begin this spring. The building is scheduled to open in Spring 2016. Part of the Student Services Building opened in the fall, adding space for lectures and classes, and the rest is opening this spring.. Construction of the Wallace-Dutra Amphitheater, which will be able to accommodate approximately 2,000 people, is progressing and will be ready for student use later this semester.
Before I sign off I want to take a moment to remind you of the wide array of activities and opportunities for you to be involved on campus.
From undergraduate research and leadership opportunities to the Gauntlet Games and the annual Dance Off, students have many invigorating options to choose from this spring.
I wish you all a very productive and successful semester. Please remember that I hold office hours for students each month. If you want to meet with me, watch for the related Happenings announcements in your email in-box to sign up.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Leland
Chancellor
