UC Merced kicks off Fall semester
This year, the school is seeing its highest enrollment ever, with about 9,200 students back in class.
MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- UC Merced is once again bustling with students as the university kicks off the fall semester on Wednesday.
This year, the school is seeing its highest enrollment ever, with about 9,200 students back in class.
The university is introducing several new academic programs for students -- including the medical education Bachelor of Science to MD pathway.
Students can also study electrical engineering, data science and data analytics programs.
Juan Sánchez Muñoz is the university's chancellor and says these areas of study are especially important in today's technology-driven workplace.
"We want to prepare our students not just to succeed now, but to succeed when they graduate from our institution, and to distinguish themselves as graduates of the University of California," he said.
The university is also expanding its athletics, with men's and women's water polo and track teams.
Staff members advise students to get involved on campus, get to know their professors and make the most of their college experience.
"I was nervous at first cause I know nobody technically, but then I found out that I have friends here," said Wendy Lopez-Silva.
She is one of the over 2,600 new faces at UC Merced. The Public Health major is a first-generation student, which motivates her to succeed.
"My mom became a teen mom with my sister at age 17. And my older sister became a teen mom at 18, too. So, I basically broke the circle." said Lopez-Silva.
Students were already hitting the books at the Kolligian Library.
Although it's now almost 18 years old, the school remains the newest UC campus.
The school's first cohort of future doctors will start classes this year.
They'll earn their bachelor's degree at UC Merced and then transfer to UCSF to finish their medical degree.
Later this year, ground will be broken for a new medical education building.
Down the road, cooks are making sure students have the fuel they need while on campus.
After taking some harsh criticism in years past, the university said they've invested heavily in improving the dining hall experience.
Third-year Psychology student Erika Bentho said she's happy to see those changes.
"Having actual plates now instead of to-go plates, so it feels like the actual college experience. I also feel like the options that we have are better than the years before, so I really enjoy that," said Bentho.
They're not done yet. Executive Chef Anthony Pangelina said there will be an increase in vegan and vegetarian options by the spring. They're also working to make the dining hall feel more like a gathering place on campus.
"Got a couple of new exciting gaming devices. We have a pool table and an air hockey table in here, so we can add a little bit to the atmosphere of the students," said Pangelina.
For news updates, follow Amanda Aguilar on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For news updates, follow Vince Ybarra on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
