The history of UC Merced dates back to 1988, when the UC Regents first authorized planning for at least one additional campus based on projections of long-range enrollment demand. From an initial review of more than 80 sites in the San Joaquin Valley, 20 were initially advanced for additional study.
A Long-Term Vision
Eight sites were then further evaluated and visited by a senior level task force, leading to the identification of three sites which were selected for detailed analysis and for inclusion in a full environmental impact report. Following this careful process, the Board of Regents selected a site in eastern Merced County adjacent to Lake Yosemite Park as the location for the 10th campus of the University of California in May 1995.
The Merced County location was selected based upon a number of factors, including the following:
- The land was to be donated by the Virginia Smith Trust, a charitable trust that provides college scholarships to Merced-area high school students.
- Adequate water was available for university needs.
- The county government had initiated a planning process to assure compatible development of adjacent land and good transportation access.
- Merced is centrally located with easy access from communities in the San Joaquin Valley, including the Valley's largest city, Fresno.
UC Merced is located in Merced County adjacent to Lake Yosemite Park.
By 1997, UC Merced had established a regional office at Merced College, and the UC Fresno Center also served as a focal point for the new UC Merced campus.
In 1998, the university joined with the Merced County Board of Supervisors, the Virginia and Cyril Smith trusts, the City of Merced, and the Merced Irrigation District to initiate a collaborative planning process for the university community. The planning process produced a concept for a campus and community that could grow together in harmony with the landscape.
