UC Merced is alive with more than 2,700 students this semester, 400 of whom plan to graduate in spring.
To help the Class of 2009 navigate its way from UC Merced to wherever the future may lead, just about every office on campus have joined forces. The end result is Senior Week.
Beginning today, Nov. 3, Senior Week will offer information and opportunities to students preparing for life after UC Merced.
It all starts with Disorientation, which will provide an overview of what is required to graduate, which services are available to graduates and how to stay connected after graduation. The event is sponsored by Alumni Affairs, Career Services and the Office of the Registrar.
“It’s the opposite of Orientation,” said Assistant Registrar Erin Webb. “Students spend a lot of time figuring out how to navigate university life; now is the time to figure out how to navigate life after they leave here.”
Throughout the week, all of the academic schools will provide advising services. Workshops will be offered on graduate school, interview techniques and attire, how to manage senioritis and the stress that comes with trying to answer the question of what comes next.
“There are many services we offer students for free that they’ll have to pay for later on, said Kelly Patterson, assistant director of Career Services. “Seniors need to know what is available.”
All work and no play can be quite dull, which is why Senior Week also has plenty of fun injected in it. The Office of Student Life will host a barbecue and mixer from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7.
That’s also when Charles Nies, associate vice chancellor of student affairs, will announce the winner of the class challenge. Also that day, staff will engage students in a little friendly competition during the Staff vs. Seniors Volleyball Game.
For information on this week’s events, visit seniors.ucmerced.edu. For information on the volleyball game, contact Lina Kaji.
