First & Second Years

Guardian Scholars are expected to be as active in the program as possible. There are a few minimum expectations that MUST be met per semester to receive all of the benefits of the program, including priority registration and the Alternative Spring Break trip. Below are the expectations per semester.

*Please note, for all virtual meetings and events scholars MUST log on using their UCM account to receive credit. 

Orientation

• All first-year students are expected to attend the GSP orientation.

• If you are unable to attend, reach out to the Program Coordinator.

2 Student Coordinator Meetings

• *Meetings should be completed by March 14th (1st meeting) and May 2nd (second meeting).

• Meetings should occur within the Spring 2025 semester. 

*Please note that meetings with the student coordinator and the program coordinator should be at least a week apart. 

Attend at least 1 Social 

• *Must be completed by May 9th, 2025
• Scholars MUST be present at social for at least an hour to receive credit.
• Scholars MUST complete event evaluation to receive credit.

Attend at least 2 Workshops

• 1 Personal Development offered by the GSP program. 

  • *Must be completed by May 9th, 2025

  • Scholars MUST complete event evaluation to receive credit. 

• 1 Professional Development 

  • *Must be completed by May 9th, 2025

  • Scholars can attend a non-GSP event to count toward this expectation as long as it provides support/information about academics, career and/or graduate school preparation. Scholars must complete the "Professional Development Workshop" assignment on Catcourses to receive credit. 

    • We will accept events being hosted by the following departments 
      • Center for Career and Professional Advancement 
      • Undergraduate Research Opportunity Center 
      • UC Merced Graduate Division
      • Study Abroad 
      • Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center
      • Events hosted by their academic school (ex: school of engineering, school of natural sciences etc.)
      • If you are interested in attending and receiving credit for an event not hosted by the departments listed above, please email the program coordinator.
  • Scholars may also meet with a career specialist to fulfill the Professional Development Program expectation. Scholars must complete the "Professional Development Workshop" assignment on Catcourses to receive credit.
    • Schedule an appointment with Aspiring Career Specialist Dr. Maria Ramirez Loyola here.
    • Schedule an appointment with the UROC Equity Advisor Hannah Escobar here.

*Not all students will complete these requirements, and that’s okay. Scholars are not removed from the program for not maintaining “active” status. However, students without active status may lose access to certain services, such as participation in the Alternative Spring Trip.