Mission of BSC:
The missions of the Calvin E. Bright Success Center is to provide learning support, transition programs, and individualized interventions which empower UC Merced students to be successful in their academic and personal development. We provide opportunities and co-curricular experiences that aid students in enhancing their knowledge of university resources, academic and personal growth, and advocacy and access. At the BSC, we utilize a culturally relevant and holistic developmental approach to student success. The high retention and graduation rates of BSC programs and services demonstrate our effectiveness.
Purpose:
Bobcat Underground Scholars (BUS) is housed within the Calvin E. Bright Success Center. The purpose of UC Merced’s Bobcat Underground Scholars is to provide support, services, and leadership for formerly incarcerated and system impacted scholars. This includes those who have been indirectly impacted by the incarceration of a loved one.
BUS Requirements:
Must be a current UC Merced student or have submitted an SIR.
Must identify with any of the following: 1) Formerly incarcerated or 2) System impacted: Detained (but not arrested), Deported, Arrested (but not convicted), or a loved one has experienced incarceration.
BUS Services & Benefits:
1-on-1 Peer Mentorship
Guaranteed On-Campus Housing
Workshops
Student Success Funds
Textbook Assistance
Technology Incentive Program
Scholarship Opportunities
Referrals to the Financial aid office, Academic Advising, and CAPS!
BUS Pillars:
Recruitment
Transfer Program: BUS partnered with the Undergraduate Admissions Division to help eligible scholars get individualized assistance in applying and submitting the UC application with our Transfer Admissions Liaison.
Monica Fraga - Transfer Admissions Liaison
Incarcerated Scholars Correspondence Project: The ISCP is a project that was started by our BUS staff & intern to provide outreach, academic advising, and transcript analysis to currently incarcerated students. Incarcerated scholars may contact the program by writing to:
Bobcat Underground Scholars
University of California, Merced
Kolligian Library, 222J
5200 N. Lake Rd.
Merced, CA 95343
