2018_checklist_for_undocumented_ucm_student_admitted_to_the_university_of

Checklist for Undocumented Students

Admitted to the University of California, Merced

Congratulations on your admission to the University of California, Merced. Your admission to the

University is a reflection of your outstanding scholastic efforts and commitment to personal excellence.

Now that you have been admitted, there will be a variety of tasks to complete ranging from accepting your

admission to your preparation for the upcoming academic year. We hope the following information will

assist you in getting off to a great start as you begin a new and exciting chapter.

Admissions:



Check your student portal for admissions status



Check your student portal to make sure your contact information is correct



After receiving offer of admission, review the “Conditions of Admission”



Check student portal every day or every other day for any updates, requests, or

deadlines



Submit any documents requested by the Office of Admissions – posted on your “To Do

List” on your

student portal



Notify the Office of Admissions of any changes from what was originally submitted on

your UC

application (e.g., courses dropped or added, grade changes, etc.) via your student portal



Notify the Office of Admission of any possible academic deficiencies (D’s and F’s) via your student

portal



Submit Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to accept your admission via student portal

by May 1

deadline (for first-year students) or June 1

deadline (for transfer students)

▪

Recall if you received fee waiver for the UC application. If yes, you may qualify

for deferral of the $250 SIR deposit

▪

Or, pay non-refundable $250 admission deposit

▪

Or, inquire with the Office of Admissions about deferment of $250 deposit if you don’t have

the funds needed at this time



Request transcripts be sent to the UC Merced Office of Admissions before the July 1

deadline –

Address: UC Merced Office of Admissions, 5200 N. Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343

 Additional transcripts of ALL institutions attended (e.g., online courses, previous high schools, and other

college/universities attended), even if you took just one course, and regardless of whether or not you

passed the class

▪

Have an additional one sent to you – but DO NOT open (this will serve as your backup)



Request documents be sent to the Office of Admissions of the UC you will be attending

in the fall before

July 15

deadline

▪

Offers of admission are provisional until the campus receives your final

official transcript and verifies successful completion of all coursework required for UC

eligibility

▪

AP Scores

▪

IB Scores

▪

SAT Reasoning and Subject Test scores

 If you submitted official scores from the testing agency with your UC application,

you do not need to resend

▪

ACT Scores

 If you submitted official scores from the testing agency with your UC application,

you do not need to resend



Academic Preparation:



Review and become familiar with major and graduation requirements (available in the

online campus

catalog)

 If invited to participate in the Fiat Lux Scholars Program, review the website: http://fiatlux.ucmerced.edu

 Apply for a mentor through the Success Mentor Program: http://mentoring.ucmerced.edu

 Enroll in Undergraduate Studies 010 (sections specific for first-year and transfer students are available)



Obtain a campus map and your class schedule – the day before classes begin, walk

around campus and

find your classrooms early



Arrive early to each class to find a good seat



Place on a calendar all important dates for each class; e.g., midterms, papers due, group

projects, and

finals



Attend workshops (e.g., note taking, stress management, study skills, conducting

research, etc.)

offered by the Calvin E. Bright Success Center



Meet with adviser periodically during the semester; especially prior to enrollment for Fall 2019



Utilize professors’ and Teaching Assistants’ (TAs) office hours



Meet with tutors:

Calvin E Bright Success Center: http://learning.ucmerced.edu

§ STEM Center: http://stemresourcecenter.ucmerced.edu/academic-services

§ Math Center: http://mathcenter.ucmerced.edu



Attend

ALL

classes



Natural Science majors should visit with the EXCEL Program: https://excel.ucmerced.edu

Campus Bookstore:



Purchase textbooks, readers, and recommended reading materials for each course you

have enrolled in for

the fall term

▪

View campus bookstore’s web site for ordering and purchasing textbooks

Online: http://bookstore.ucmerced.edu/home.aspx

▪

Inquire about other options in regards to purchasing textbooks; e.g., book rentals, e-

books, other students, professors, etc.



If you do not own one, purchase computer or laptop

▪

Inquire with the Information Technology (IT) Office what type of computer

to purchase (PC versus Mac)

 Register computer with University Police

 Meet with IT for any computer assistance (available on move-in day)

▪

Inquire with campus bookstore about possible computer discount

▪

Inquire with campus bookstore about any amenities that come with the

purchase of a computer (e.g., printer, ink, etc.)

▪

Financial Aid:



Check student portal for Financial Aid award



Show Financial Aid award to your family to determine if it meets the family budget



Contact the Office of Financial Aid to ask questions about your award

(209) 228-7178

finaid@ucmerced.edu



Accept Financial Aid award (grant and scholarship money will automatically be

distributed to

your student account prior to the academic year)



Accept Dream Loan

▪

You will need to decide if you wish to accept the Dream Loan, if offered

▪

Complete appropriate Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance

Counseling interview requirements as instructed by the Office of Financial Aid and

Scholarships, if required

 All male students must register with the Selective Service via: http://www.sss.gov/default.htm to remain

eligible for financial aid – this applies to AB 540 students as well



Submit all documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid – posted on your student

portal by June 1

, if

there are extenuating circumstances, immediately contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

prior to the June 1

deadline



Contact the

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships should there be any changes in your family’s income

prior to the academic year

 If planning to attend Summer Session (check with coordinating office) prior to fall 2018, submit a California

Dream Act application (AB 540 eligible students) for the academic year of 2017 – 2018 to be eligible for

financial aid for summer 2018

Office of the Registrar:



Submit Statement of Legal Residency to the Office of the Registrar, via student portal

 Submit UC Nonresident Tuition Exemption Application and Affidavit, to the designated mailing address on

the form, due to the Office of the Registrar – only applicable to AB 540 eligible students – will not be

verified until final “official’ transcripts are received:

http://registrar.ucmerced.edu/sites/registrar.ucmerced.edu/files/page/documents/ab540.pdf

§ NOTE: By submitting the UC Nonresident Tuition Exemption Application and Affidavit after

submitting your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), you ensure the Non-Resident fee will

be removed from your student account

Personal Finances:



Open checking and savings account before school begins – allows for family to deposit

money into your

account remotely



Attend Fall Financial Management workshops – if offered by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

 Initiate Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for direct deposit of refunds from Financial Aid and Scholarships via:

https://bfs.ucmerced.edu/deptstaff-directory/financial-accounting-services/student-business-

services/electronic-funds



Establish and maintain a personal budget for each semester

Placement Examinations:



Review letter regarding the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement on Saturday, May 12,

2018

▪

Review online, www.ucop.edu/elwr, how students can meet this requirement

▪

Pay $110 fee – You will receive payment information with your test

notification letter

▪

Inquire about a reduced fee if you qualify financially

▪

Call 800-839-8507 if you have not received information regarding the UC Entry Level

Writing Requirement Exam



Take placement exams prior to Summer Orientation – for details, check

with the Summer Orientation office

▪

Biology

▪

Chemistry

▪

Foreign language

▪

Mathematics

▪

http://orientation.ucmerced.edu/student-orientation/spring-placement-exams

Special Student Populations



Review what services are available on campus for special student populations:

▪

First-Generation Students

▪

Former Foster Youth

▪

Non-Traditional Aged Students

▪

Students with Dependents

▪

Students with Disabilities

▪

Transfer Students

▪

Undocumented Students

▪

Veterans

Student Business Services:



Set-up Deferred Payment Plan through Office of Student Business Services – this will

allow for fee

balance to be paid in four installments: http://sbs.ucmerced.edu/pages/dpp.aspx

 Receive student bill



Pay fall bill – or, first installment of Deferred Payment Plan – before Move-In day

 Sign up for direct deposit if you are expecting a financial aid refund. Your refund will be transferred via

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to your designated bank account: https://bfs.ucmerced.edu/deptstaff-

directory/financial-accounting-services/student-business-services/electronic-funds

Student Disability Services:



Schedule meeting, prior to the fall, with Student Disability Services to have assessment

regarding

assistance for the upcoming academic year



Submit medical records to Student Disability Services if requesting assistance regarding

a learning or

physical disability

Student Employment:

 DACA students should go online periodically during the summer to review and apply for student

employment for the fall – DO NOT wait till fall: http://jobs.ucmerced.edu



If hired, prepare to provide a combination of the following acceptable I-9 documents prior

to student

employment:

▪

California Identification

▪

DACA Card

▪

Driver’s License

▪

Passport

▪

Social Security Card

▪

Work Permit

 Sign up for direct deposit (provide voided check)



If you have received DACA be sure to renew within the preferred renewal timeframe

(between 180 and 120

days before your DACA expiration) and visit: http://www.uscis.gov

 Undeclared / Undecided students should meet with a Career specialist within the Center for Career and

Professional Advancement to participate in career assessments

 Undeclared / Undecided students should register to participate in the

Student Health:

 Submit Health Insurance Waiver Form and proof of health insurance, only if declining the UC Student Health

Insurance Plan (SHIP) via student portal, submit waiver between May 1

to August 1

– failure to submit the

waiver by August 1

will result in a charge of $2,272 to a student’s account

 Undocumented students who have received DACA may apply for Medi-Cal in the county in which they

reside; prior to the fall term, students will need to notify their case worker of their change of “temporary

residency” and have their Medi-Cal transferred to Merced county – allow thirty (30) days for transfer

 Medi-Cal recipients must be sure that their insurance coverage is comprehensive

 Undocumented students receiving any form of state funded health insurance should be aware of the age

specific expiration of the coverage

 Carry your insurance card at all times, if you are covered under a health insurance plan other than the UC

Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP)



Submit proof of Hepatitis B immunization to Student Health Center

 Or, complete Hepatitis B immunization - series of three doses required for enrollment at UC (for those

under 19 on first day of classes) unless there is a medical contraindication

Summer Orientation:



Receive information regarding Summer Orientation



▪

April 21

▪

Orientation fee can be deferred to the fall bill

▪

Inquire with the Orientation Office regarding the deferment of the orientation fee – (209)

228-7252

▪

Spanish Orientations are offered on

v Saturday, July 7

v Thursday, July 19

 Before attending Summer Orientation, review your Pre-Orientation checklist:

https://orientation.ucmerced.edu/student-orientation/pre-orientation-checklist

 Before attending Summer Orientation

inquire about on-campus overnight lodging:

https://housing.ucmerced.edu/orientation



Attend Summer Orientation

▪

Bring copies of the following:

 ACT Scores

 Academic transcripts of ALL institutions attended (e.g., high school(s),

community college, and other college/universities attended)

 AP Scores

 IB Scores

 SAT Reasoning and Subject Test scores

▪

Attend ALL workshops at Summer Orientation

▪

Inquire about student immunization records

▪

Inquire about student parking for the fall

▪

Obtain book list for fall courses

▪

Obtain business cards from all advisers, professors, and staff that you

meet at Summer Orientation – request your family to do the same

▪

Obtain required book(s) for summer reading for first-year students

▪

Take photo for student ID card, you will need to provide some form of identification;

e.g., passport, driver’s license, state ID, etc.

▪

Learn about:

 Academic support programs

 Career Services

 Education Abroad Program

 Ethnic/Cultural resources or programs

 Field Studies

 Graduate information programs (preparing for graduate or

professional school)

 Internship programs (e.g., UCDC, UC Sacramento, etc.)

 Research Opportunities

 Sports and recreation

 Student Disability Services

 Student organizations

 Tutoring services

▪

Designate a meeting place for you and your family to meet at the conclusion of Summer

Orientation

 Register for Knowledge Empowers You (KEY) Overnight Program for Undocumented students and their

families (There is NO fee for this program); register at: http://undoc.ucmerced.edu/form/key-program

• Must already be registered for a regular Summer Orientation session:

• June 28

– June 29

, July 7

– July 8

(Spanish), or July 19

– July 20

(Spanish)

• Overnight program begins at 6:00 PM on June 28

, July 7

, and July 19

• For more information, contact Alejandro Delgadillo at

adelgadillo@ucmerced.edu

Transportation:

 Research means of traveling home should you not have a vehicle; e.g., airports, Greyhound, AMTRAK, ride

boards, etc.



Review online schedule of on-campus and off-campus transportation

 Apply for parking permit for the 2018 – 2019 academic year through Transportation and Parking Services

(TAPS) – if permitted

University Housing:

 Sign up for University Housing (via student portal)

▪

Inquire about theme housing options

▪

Inquire with the Housing Office about the deferment of your housing deposit

▪

Pay the $300 reservation fee – request for this fee to be deferred to your fall bill

▪

Stretch your financial aid by requesting a quad room (4 people) or a triple (3

people) to reduce your housing cost (savings of $1,854)



Beginning May 21

, and once you have received a housing offer, join

online a roommate group

▪

If you and a friend wish to be roommates, you must identify each other as desired

roommates

▪

Or, search and request to join an existing group



Contact roommate(s) to arrange to meet before school begins

▪

Determine who will bring:

 Microwave

 Refrigerator

 Television

 Video game devices

 Etc.



Review the list of appropriate things to have in your residence hall room or suite – this

list will be

provided by housing

 Inquire about insurance

▪

Renter insurance

▪

Homeowner insurance coverage for residence hall room



Purchase personal necessities

before assigned

Move-In Day (August 18

or August 19

)

▪

Bed-sheets (extra-long twin), blankets, and/or comforter

▪

Computer supplies

▪

Items for room: fridge, TV, lamps, etc.

▪

Laundry bag

▪

Laundry soap

▪

Purchase flip-flops for personal use in the community bathroom

▪

School supplies

▪

Toiletries

▪

Toiletry basket – to carry personal items to community bathroom



Receive move-in appointment for Move-In Day



Move into your residence hall (good to bring a dolly or cart to move heavy items)



Meet with roommate(s) and complete Roommate Contract Form, if required



Participate in the campus-wide Welcome Week events and activities (whether you live on or

off campus)



Continue to participate in Residence Life events and activities throughout the year



For students contemplating living off-campus, here are some helpful tips when looking

for off-campus

housing:

§ Are utilities included in the rent?

§ Can I still purchase a meal plan?

§ Do I require a furnished or unfurnished location?

§ Do I rent month to month?

§ Do I sign a yearlong lease?

§ Is a credit check required?

§ Is a deposit required?

§ Is a social security number required?

§ Is the location on a bus/shuttle route?

§ Is there a fee for the credit check?

 Review off-campus housing opportunities at:

http://housing.ucmerced.edu/housing/campus-housing/finding-place/campus-housing-och-system



Check for an off-campus housing opportunity for undocumented students:

The Mi Casa Project is an independent off-campus opportunity for undocumented students;

for more information contact Blanca Galvez at:

bgalvezjimenez@ucmerced.edu

UC Merced websites:

§ UC Merced: http://www.ucmerced.edu

§ UC Merced Academic calendar: http://registrar.ucmerced.edu/schedules/calendars

§ UC Merced Services for Undocumented Students: http://undoc.ucmerced.edu

§ UC Merced Admissions: http://admissions.ucmerced.edu

§ UC Merced Bright Success Center: http://learning.ucmerced.edu

§ UC Merced Fiat Lux Scholars Program: http://fiatlux.ucmerced.edu

§ UC Merced Financial Aid: http://financialaid.ucmerced.edu

§ UC Merced Housing: http://housing.ucmerced.edu

§ UC Merced Majors: http://www.ucmerced.edu/academics-undergraduate-majors-minors

UC Merced Services for Undocumented Students * undoc@ucmerced.edu * http://undoc.ucmerced.edu * (209) 228-4625

Revised: April 9, 2018