Welcome Prospective Bobcats!
Start Your Journey as a Changemaker — Right from Your First Year!
Congratulations on your upcoming adventure at UC Merced! Located in the heart of campus in the Kolligian Library, the Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center and the Community Engagement Center (CEC) are here to connect you with powerful leadership and service opportunities that will shape your college experience and beyond.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and developing your leadership potential, the Leadership & Service Living Learning Community (LLC) is your perfect starting point! Exclusively for first-year students, this dynamic program brings together 30 driven individuals to live, learn, and lead together.
As a member of the Leadership & Service LLC, you’ll:
- Explore real-world leadership concepts through hands-on activities and service projects
- Build a supportive network of like-minded peers, mentors, and professional staff
- Gain resume-boosting experience and transferable skills through experiential learning
- Receive personalized support and guidance throughout your first year
- Get priority access to special events and opportunities
- Request strong letters of recommendation from staff who know you well
This is more than a place to live — it's a launching pad for your personal growth and impact. Don’t miss your chance to become part of a close-knit community that empowers you to lead, serve, and shine from day one.
Requirements for LLC Members
- Students are required to attend weekly Friday meetings from 1 - 2:30 PM.
- Students must schedule a check-in with their LLC advisor at least once a semester.
- Students must participate in the Leadership and Service LLC retreat in the fall and spring celebration.
- Participants must commit to community engagement participation in both fall and spring semesters.
- Students must attend one of three Valley Adventure and Service trips in the spring semester.
- Participants must be in good academic and student conduct standing throughout the duration of the experience.
Only students who have completed the LLC application and signed their housing contract by May 23, 2025 will be considered for the Leadership and Service LLC.
Please direct questions regarding the Leadership and Service LLC to lead@ucmerced.edu and communityservice@ucmerced.edu.
If you have specific questions regarding housing, including the cost of housing and meal plans, please visit the housing website.
