Frequently asked questions about our identity centers.
OSJIIP Main Office
What is the OSJIIP?
The OSJIIP is the Office of Social Justice Initiatives and Identity Programs at UC Merced. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus environment and supporting historically underserved scholars. Our office aims to enhance retention through holistic development opportunities, intersectional community building, and promoting student agency. OSJIIP also advocates for inclusive university policies and practices, positioning UC Merced as a transformative leadership and social change leader. The office oversees various affinity spaces and resource centers such as the Asian & Pacific Islander Resource Center, Black Student Resource Center, LGBTQ+ Pride Center, and the Multicultural Center, each catering to specific identity groups and promoting dialogue, support, and empowerment within the UC Merced community.
What are the resources that the Office of Social Justice provides?
The Office of Social Justice Initiatives and Identities Programs offers resources for individuals who identify within a specific affinity group via our resource centers: The Asian and Pacific Islander Resource Center, The Black Scholars’ Resource Center, the LGBTQ+ Pride Center, and the Multicultural Center. In addition, OSJIIP also hosts holistic development programs such as workshops and training sessions based on intersectional identities, social justice issues, and leadership development. The Office of Social Justice Initiatives collaborates with other campus and student organizations to advocate for systemic change. Towards the end of the academic school year, the Office of Social Justice Initiatives hosts various cultural celebrations to celebrate diversity and promote cultural understanding.
How can I get more involved in Social Justice Initiatives?
All the identity centers and the main office under the Office of Social Justice Initiatives and Identities Programs host programs every month. You can also attend our annual Social Justice Retreat!
What are the Cultural Graduations, and how can I sign up for them?
Cultural Graduations are special ceremonies many universities hold to celebrate the achievements and cultural identities of graduating students from diverse backgrounds. These ceremonies provide a more personalized and culturally affirming experience compared to the traditional commencement ceremony. Register for Cultural Grad HERE!
Where is the Office of Social Justice located?
Kolligian Library 167
5200 N, Lake Road
Merced, CA 95340
Email socialjustice@ucmerced.edu for further inquiries!!
You can find us in the offices opposite the Bobcat Snack Shop!
BSRC
What is the BSRC?
BSRC or the Black Scholars' Resource Center
Is the space available for private reservations?
Yes, through our reservation system located on our website and also in our Instagram bio.
Are there any other ways we can get involved on campus through the center?
We have bulletin boards and a whiteboard in the center with all upcoming campus events. Our center is also a space that student organizations use to host their events as well. We also hold our own events that allow students to socialize with others and explore.
How do students access the space?
Students can come in from 9 am - 5 pm. We ask that you scan your CatCard and check in with the SC at the desk.
How is the center applicable to a student's daily life?
We offer space for students to study and connect with the campus here at UC Merced. Students can come into our space for a wide variety of resources. We offer free printing, scantrons, and programs that are tailored to students who use our space. Our center also provides a space for students to stop and take a moment to unwind.
Where is the Black Scholars’ Resource Center located?
The BSRC faces Little Lake on Granite Pass 101 and 102. It is also located directly across the hallway from ASUCM.
Email bsrc@ucmerced.edu for more information
How can I make a space reservation?
You and reserve any of the SJI Identity Centers including the BSRC using this FORM.
How can I meet other Black students on campus?
Joining black clubs is an excellent way to socialize with other students. Orgs such as the Black Student Union (BSU), Black Student Coalition (BSC), Afikans For Retention and Outreach (AFRO), Nigerian Student Union (NSA), East African Student Association (EASA), Nigerian Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and African Student Union (ASU).
What are the benefits of utilizing the BSRC?
The BSRC offers free printing services to students as well as a study space. It acn be utilized as a safespace for black students to hang out and interact with eachother.
MCC
What is the Multicultural center?
The Multicultural Center is a space dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and cultural exchange. We aim to create a welcoming environment for students and provides resources, support, and programming to celebrate and gain exposure about various cultures.
What can I do in the space?
Everyone is welcome to spend time in the MCC whether it is for hanging out with friends, watching movies, or completing busy work. We also provide snacks and school supplies as our resources.
Can the space collaborate or host with student organizations on campus?
PC
Can students seek gender-affirming care through the Pride Center?
Yes! PC workers can help direct students to UC-provided care, including hormone therapy, referrals for gender-affirming surgeries, and other resources like fertility preservation, vocal training, and support resources.
Who can come into the Pride Center?
Anyone is free to come and study in the pride center. We ask people to be mindful and considerate of everyone in the space.
What does the Pride Center do? How can people know what is happening at the Pride Center?
The Pride Center is an inclusive place that holds events at least once a month. We also have a wellness hotspot where students are free to grab any necessities provided. To keep yourself updated on what is happening you can follow us @ucmpride or @ucmsocialjustice to stay informed on events happening at all centers.
Do you know where we can find information about LambdaAlliance?
The Pride Center doesn’t know when Lambda meets if you want to know when their events are you can find it at @ucmlambdaalliance, you can also find their events in the Pride Center Bulletin Board.
What time does the Pride Center close?
Pride Center is open from 9-5 on weekdays.
GCRC
What is the Graduate Cultural Resource Center?
The GCRC is a resource center intended for graduate students that seeks to provide a safe space for students of color to revitalize through solidarity, community-building, and community reflection. We strive to support political and student activism and to maintain a mutually supportive relationship with our student visitors, as they work together in pursuit of a more diverse, inclusive, just, and equitable society.
What are the center’s hours?
Open weekdays: 9am-11:59pm
Where is the center located?
The center is located in COB2 190, past the sliding doors facing Lake Yosemite.
For any questions/concerns, please contact us at socialjustice@ucmerced.edu
