Experiential learning is a hands-on approach where students gain knowledge and transferable skills by engaging directly in real-world tasks and reflecting on their experiences. This approach enriches academic learning by fostering personal growth, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and professional development.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad offers students the chance to pursue their education through an international perspective, providing an immersive experience in different cultural and academic environments.
Community Service
Community Service allows students to contribute time and effort to benefit others, impact the community, and cultivate skills and personal growth through various avenues.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research offers students the chance to engage in hands-on research experiences across various disciplines, participating in summer research programs, and more.
Leadership
Leadership involves engaging in activities that guide, inspire, and influence others toward achieving common goals. UC Merced students can take on leadership positions in student clubs and organizations.
Internships
An internship is a structured work experience, whether paid or unpaid, that takes students' knowledge beyond the classroom to industry while building their network.
Experiential Learning Recognition Pin
For Graduating Undergraduate Students
Graduating undergraduate students who have participated in study abroad, community service, leadership, internship and/or undergraduate research experience will be eligible to receive an Experiential Learning pin(s). You can apply for one or more recognitions by completing the Experiential Learning Recognition Request Form. Note that you can complete one form for multiple recognitions.
You must complete this form no later than Friday, April 3rd to be eligible to receive your pin(s) during the Spring 2026 Grad Fair happening on April 8 & 9 at the UC Merced Lakireddy Ballroom. If you complete the survey after April 3rd, you will still be eligible to receive your pin(s) but your pickup location and time will change.
Pin Criteria
Participant receiving academic credit for one of the following:
- UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)
- Experience through a UC Merced course
- Experience through another UC campus
- Experience through another study abroad provider or US institution
The form will ask you to identify the following for each experience:
- Location of experience
- When you completed the experience and duration
- Whether or not you received UC credit
For questions, contact Craig Harmelin
Participation in one of the following:
- Community Engagement Center-related activity
- Student club or organization related service project
- Course-related service or service-learning
- Experience UC Merced
- Self-directed independent service (i.e. project of your choice and making)
- Other -- the form will ask you to describe your experience
For questions, contact Pricilla Cardenas
Participation in one of the following:
- Yosemite Leadership Program
- Bobcat Leadership Seminar
- Experience UC Merced
- Associated Students of UC Merced (ASUCM)
- Campus Activities Board (CAB)
- Registered Student Club or Organization Officer or Leadership Position
- Other -- the form will ask you to describe your experience
For questions, contact Stephany Barrera
Participation in a paid or unpaid internship. The form will ask you to identify the following for each internship:
- Modality (in-person, remote, hybrid)
- Location of internship (on-campus or off-campus; US or international)
- Employer name
- Internship job title
For questions, contact Robert Goodman
Participation in a research or creative project(s) outside of regular course requirements. The form will ask you to identify the following for each experience:
- When you completed the experience(s) and the approximate number of hours
- Faculty mentor
For questions, contact Patricia Soto Becerra
