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Return to: About UC Merced
Kolligian Library 222
Phone: 209-228-7252
Email: learning@ucmerced.edu
Web: learning.ucmerced.edu
UC Merced faculty and staff are committed to the academic success of every student. The Calvin E. Bright Success Center is responsible for advising students who are undecided about their majors and any student who has questions about degree or University requirements. The advisors in the Schools and the Bright Success Center (BSC) work closely with the academic programs to ensure that students receive accurate and timely advising. The Bright Success Center also assists students to acquire the skills they need to develop intellectually, become successful learners and achieve their academic goals, through workshops on many topics relevant to college learning and self-management. The Peer Academic Advisors work in collaboration with Residence Life and many other support services to help students make the best use of the resources on campus that promote their success. Some of the programs housed in this unit include: Degree Attainment for Returning and Transfer Students (DARTS); Fiat Lux Scholars (low-income, first-generation students); Success Mentors (available to all first-year students); USTU 010: Introduction to Undergraduate Studies ; Guardian Scholars (former Foster Youth).
The Center’s diverse staff members offer programs focusing on effective study skills, critical reading, and analytical writing that help all students, regardless of major. Group tutoring and study sessions, led by peer tutors, are available through the BSC free of charge to provide assistance to students of all levels of ability and preparation. Additional programs and workshops also help students adapt to the demands of college. It is common for college students to find that they need to explore new methods for reading, note-taking, time management and other skills in order to meet the demands and pace of college learning. The Bright Success Center, working closely with the Center for Career and Professional Advancement, Counseling and Psychological Services, Residence Life and many other areas, ensures that students receive the support they need to plan and succeed in their chosen course of study and beyond. Students with advanced skills in science, math or writing should speak to their professors or staff at the Center to find out how to become a trained, paid tutor on campus.
The BSC is headquarters for New Student Orientation, and this includes an orientation program offered to parents and family members of new students, as well. The Center also produces the Partners in Success parents’ and families’ newsletter each semester. Student Success is made possible by a combined, unified effort on the part of all who play a role in influencing students’ lives, and therefore the BSC makes constant efforts to collaborate with as many constituencies as possible in promoting an effective learning environment.
The BSC also provides guidance to academically elite students interested in participating in prestigious academic competitions, and is headquarters for the Fiat Lux Scholars’ Program. This program provides intrusive advising, highly personalized, holistic support, and special workshops, opportunities and events, including a living-learning community option, for students from a wide array of underrepresented backgrounds. |
