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Mission statement

We understand that Basic Needs has a direct impact on the mental-emotional-physical health, wellness, academic performance, professional development, and holistic success of our students. The quality of life of our students has a major impact on their sense of belonging, persistence, graduation rate, and overall experience. Therefore, through a robust model of prevention, intervention, and emergency relief, Basic Needs provides and connects students to critical on- and off-campus resources and educational opportunities for students to take personal responsibility for their wellness and success.
 

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

The students and staff within the Basic Needs Center at UC Merced work to create an inclusive environment for all and prioritize creating opportunities to promote positive systemic change by collaborating with community organizations, students, staff and faculty.
We, the Basic Needs Team, recognize:
  • The struggle and lived experience of under resourced communities.
  • The importance of UC Merced students, faculty, and staff being engaged in the Merced community as a community member, not as a guest.
  • The need to acknowledge biases and challenge them through practices of inclusion and acceptance.
We, the Basic Needs Team, strive to:
  • Promote fairness and provide empowerment and advocacy for each individual and community to ensure that everyone has the right to civil liberties, equal opportunity, and a sense of safety and security.
  • Challenge existing frameworks of oppression including racism, heterosexism, ableism, classism, xenophobia, ageism, sexism, transphobia, microaggressions, and all other forms of discrimination
  • Maintain an environment in which all individuals receive respect and acceptance. 

Basic Needs Center

Location: Terrace Center (TC) 106

Summer 2025: June 2 - August 1
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM  
Friday: Closed
Closed for student staff training week: August 18 - 22
 
Fall 2025: August 27 - December 19
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
*Closed during campus holidays, spring break, and winter curtailment.
Please email: Basicneeds@ucmerced.edu for assistance during these periods.
 

 

 

basic needs center new location

 
 
 

Be In The Know

UCOP Basic Needs Website UCOP Info Center (UCUES) CalFresh Data DashboardCalifornia  Policy Lap (CPL)

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

UCM Basic Needs (@ucmbasicneeds) • Instagram photos and videos

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

UC Merced CalFresh Outreach (@ucmcalfresh) • Instagram photos and videos

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