Merrill College
Cultural Identities and Global Consciousness
Merrill College’s theme, Cultural Identities and Global Consciousness, focuses on the relationship between the United States and the rest of the world to break down the barriers that divide cultures. Students learn about and examine the struggles of societies to preserve their cultural identities.
Academic Requirements
The Merrill core course, Cultural Identities and Global Consciousness, helps students begin their academic careers at UC Santa Cruz through studying peoples’ struggles to preserve their cultural identities, as well as social change within and beyond the borders of the United States. Students study nationalism, imperialism, migration, globalization, cultural clashes, religious conflicts, and social inequalities. The selected readings are engaging and diverse, including vivid memoirs, personal journeys, and powerful histories, culminating with a visit and discussion from one of the year’s authors. This engaging academic experience is a student’s first step to becoming the culturally conscious global citizen we strive to graduate.
Educational Enrichment and Extracurricular Opportunities
- Merrill residential themes provide a multitude of unique and specific communities for students with diverse interests. Students have the opportunity to live with peers who share their passions, hobbies, or similar backgrounds.
- Classroom Connection links community experience to university education by placing students in internships for credit within area schools.
- Merrill Student Government and The Merrill Activities Council provide students an opportunity to develop leadership skills, create programs and events, and be an active part of UC Santa Cruz student legislature, shaping decisions that affect all students' experiences.
- Merrill College also plays host to KZSC (the UCSC radio station), The UCSC Peace Corps Office, the Merrill Pottery Coop (giving any student who joins the opportunity to explore their artistic side, no experience required), the Lionel Cantu GLBTI resource center, and the Merrill Moat (UCSC's longest running student art project, 88 murals which evolve every year) putting many opportunities in our students' back yard.
- Merrill Activities Office provides programs, events and activities to keep you busy between classes and to round out your college experience. Every quarter there are a variety of banquets, workshops, performers, speakers, and exhibits. Merrill also hosts two of the campus's biggest annual dances (Moat Jam & Glitterball). More info can be found on facebook.com/merrillactivities.
Housing and Dining
- Students are accommodated in two large and two smaller residence halls.
- Apartments are available to continuing students.
- A restaurant is located at the college.
- Themed Housing options
- A dining hall is nearby.