Why UC Merced

What UC Merced Employees are Saying

Over 80% of UC Merced employees surveyed said they are likely or very likely to recommend working at UC Merced to a friend or family member.

We asked our staff and faculty, ‘What values does UC Merced embody and that matter most to you?’, and here is what they said:

• Mutual respect and compassion
• Diversity, inclusion, and respect for all
• Student-centered
• Collaborative

We asked our staff and faculty, ‘What aspects do you like most about working at UC Merced?’, and here is what they said:

• Friendly and helpful co-workers
• Work-life balance
• Meaningful and interesting work
• Future growth and potential of UC Merced

UC Merced’s Credentials

We are unwavering in our commitment to California’s Central Valley and focused on student success. What we do here shapes the future of the valley, and the world. Together we are: first. further. forward. And some of the most prominent voices in education are taking note:

• 
  28th Best Public University in the Nation

  US News & World Report
• 
  3rd Best Public College or University in California

  Wall Street Journal
• 
  7th Best for Advancing Economic Mobility

  Third Way’s Economic Mobility Index
• 
  #1 in Advancing Social Mobility

  The Wall Street Journal

Living in Merced, California

Merced is a small, rural, family friendly town that is actively growing. With no commute traffic and high affordability, Merced is a great location for the next step in your career.

• Read more about what to do in Merced
• Discover the top five things to do in Merced County
• Find out more about Merced
• View campus events

Benefits

Health Care

For most employees working 50 percent or more time, you’re offered:

• Medical and behavioral health. Choice of options depending on your address, including HMO, PPO or PPO with a health savings account. You may enroll your spouse, domestic partner, children and grandchildren (biological or adopted, stepchildren, domestic partner’s children) and legal ward.
• Vision. The UC Merced plan covers many vision care services, including eye exams, corrective lenses and frames.
• Dental. The UC Merced plan offers coverage through a PPO or HMO. Both options cover preventative, basic and prosthetic dentistry, and orthodontics.

Time Off

For most employees working 50 percent or more time, you’re offered:

• Paid sick leave. 12 days per calendar year.
• Paid holidays. 13 days per calendar year.
• Paid vacation. Starting at 15 and reaching 24 days per calendar year. The amount you accrue depends on the number of your monthly working hours.

Retirement

The UC retirement plan is a comprehensive array of retirement benefits, savings programs and educational and counseling resources. It also offers additional, convenient ways to save beyond the program, including tax-deferred 403(b), 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan and Defined Contribution Plan.

Wellness

• Staff can access state-of-the-art exercise equipment, group fitness classes, climbing wall, running track and ball courts, swimming pools, intramural sports programs, craft classes, equestrian center, outdoor adventures and youth programs with an Activities and Recreation Center membership.
• Faculty and staff can participate in the Health and Well-being Program to socialize and practice weight management, mindfulness and meditation, art and more.
• Faculty can participate in the WorkLife Program for community and resources, including professional development, elder care and childcare options.

Workplace Flexibility

Many units have informal systems that support flexibility on an occasional basis, such as compressed workweek, flextime and telework.

Family Care Resources

UC Merced provides access to prescreened caregivers, pet sitters, tutors and other family services.

Health Care Resources

• Health Flexible Spending Account (HSA) and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefits lower your taxable income by allowing payment for eligible expenses on a pretax basis. Some medical plans also offer Tax Savings on Insurance Premium (TIP) options.
• Transportation subsidies through the goClub allow pretax payroll deductions for purchasing discounted regional bus, train, carpool and vanpool passes.