Fostering access to faculty-mentored research opportunities for undergraduate students from all academic disciplines with structured support and training to prepare for graduate studies and future careers.
 

Faculty-mentored research is an integral component of undergraduate education and provides numerous benefits to students, regardless of their future career choices. Students develop skills in critical analysis, problem-solving, communication, and in understanding and applying research methods. 

Engaging students, particularly first-generation and underrepresented groups, in undergraduate research both increases degree completion rates and graduate school pathways.  

UROC undergraduate research scholars develop mentor connections with faculty, staff, and graduate students. Mentorship creates positive influences to promote their academic success and preparation for graduate school. 

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) was established at UC Merced in Spring 2014. 

UROC is structured to support three key functional areas:

1. Resource center for students interested or involved in undergraduate research 
2. Support services for faculty members interested or involved in undergraduate research mentoring 
3. Collection and reporting of data related to undergraduate research participation