Faculty-mentored research is an integral component of undergraduate education at the University of California. It has been shown that engaging students, particularly first-generation and underrepresented groups, in undergraduate research both increases degree completion rates and participants are more likely to see faculty and graduate student instructors as positive influences who are invested in their academic success. Undergraduate research experiences provide numerous benefits to students, regardless of their future career choices. Students who have the opportunity to engage in research or creative projects develop skills in critical analysis, problem-solving, and communication in addition to skills in understanding and applying research methods. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) at UC Merced was established in Spring 2014, with a mission to encourage and facilitate faculty-mentored undergraduate research projects and creative activities across all schools and academic disciplines.  

Guided by an advisory council of faculty campus leaders, 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