+ UC Merced 2005-Current

+ The University UC Merced is the first new American research university in the 21 st century, with a mission of research, teaching and service. The campus opened September 5, 2005, in the Central Valley of California. The university has built on 2/3 of it’s 815 acres with plans and funding to continue construction over the next ten years Local The university is an hour north of Fresno, two hours south of Sacramento, two hours southeast of San Francisco and Silicon Valley and 90 minutes west of Yosemite National Park

+ Enrollment 2005: 875 students 2009: 3,400 students 2010: (Projected) 4,000 students, 17.6% increase from : (Projected) 11,000 students 2035: (Projected) 25,000 students

+ Undergraduate Students Undergraduate students can pursue a degree in one of three schools: The School of Engineering School of Natural Science School of Humanities

+ Graduate Students The graduate students can pursue advanced degrees in: Applied Mathematics Biological Engineering and Small-scale Technologies Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Environmental Systems Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics Physics and Chemistry Quantitative and Systems Biology Social and Cognitive Sciences World Cultures

+ Faculty The faculty are the heart of the university. 120 full-time faculty members (2009) Attracting $92 million in research awards

+ Economic Impact The UC pumps millions of dollars into the local economy: $500 million invested directly into the Valley economy through construction projects and purchases of goods and services. With 1,000 employees, the university has generated local payrolls of $269 million. (much of which flows back into regional economy in the form of business patronage and tax revenues.) Statewide investment nears $1 billion. Capital improvement plan of $1.129 billion has recently been approved by UC Board of Regents for the next ten years.

+ Economic Implications As the university continues to grow and attract more students and faculty the local economy has begun to reflect those changes. Prior to 2000 (when plans for the university first began to take form) the San Jaquin valley was largely undeveloped. Post 2000 the local economy has benefited by increases in employment and spending by the university in the region; even in lieu of the nationwide economic recession.

+ Going Green UC Merced’s planned “footprint” has been modified to minimize impacts on the region’s sensitive ecology while ensuring that an attractive, functional layout can be built. The university has an award wining 2009 Long-Range Development Plan. (highest standards for sustainable development and operation of any university in the country.) Only campus with all buildings LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

+ Medical School The university has a long-term plan to develop a medical education program leading to an independent medical school. Background on Medical School progress July of 2006, UC Merced, received a $5 million donation from United Health Foundation. May 2008, UC Board of Regents endorsed continued planning for a UC Merced School of Medicine. Fall of 2008, UC Merced retained the Washington Advisory Group (WAG) to assist in examining and evaluating the campus’ planning effort to establish a new medical school. January 2009, the consultants submitted a final report to Chancellor Steve Kang after reviewing background materials and meeting with numerous individuals on campus and at sister campuses. February 2009, UC President Mark Yudof endorsed the recommendations by WAG to establish a medical education program leading to an independent medical school at UC Merced.

+ Medical School Implications The San Joaquin Valley is in desperate need of new medical access. The future Medical School will have an enormous impact on the growth and health of the domestic economy.