How do I join the Fiat Lux Scholars Program?
The Fiat Lux Scholars Program is an invitation-only program. Scholars invited to the program must meet certain criteria set forth by UC Merced Admissions and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. The Fiat Lux Program does not have the ability to select individuals.
A similar, yet application-based program at UC Merced includes:
- The Success Mentor Program (https://learning.ucmerced.edu/Success_Mentor_Program)
What type of support does the Fiat Lux Scholars Program provide?
The Fiat Lux Scholars Program offers holistic academic and personal support to our scholars, including workshops, socials, faculty receptions, professional developments, and one-on-one meetings with professional staff and student staff.
What are the requirements for first-year Fiat Lux scholars?
First-year Fiat Lux scholars are required to live on-campus in Tenaya Hall in our Living Learning Community (LLC). In addition, Fiat Lux scholars have a set of requirements they must complete each semester for our program. You may find more information about First-Year Fiat Lux Scholars Program requirements here: http://fiatlux.ucmerced.edu/First_Year_Scholars
How can I maintain my yearly eligibility within the Fiat Lux Scholars Program?
In order to maintain yearly eligibility in the program, Fiat Lux scholars are required to:
- Maintain active participation and complete all Fiat Lux Scholars Program requirements each semester
- Maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA
- Complete the FASFA application by the priority deadline each year
- Submit all required documentation requested by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships by the established deadline each year
- Maintain a full-time course load of 12 units or more per semester
- Meet UC Merced Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards each year
- Maintain Pell Grant and Cal Grant eligibility
- Maintain continuous enrollment at UC Merced for 4 years
Who do I contact if I have any questions about my Fiat Lux financial aid package?
Our program has a Financial Aid liaison that is devoted to assisting students with their Fiat Lux financial aid package. You may contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS) for any questions regarding your package, including questions about disbursement and aid terms and conditions.
What if I want to be removed from the program?
If you would like to be removed from the program, you will need to email the Fiat Lux account at fiatlux@ucmerced.edu stating that you would like to be removed from the program. We also recommend that you meet with the Program Coordinator before you make this decision, as this may impact you academically and financially while at UC Merced.
Are Fiat Lux scholars required to live on-campus?
First-year students who are invited to and accept to participate in the Fiat Lux Scholars Program are required to live in the Fiat Lux Living Learning Community (LLC) in Tenaya Hall on campus. Students must submit a UC Merced Housing application by the posted Housing deadline: https://ucmerced.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortalx/Login?returnUrl=%2FStarRezPortalx%2FE55B7FF7%2F1%2F1%2FHome-Home%3FUrlToken%3D8BC9D8D1&isContact=False
You will later be notified by UC Merced Housing on how to proceed with the LLC, the roommate selection process, and move-in dates.
Can I join the Fiat Lux Scholars Program if I am a transfer student?
No, the Fiat Lux Scholars Program is only available as a four-year program and is intended for incoming First-Year students. However, UC Merced has a program called TRV (Transfer, Returning, & Veteran Student Services), which you can participate in. You can find more information about TRV here: https://trv.ucmerced.edu
