How do I join the Fiat Lux Scholars Program?
The Fiat Lux Scholars Program is a four-year, invitation-only program in the Calvin E. Bright Success Center. 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 Scholars Program does not have the ability to select or invite individuals.
Looking for resources for undocumented students? Please visit the following link for UC Merced Services for Undocumented Students: https://undoc.ucmerced.edu/
A similar program to Fiat Lux, yet is application-based includes:
- The UC Merced Success Mentor Program (https://learning.ucmerced.edu/Success_Mentor_Program)
There are several other unique programs and services offered by the Calvin E. Bright Success Center (BSC) geared to support your overall success at UC Merced. Learn more about the various BSC programs and services by visiting the following website: https://learning.ucmerced.edu/programs-and-services
What are some benefits of participating in the Fiat Lux Scholars Program?
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.
The goal of the program is to empower, support and connect Fiat Lux scholars through a structured system of resources and intrusive advising that promotes campus engagement, familiarizes participants with the culture of higher education, and motivates them to achieve academically and persist in college.
Scholars in our program benefit from:
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A first-year Living Learning Community (LLC) in on-campus housing*
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Holistic, student-centered support throughout the duration of all four years at UC Merced
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Dedicated professional staff and student staff that mentor and guide Fiat Lux scholars to achieve academic success
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A financial aid package of $100,000 through the scholars' four years ($25,000 minimum each academic year in grant and scholarship awards) at UC Merced. Pell Grants and Cal Grants are included in the $25,000 amount being guaranteed, as well as any other grants and scholarships the scholar has been packaged with.
*Fiat Lux scholars must submit a UC Merced Housing application by the posted Housing deadline in order to be guaranteed on-campus housing in the Fiat Lux LLC: https://ucmerced.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortalx/Login?returnUrl=%2FStarRezPortalx%2FE55B7FF7%2F1%2F1%2FHome-Home%3FUrlToken%3D8BC9D8D1&isContact=False
What is a Living Learning Community (LLC)?
First-year Fiat Lux scholars are required to live in our Living Learning Community (LLC) in Tenaya Residence Hall. UC Merced Living Learning Communities (LLCs) unite students who have similar interests and educational goals with academic, social, and personal resources across the campus community. LLCs, partnership programs sponsored by the UC Merced Office of Housing and Residence Education, are designed to enhance student learning, encourage persistence, spur intellectual development and bridge gaps between students' in-class and out-of-class experiences. Some benefits for those who participate in an LLC include: a) a greater sense of belonging, building community and making life-long relationships, b) a higher likelihood of academic success, from additional learning support and access to tutoring centers, c) facilitated connections to faculty, staff and other programs and services on campus. Questions about UC Merced LLCs? Email LivingLearning@ucmerced.edu
Fiat Lux scholars must submit a UC Merced Housing application by the posted Housing deadline in order to be guaranteed on-campus housing in the Fiat Lux LLC: https://ucmerced.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortalx/Login?returnUrl=%2FStarRezPortalx%2FE55B7FF7%2F1%2F1%2FHome-Home%3FUrlToken%3D8BC9D8D1&isContact=False
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). Fiat Lux scholars must submit a UC Merced Housing application by the posted Housing deadline in order to be guaranteed on-campus housing in the Fiat Lux LLC: https://ucmerced.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortalx/Login?returnUrl=%2FStarRezPortalx%2FE55B7FF7%2F1%2F1%2FHome-Home%3FUrlToken%3D8BC9D8D1&isContact=False
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
Information for Invited Fiat Lux Scholars.
You can also view the program requirements for second, third, and fourth-year scholars here:
Second-year scholar requirements
Third-year scholar requirements
Fourth-year scholar requirements
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 year
Fiat Lux scholars who do not meet these requirements may lose eligibility for participation in the program.
Who do I contact if I have any questions about my Fiat Lux financial aid package?
You can contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS) for any questions regarding your specific financial aid package, including questions about disbursement and aid terms and conditions. Our program has a Financial Aid liaison that is devoted to assisting students with their Fiat Lux financial aid package.
The Fiat Lux Scholars Program guarantees a financial aid package of $100,000 throughout the scholars' four years ($25,000 minimum each academic year in grant and scholarship awards) at UC Merced. Pell Grants and Cal Grants are included in the $25,000 amount being guaranteed, as well as any other grants and scholarships the scholar has been packaged with.*
*Students must complete all the necessary financial aid requirements and deadlines as posted on their Checklist on their MyConnect portal in order to be given our Promise Scholar Guarantee for the Fiat Lux Scholars Program.
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 communicate with one of the Fiat Lux professional staff 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.
Fiat Lux scholars must submit a UC Merced Housing application by the posted Housing deadline in order to be guaranteed on-campus housing in the Fiat Lux LLC: 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. Questions about UC Merced Housing? Email housing@ucmerced.edu
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
What do I do with Fiat Lux if I will be Studying Abroad for a semester or for a year?
What should I do with Fiat Lux if I am taking an Educational Leave for a semester or for a year?
If you will be Studying Abroad for a semester or for a year, please contact us at fiatlux@ucmerced.edu so we may work with you regarding any updates to your program status.
If you will be taking an Educational Leave from UC Merced for a semester or for a year, please contact us at fiatlux@ucmerced.edu so we can update your program status accordingly.
