Promise Housing for UC Merced and Merced College Students Nears Completion

A new student housing complex built through a partnership between UC Merced and Merced College is nearing completion in Merced. The project, called Promise Housing, is the first of its kind for the two institutions and is expected to begin welcoming residents in the spring semester.

The $108 million development will offer more than 400 beds. Roughly 60% of them will be set aside for UC Merced students, while nearly 40% will go to Merced College students. Crews are now finishing the courtyard, common areas and residential spaces.

Officials say demand is high. "We have more interest in this particular housing than we do anywhere else, and of course it's our newest housing here at UC Merced," said Tonantzin Oseguera, UC Merced's vice chancellor of student affairs and engagement.

The two schools developed the project to expand student housing options and reduce housing insecurity in the region. Merced College Director of Student Housing Tylina Burdell said many students are affected by the problem. "A lot of them face housing insecurity, even homelessness," she said. "It's hard. How do you go to classes when that is the biggest stressor in your life?"

The complex offers two housing styles. Apartment-style units have four private bedrooms connected by a shared living area. Suite-style housing has four shared bedrooms, with a communal kitchen located nearby. All units come fully furnished.

University leaders also see an academic benefit in mixing the two student populations. Oseguera noted that many Merced College students are pursuing nursing or paramedic degrees, while UC Merced has a medical education building. "They'll be able to talk to students who are actually becoming doctors," she said.

Merced College students must be at least 18 years old and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to qualify. Those with the greatest financial need will receive priority placement.

Some college leaders hope the shared community will encourage Merced College students to eventually transfer to UC Merced, but nothing requires it. "They do not have to transfer, they do not have to take classes at UC Merced," Burdell said. "We just hope that the exposure may convince them and inspire them even to attend this institution."

Applications are open, and administrators at both campuses say interest has been strong. Merced College students can reach Student Housing at promisehousing@mccd.edu or 209-384-6243. UC Merced students can contact Housing & Residence Education at housing@ucmerced.edu or 209-228-4663.