<p>UCM has come a long way since its beginning in 2005 and is currently making progress...</p>
<p>They recently started building new dorms which will compensate for the 200 freshmen left without housing for the 2008-2009 school year and also provide rooms for many of the freshmen admitted for 2009-2010 school year. </p>
<p>The new dining commons has been put to good use and looks amazing. However, the quality of food and service is still lacking.</p>
<p>Greek Life has officially begun. Currently, there is Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Kappa Delta Chi, and Delta Gamma for sororities. For fraternities, Alpha Sigma Chi Omega and Sigma Alpha Epsilon are now becoming active on campus.</p>
<p>As a current sophomore with a 3.6 cumulative gpa, I am excited about the opportunities at UCM and do not plan on transferring. I would argue that the coursework is not as easy as many people say it is.</p>
<p>The parking situation was really bad for awhile (many students' cars were swimming in clay, mud, and rocks during the rainy season), but the new parking lot recently opened before the winter break.</p>
<p>Leadership opportunities are abundant on campus, you just need to get involved. Start a club, participate in intramurals, or run for ASUCM. UC Merced provides many other ways to kill your time (not including coursework).</p>
<p>Due to the fact that I am a girl, I don't have much to say about that topic.</p>
<p>Socially, UC Merced has grown quite a bit. However, due to the tragic death of two students and the size and "infancy" of UCM, there has been a lot of caution exercised in throwing off campus parties, many of which are broken up within an hour or two.</p>