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Privacy Policy and Legal Statements

Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of California, in accordance with applicable laws and university policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. The university also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in university programs and activities. For further information, contact Human Resources at hr@ucmerced.edu.


Personal Information Statement

Information furnished on the application will be used by various university offices to determine your admissibility to a graduate program. It may also be released to state and federal government officials if required by law. You are permitted to review personal information maintained about you in accordance with university policy. Application materials become the property of the Graduate Division and cannot be returned. For further information, contact the Graduate Division, 5200 N Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343.


Use of Social Security Numbers

SSN disclosure is mandatory. The university is required by federal law to report your SSN and other pertinent information to the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to the reporting requirements imposed by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. The university will use the SSN you provide to verify the identity of each applicant, to link our admissions file with Financial Aid Office data, to link our application data with Graduate Record Examination scores from the Educational Testing Service, to link to the Payroll Office to verify amounts paid to students receiving teaching assistantships and research assistantships, and to link financial awards and admission data to registration histories and student records. This record-keeping system was established before January 1, 1975, pursuant to the authority of the Regents of the University of California under Article IX, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of California. This notification is provided to you as required by the Federal Privacy Act of 1974.


Accuracy of Information

The submission of any false or misleading information of any kind in support of an application for admission to the Graduate Division at the University of California, Merced, may result in the permanent cancellation or rescission of admission or financial awards by the Dean of the Graduate Division. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all information is accurate and complete.


Statement on Admission

Admission of an applicant to a graduate program does not constitute a commitment on the part of the University to accept the applicant as a candidate for a degree or to recommend the applicant for a credential or a degree.