The Political Engagement Living Learning Community (LLC) is a unique residential experience co-sponsored by the UC Merced Political Science Department and the Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE). This LLC is designed to foster a politically engaged and academically driven cohort of students. It will bridge first- and second-year students with upper-division students through mentorship, shared experiences, and academic collaborations. Students in the LLC will have priority access to CAPE programs and spaces, and they will actively participate in opportunities designed to deepen their understanding of political systems, civic responsibilities, and policy analysis.
The Political Engagement LLC fosters academic growth, civic engagement, and career development by providing students with practical experiences, faculty mentorship, and a supportive community. By bridging coursework with real-world applications, the LLC will prepare students for leadership roles in their communities and create engaged alumni committed to UC Merced’s values.
Orientation and Co-Curricular Activities:
• Speed-Networking Sessions: Students will meet Political Science faculty, learn about their research interests, and build connections with their peers and mentors.
• Introduction to Political Science Labs: Opportunities include learning about research assistant roles, participating in experiments through platforms like SONA, and exploring hands-on research opportunities.
• Experiential Learning Opportunities: Presentations will cover the UCDC program, which offers students the chance to live and work in Washington, D.C., and internships with The Maddy Institute, providing exposure to regional and state-level policy-making.
• Student Organization Engagement: Model UN, Mock Trial, and Middleground will participate to highlight extracurricular involvement opportunities that complement academic and civic engagement.
Exclusive Invitations:
• Political Debates
• Election Watch Parties
• Politics and Pastries discussions
• Guest speaker events featuring elected officials and policy experts
By integrating academic rigor with meaningful co-curricular experiences, the LLC will foster a collaborative and supportive environment that prepares students for civic leadership and career success.
Interested students that would like to learn more about The Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE) and Political Engagement LLC can visit our website or email CAPE staff at cape@ucmerced.edu.
