Ask Mama Bob Cat
Parents and family members, welcome to the Bobcat Family!
Ask Mama Bob Cat your questions!
email ask@ucmerced.edu
Dear Mama Bob Cat, How do the kids usually get to Amtrak? My daughter tells me that Cat track does not take them to Amtrak. It only goes after 7. She is trying to get to Amtrak on Friday around 6 pm. What is the best way for them to get there? You are correct; CATTRACKS does not travel to AMTRAK before 7pm on the weekdays. Instead you might encourage your daughter to take CatTracks and then transfer to Merced County's "The Bus" which does drop off at AMTRAK.
If she needs to arrive before 6pm on Friday, she might take CATRACKS which picks up on campus at Ranchers Road at Bobcat Lane at 4:47pm and arrives at the Target at Merced Mall at 5:08pm. Then she could transfer to The Bus which departs from Target [same location] at 5:35pm and arrives at AMTRAK at 5:55pm.
Here are the route and schedules for CATTRACKS and "The Bus" that I would suggest she take:
CATTRACKS schedule
Additional info:
CATTRACKS web site
"The Bus" web site
The fare to get on "The Bus" from Target to AMTRAK is $1. CATTRACKS is free for students with their Student I.D.
Alternatively, you might suggest that your daughter reach out to one of her suitemates or classmates. Perhaps they have a car and would be willing to drive her to AMTRAK.
Dear Mama Bob Cat,
My off-campus student hasn't figured out the time schedule and route for Cat Track. Where can she get map/times/location-of-stops information?
Signed: James P. Webb
Cat Tracks is a great source of transportation to our UCM Bobcats; with 5 regularly schedules routes to transport students to and from campus. Routes drop off campus grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, salons, and most of the major student apartment complexes around town.
Check out this link to view the Cat Tracks web page with bus routes, schedules, and more.
The UCM Transportation and Parking Services also has a web site for Cat Tracks, which you can view here.
Dear Mama Bob Cat,
How can I add money onto my student’s Cat Card account? Apparently he used his Cat Card to buy his books and now I want to make sure he has enough for laundry…I’m afraid his roommates will vote him out of the suite.
Signed: Beth M., Fresno, CA
Yes, Cat Cards are not only an ID card, but also a pre-paid debit account which can be used all over campus from books to food, to laundry, and copies.
To check the account balance of a student's Cat Card click on this link. If in fact your student does still need money for expendtiures on campus, check out this link, to see the multiple options available in adding money to a student’s flexible spending account.
Dear Mama Bob Cat,
Is there some kind of “one-stop-shop” on campus where I can find information about financial aid, enrollment, scholarships, etc?
Signed: Bob H., Fremont, CA
Yes, the Students First Center is a great resource located on the first floor of the Kolligian Library Gold Wing. It is a first stop for questions about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, student records, and registration.
Check out this link, to their website for more information.
Dear Mama Bob Cat,
My student starts as a freshman this fall, we now need more financial aid than originally planned. Where can I go to find out information about financial aid opportunities?
Signed: Teri S., San Diego, CA
Financial Aid has created a page of resources especially for parents and family members. The resource page includes a financial aid estimator, forms, important deadlines, and FAQ’s.
Check out this link to explore the Financial Aid resources.
Dear Mama Bob Cat,
My daughter is going to be high-school senior this year, and is eager to apply for college. We are planning a trip to take the whole family to visit her top 3 choices of colleges, including UC Merced. I want to make sure that we visit all of the important spots on campus and have a chance to talk to a current UC Merced student, where can we sign up for a guided tour of campus?
Signed: Mary M., Temecula, CA
UC Merced has experienced student tour guides who are knowledgeable and energetic about our campus. You can visit their website to sign up for a tour, get directions to campus, information about parking, and even take a virtual tour of campus!
Check out this link to view their website and plan that trip to UC Merced today!
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Questions? Ask Mama Bob Cat! Email your questions to: ask@ucmerced.edu
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