Contact & Hours

Office Location

Kolligian Library, Room 101 

Please note that our entrance is located at the exterior door of KL 101, next to the CARE Office and near Social Justice Plaza.

Mailing Address & General Contact Information

email: international@ucmerced.edu
tele: (+1) 209-228-4722
fax: (+1) 209-228-4708

Office Hours

• Monday-Thursday: ​10:00AM - 4:00PM
• Friday: 10:00AM - 2:00PM

*Except on any holiday closure dates noted at the bottom of this page

If you have a non-emergency question, please email: international@ucmerced.edu

For International Student & Scholar related emergencies, please contact Becky Mirza: (209) 355-0913

For Study Abroad related emergencies, please contact Craig Harmelin: (209) 756-4665

For all other urgent concerns, please contact Garett Gietzen: (209) 285-9870

The Office of International Affairs will observe closures on the following dates

University-Wide Holiday Closure Dates 2026

Office of International Affairs Services

Study Abroad

• Schedule an appointment with the appropriate Study Abroad staff member (see responsibilities)
• Visit the Study Abroad staff page in the MyStudyAbroad Portal for appointments, drop-in hours, or other contact information (cell phones for voice and texting, email, Whatsapp, etc.).
• Attend Study Abroad Events
• Are you ready to submit your MyStudyAbroad application? Just click submit and if you have further question you can email your study abroad advisor or drop into zoom hours.

International Students & Scholars

• Are you a new international student who has questions on how to obtain your UC Merced I-20 or DS-2019? Are you a current student who needs information on CPT,OPT, Academic Training or any other questions regarding your F-1 or J-1 student visa? For all current student matters, you can email Kassity Veloz, our International Student Visa Specialist.
• Are you a J-1 Exchange Visitor teaching or researching at UC Merced? You can email our J Scholar Visa Specialist Rico Johnson. His direct cell phone number is (209) 355-1018.
• Do you have questions about employment-based visas (H, O, E-3, TN or Permanent Residency)? If so, you can email Becky Mirza. Her direct cell phone is (209) 355-0913.
• For International Student & Scholars general inquiries, please contact iss@ucmerced.edu.