UC Merced is the newest University of California campus in over 40 years and the first UC campus in the San Joaquin Valley. Upon selection of the 2,000 acre Merced site, Sandis provided services for the development of Program Planning Guidelines, assisted in the master plan for the first 25-acre increment, and provided complete design and construction documents for site grading, drainage and erosion control, access to underdeveloped areas as well as sanitary sewer and storm water systems. Given the natural setting of the campus and the presence of existing vernal ponds and fairy shrimp, significant measures are being taken to maintain nature resources as well as establish sustainability. The first phase of campus facilities include the Library Information Technology Center, Science & Engineering Building, Classroom and Lecture Hall Building, and the Central Plant. All four of these facilities are on track for LEED certification.

Architecture:
Library & Central Plant: SOM
Science & Engineering Building: EHDD
Classroom: Thomas Hacker Achitects