The California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education is a full-day experience designed to inspire, inform, and connect students exploring graduate school. From the opening plenary to informational workshops and the graduate school fair, each part of the day is structured to support your next step.

As the host of the 2025 California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education, UC Merced stands at the forefront of inclusive, innovative graduate education. Recognized as an R1 research institution, it offers nationally ranked programs and a commitment to cultivating future academic leaders.

We are honored to welcome The Honorable Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe as our keynote speaker at this year’s Diversity Forum. A renowned soil biogeochemist, former federal science leader, and passionate advocate for equity in education, Dr. Berhe brings deep scientific insight and a powerful message of inclusion, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

The Diversity Forum offers a robust lineup of workshops and panels designed to support students exploring graduate education. Whether you’re just beginning to think about graduate school or preparing to apply, these sessions provide practical guidance, insider tips, and encouragement. Hear from graduate students, faculty, and student affairs professionals who understand the journey. And want to help you succeed.

The fair is a centerpiece of the Diversity Forum, strategically scheduled during a two-hour window starting at noon. Graduate recruiters, collectively representing hundreds of master’s and PhD programs from across the country, are available to speak with you one-on-one. Ask questions, gather materials, and connect with programs that align with your passions.

There are no competing workshops during this time.

The Diversity Forum uses Guidebook as its official conference app—your go-to tool for navigating the day. With schedules, campus maps, workshop details, and recruiter profiles all in one place, the app helps you stay organized and make the most of your time.

8:00 AM

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

11:00 AM

12:00 PM

1:00 PM

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2:00 PM

3:00 PM

• Behavioral Sciences
• Education
• Engineering and Computer Science
• Fine Arts and Humanities
• Health and Human Services
• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics
• Social Sciences

4:00 PM