Frequently Asked Questions by Alumni
- I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about UC Merced. Is this a legitimate project?
It’s legit! We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for UC Merced. PCI is a family owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for almost 100 years. This project allows UC Merced to hear about your personal experiences and explain how UC Merced has helped shape your lives.
- Does UC Merced benefit from this at all?
Yes, in a few different ways:- Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
- Legacy – preserves the history of our school
- Revenue – generates non-dues revenue for alumni programs
- Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school
- How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?
PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (Personal Identifiable information) from any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Project.
- I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?
- If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify all the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, then ask you to share your story about your time at UC Merced. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to UC Merced at the conclusion of the project.
- If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
- If you did not receive a postcard or email, you may call the dedicated UC Merced update line at 1-855-887-3728.
- How can I edit my story?
- In the coming weeks, you will receive an email with a link to your transcribed story so that you may make any additions or deletions before the publication is sent to press.
- In the coming weeks, you will receive an email with a link to your transcribed story so that you may make any additions or deletions before the publication is sent to press.
- Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
- When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative if you prefer any of your information be excluded. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com or to Alumni Relations directly.
- When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative if you prefer any of your information be excluded. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com or to Alumni Relations directly.
- I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.
- You can call back at any time to share your story.
- You can call back at any time to share your story.
- I shared a story and the representative said I could send some photos. How do I do this?
- You will receive an email with a link to upload up to two photos (black and white or color) plus captions. If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send physical photos in to be printed (note: photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
- You will receive an email with a link to upload up to two photos (black and white or color) plus captions. If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send physical photos in to be printed (note: photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
- Can anyone purchase a book?
- The UC Merced Oral History Publication is available for sale only to UC Merced alumni.
- The UC Merced Oral History Publication is available for sale only to UC Merced alumni.
- When will I receive my book?
- The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12-13 months. Since we began the project in October 2021, the books will be distributed in October / November 2022.
- The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12-13 months. Since we began the project in October 2021, the books will be distributed in October / November 2022.
- I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
- Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.
