A biweekly publication for faculty and staff

Staffer Helps Fulfill Bobcat Clubs' Needs

October 20, 2014

You could say James Hatten, an administrator in the Office of Student Life, is responsible for herding cats.

Bobcats, that is.

Hatten is a key player in UC Merced's Cat Life, the resource tool for registered clubs and organizations that allows students to network, create resources, develop goals, work on projects, develop membership lists, manage data, share materials and get the word out about their activities.

With more than 200 registered clubs and organizations on campus now, that’s a lot of Bobcats to assist.

But this isn’t his first UC job with students. He worked “everywhere” in his two years as a temporary employee at UC Davis, including student housing, student accounting and facilities, in addition to working for the UC Davis Medical Center in the Office of Infectious Diseases, supporting several doctors, a medical clinic and incoming fellows.

A Modesto native, Hatten joined UC Merced in 2010 to be even closer to family and to have a permanent position. He lives in Modesto with his fiancé, Autumn, and children Kaleb and Brieanna, and joked that he enjoys “that awesome two-lane commute every morning.”

What does your job entail?

Equipment checkouts, room reservations, phone duty, purchase orders and Cat Life.

What are some of the biggest challenges in your job?

Some of the biggest challenges in my job are changing the culture of the students in regards to office flow and policies. Also, the maintenance and constant evolution of Cat Life, which is our one-stop shop for all things related to clubs and organizations. 

What are you most proud of in your job?

I’m most proud of the continuing growth and adaptation of our office and the student population. The increase in the number of clubs and a greater demand for rooms always keeps us on our toes, not only to maintain but to come up with pro-active ways to stay ahead of the curve. 

What does your department or do you have planned for the coming year?

We have some exciting events this coming up year, like concerts, movies and trips. It’s hush-hush at the moment, but people won’t be disappointed. 

What’s something about you that people on campus might not know?

Not only am I a huge football fan, I’m a football coach for Pop Warner and high school football in Modesto. I also coach camps and clinics in the Central Valley and surrounding areas. The most notable camp is the (Lance) Briggs 4 Kids Camp in Sacramento.