Each April, the MERIT Program holds a day-long retreat for the entire MERIT Community at UAB, which is central to all Partner institutions. This retreat promotes interactions among members of the MERIT Community and provides additional opportunities for the MERIT Scholars to share their research and teaching experiences and plans. MERIT Scholar alumni are also invited to attend and participate.

Each year, the retreat agenda includes ‘break-out’ sessions to discuss policy and organizational matters related to the Program. All members of the MERIT Program Community are expected to attend, with attendance required for all current Scholars, their Mentors and Program Leadership.