Having had to rescheduled the opening once before, and fearful in recent months that a tight budget could result in a second delay, the administration at the state’s newest university breathed a sigh of relief when Governor Schwarzenegger signed the budget last weekend. Now that the cloud of uncertainty has lifted, spokeswoman Patti Istas says U-C Merced officials are letting prospective students know the school will definitely open in the fall of 2005. ISTAS :15—We’re reaching out to guidance counselors, to high school teachers, to community groups, a wide variety of networks throughout the state, to make sure that those folks who work hand in hand with the students know that U-C Merced will be opening next year. Istas says 27 faculty members are already on board. Another thirty teachers will be hired during the next 12 months. About one thousand undergraduate students are expected to attend the university next year. Bob Hensley KXJZ News.