Michael Dennin, Dean
Dean's Office
611 Aldrich Hall
949-824-3291
http://www.due.uci.edu

The core mission of the Division of Undergraduate Education is to support and enrich the academic experiences of undergraduate students so that they succeed and thrive. The Division provides campus leadership, programs, and services that enhance the quality of undergraduate education at UCI. An advocate and steward for educational excellence, the Division works with all academic units, programs, and members of the UCI community to foster a climate of learning, discovery, and engagement for every undergraduate student. Through its diverse and innovative programs and services, the Division provides support for student academic achievement, for a rich and coherent curriculum, and for outstanding teaching through the integration of teaching and research activities and the facilitation of effective pedagogy.

The Division also supports excellence in undergraduate education through assessment of student learning outcomes and a comprehensive program of research and evaluation conducted by its Center for Assessment and Applied Research. This center coordinates the campus approach to educational assessment and provides data and information on undergraduate students, programs, and policies for use in decision-making by the Dean of the Division and other campus leaders. It also provides consultation and technical advice for faculty and staff on assessment of student learning, program evaluation, survey research, statistical analyses of student data, and development of new undergraduate majors and minors with a view to enhance undergraduate education at UCI. For further information visit the Center for Assessment and Applied Research website.

A current list of DUE Program faculty directors and advisors can be found on the DUE Homepage.

 

The Division of Undergraduate Education is responsible for the following student programs and services. These programs and services are described in detail below.

Academic Testing Center

3040 Anteater Instructional Research Building (AIRB)
949-824-6207
http://testingcenter.uci.edu

Placement Testing

UCI’s Academic Testing Center (ATC) administers placement tests to new and continuing students to ensure correct placement in selected introductory courses and to help students assess their readiness for University-level work. These tests are selected or developed by UCI faculty who also determine the grading criteria for each test. Results from placement tests are used by students and their academic counselors to create a plan of study which is best suited to the students’ learning needs and career goals and to determine enrollment in introductory courses. Additional information, such as entrance examination scores, Advanced Placement (AP) scores, and high school work, also may be used to determine course placement.

Placement tests are given in the areas of Calculus, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Armenian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Academic English.

All newly admitted freshmen will be directed to information about summer orientation, placement testing, and registering for courses in late spring. Participation in summer orientation and advising is required of new freshmen. Freshmen will register for their fall quarter courses at orientation. Students are strongly advised, therefore, to take any required placement tests before their orientation program.

The Academic Testing Center also administers other language tests for exemptions from general education categories VI and VIII. More information is available at the Language Exemption Testing Program website. The Academic Testing Center administers the challenge by examination for I&C SCI 31, I&C SCI 45C, and I&C SCI 45J in cooperation with the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences.

For further information on placement testing and summer testing dates, visit the Academic Testing Center website or email the Center at testcenter@uci.edu.

ANTrepreneur Center

233 Pereira Drive
949-614-0101
http://antrepreneur.uci.edu/
antrepreneur@uci.edu

In partnership with UCI Beall Applied Innovation, the ANTrepreneur Center has the mission of integrating entrepreneurial and innovative thinking into the UC Irvine campus and to UC Irvine students in starting new ventures. This center provides free mentorship learning opportunities, resources to help students scale their business, and connections to the greater Irvine entrepreneurial network.

For more information visit the ANTrepreneur Center website.

Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation

5548 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway
949-824-6307
http://blumcenter.uci.edu/
blumcenter@uci.edu

The UCI Blum Center’s mission is to promote social change and inspire the next generation of leaders to action with research on poverty alleviation. By collaborating across disciplines with students, faculty and practitioners, the UCI Blum Center rigorously explores systemic, geopolitical, technological and climate forces affecting poverty. The UCI Blum Center’s innovative education programs, basic and applied research, and work in community development and policy-making engage future leaders to reduce the risks of poverty for vulnerable populations and improve humanity and its institutions. The Blum Center at University of California Irvine focuses its work around 3 key division areas: 1. Flood Hazards, 2. Human Trafficking and 3. Science & Practice of Compassion with partnerships in Environmental Peacemaking, Technology Innovation for Humanitarian Action and policy making in Washington D.C.

The Blum Center's signature offerings include:

• Global Service Scholars
• Small Change, Better World micro grant program
• The Science and Practice of Compassion (PSCI 192B) online course
• Global Poverty & Inequality in the 21st Century (UPPP 115) online course
• Poverty Track, Civic & Community Engagement Minor

Campuswide Honors Collegium

5th Floor, Science Library
Student Excellence Center
949-824-5461
http://honors.uci.edu
honors@uci.edu

The Campuswide Honors Collegium is a community of motivated learners dedicated to scholastic excellence and personal growth that is supported by the resources of a major research university. The unique opportunities provided by the Campuswide Honors Collegium for students to learn and engage with other talented and motivated students and with faculty in a supportive learning community, help students get the most out of their education, achieve ambitious goals, and prepare for future careers and graduate and professional school.

For more information, visit the honors section.

Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication

193 Science Library
949-436-8060
http://www.writingcenter.uci.edu/
writing-center@uci.edu

The UCI Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication (the Writing Center) offers free writing support to all enrolled UCI undergraduate students; we strive to make better writers, not just better writing. Our services include individual writing consultations with our professional staff, peer tutoring appointments and drop-ins, email consultations, workshops about writing for different occasions and needs, and assistance with developing research skills

The Writing Center, in conjunction with the Campus Writing Coordinator and the Division of Undergraduate Education, also conducts research about best practices in the teaching of writing and is the central campus hub for developing a culture of writing and communication at UCI.

Freshman Seminar Program

611C Aldrich Hall
949-824-1955
http://freshmanseminar.uci.edu/ (Freshmen)
seminars@uci.edu

Small seminars are offered to new Freshmen students to introduce them to the academic culture of UC Irvine. Faculty from a broad range of disciplines teach about topics of current interest in sections of up to 15 students. These seminars are a great way for new students to learn about a variety of academic fields, meet a faculty member who can serve as a mentor, get to know other new students with similar interests, and take a small class as one of their first courses on campus.

Freshman Seminars (UNI STU 3 classes) are offered all three quarters, with priority given to new students who can enroll in a maximum of three sections during their time at UCI. Details of each quarter’s offerings are available on the program website and in the Schedule of Classes.

International Students Excellence Program

949-824-2422
http://isep.due.uci.edu/
khuie@uci.edu

The International Student Excellence Program's (ISEP) mission is to assist UCI's international freshmen in making a smooth transition into university life. ISEP provides both academic excellence and social support in order to engage international students in UCI’s vibrant campus life and help them create solid relationships in their new environment. Its signature program, the International Peer Group Scholars Program (IPG), is based on strong mentor/mentee relationships that encourage cultural exploration as well as academic and personal success. In addition to individual mentoring, ISEP offers small group meetings and larger group events during Welcome Week and throughout the year. Students with questions or who do not yet have a mentor should contact the office.

Learning and Academic Resource Center

3500 Anteater Learning Pavilion
949-824-6451
http://larc.uci.edu
larc@uci.edu

The Learning and Academic Resource Center (LARC) provides academic support programs for undergraduate students. LARC's mission is to advance academic success for UCI's diverse undergraduate population, through proven active learning strategies, peer-to-peer collaboration, campus partnerships, and leadership development. LARC's student Leaders facilitate evidence-based supplemental instruction (SI), drop-in tutoring, and coaching. By working together, students can learn how to integrate course content and learning skills to become independent, successful learners.

• Small-group tutorials (SI) for specific courses: Led by a knowledgeable peer, students compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and practice problem-solving in two, 50-minute LARC tutorial sessions per week. 
• Academic learning skills workshops (time management, evidence-based learning strategies) that can be applied to all courses. 
• Individual academic coaching
• LARC After Dark drop-in tutoring program
• Leadership development for peer-to-peer learning

Learn more at LARC.UCI.EDU

Office of Civic Engagement

1200 Student Services II
949-824-5400
http://civicengagement.uci.edu/
civicengagement@uci.edu 

The Office of Civic Engagement provides students with opportunities to engage as citizens and community members in a variety of curricular and co-curricular activities that enhance their education and professional development. The Office includes the Civic and Community Engagement Minor, the UCDC Internship Program, and the UC Center Sacramento Internship Program. 

Civic and Community Engagement Minor 

The minor in Civic and Community Engagement is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to engage as citizens and active community members in the 21st century. It provides a theoretical and empirical framework to increase students’ understanding of public problems (environmental, social, and other) from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students learn about strategies to address public problems, including through public policy; through the involvement of community-based and nonprofit organizations; and through the cultivation of leadership. The minor also empowers students by providing them opportunities to cultivate leadership in public and private settings. The minor is open to students of all majors and is distinguished both by what students learn and by how they learn it - through a combination of coursework, research, and service. 

UC Washington, D.C. (UCDC) Internship Program

The UCDC Internship Program supervises and supports students who pursue internships, elective courses, research, and creative activities in the nation’s capital. This UC systemwide program, situated in the exciting environment of Washington, D.C., is open to students in all majors. The UCDC Academic Internship Program, offered during the academic year (fall, winter or spring), includes a required coursework component. The UCDC Summer Internship Program does not require coursework and is offered only in summer. Students live in the UC Washington Center building together with students from all of the participating UC campuses, which provides a social and intellectual community throughout the quarter. Internship opportunities are available in almost any setting including Capitol Hill, the White House, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, art museums, educational institutions, media outlets, and scientific organizations, just to name a few. Interested students with strong academic records are encouraged to apply.

UC Center Sacramento Internship Program

The UCCS Internship Program supervises and supports students who pursue internships, elective courses, research, and creative activities in the state capital. This UC systemwide program is open to students in all majors, and is available for the fall, winter, spring, or summer terms. While living in Sacramento, students are enrolled at UC and earn 12–16 units of credit. Financial aid eligibility is maintained. Internship opportunities are available for students in many different settings including the offices of Assembly Members, Senators, and the Governor, as well as with State agencies, nonprofit organizations, and lobbying organizations. Interested students with strong academic records are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Opportunities Program

5th Floor, Science Library
Student Excellence Center
949-824-3853
http://scholars.uci.edu
scholars@uci.edu

The Scholarship Opportunities Program (SOP) encourages and supports high-achieving undergraduates on their journeys of self-discovery through applying for the prestigious merit scholarships, internships, and awards supported by the SOP office and that are national and international in scope. Through SOP’s individual and group advising and informational and skills-building workshops, undergraduates learn early about opportunities for funded research and study at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and strengthen skills, including oral and written communication skills, that will serve them well throughout their lives through the guided preparation of their application materials, including curriculum vitae (CVs), personal statements, project proposals, and interviews. SOP also administers the process for evaluating applications and endorsing candidates for those awards that require university nomination. At SOP’s annual recognition ceremony and via various press releases, SOP scholars attain community-wide recognition for their achievements throughout their scholarship journeys.

Student Success Initiatives

2200 Student Services II
949-824-6234
http://ssi.uci.edu

Student Success Initiatives (SSI) provides students with the personal, academic, and professional support and development to thrive and succeed at UCI and beyond. SSI is dedicated to serving and assisting with the transitions of low-income students, first-generation students, undocumented students, former foster youth, transfer students, post-traditional students, students with dependents, international students, students in transition, and students with disabilities. SSI also provides a learning community that empowers students to be productive and engaged in their academic careers and personal endeavors. Drop-in counseling, scholarships for tutoring, peer mentoring, and weekly workshops are offered throughout the year.

Programs within SSI include:

• Dream Scholars

• Foster Youth Resilience in Education (FYRE) Scholars Program

• Gateway Scholars and Gateway Initiative

• TRIO Scholars Program

• Summer Bridge Scholars Program

• International Student Excellence Program

• SPF (Student Parents and Families Program)

• Transfer Success Programs

• Umoja Program

• Summer Edge Programs

Students are encouraged to visit SSI and meet our staff. Appointments can be made with the SSI staff by phone or email. Additional information is available on the SSI website.

Study Abroad Center

Study Abroad Center
1100 Student Services II
949-824-6343
http://studyabroad.uci.edu
studyabroad@uci.edu

In partnership with the Office of Global Engagement, the Study Abroad Center is a comprehensive resource and counseling center that helps students take advantage of the many worldwide opportunities that exist for study, work, internship, volunteering, research, and non-credentialed teaching that relates to their degree programs at UCI.

Studying abroad is an important resource for achieving the skills, knowledge, and understanding that will make today’s undergraduates effective citizens and leaders in local, national, and global affairs once they depart the University. In today’s political and business environment, college graduates must be informed decision-makers with a capacity to reflect on their own values while understanding the complex identities, histories, and cultures of others. Studying abroad provides students with the language skills and cultural competence necessary to meet the current demands of business, government, and educational institutions.

Professional staff and peer advisors, who have returned from experiences abroad, are available to guide students in making appropriate choices of international programs for their educational goals. Advising is available when UCI is in session. Participants are provided with pre-departure and reentry orientations.

Students are advised to plan early in their academic career in order to best match studying abroad with their major to graduate on time. Programs are available for students in every major. The wide variety of programs includes those offering general curriculum, intensive language study, and programs focusing on a specific academic subject area. Preliminary guidance is available at the How to Study Abroad webpage. Students are encouraged to combine undergraduate research and studying abroad. Coordinated advising between the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and the Study Abroad Center facilitates this option. Participation in study abroad satisfies category VIII, international/global issues, of the UCI general education requirement. Students are encouraged to study abroad as a sophomore or junior, allowing the opportunity to incorporate their international learning into their final year at UCI.

The cost of studying abroad is often comparable to the cost of studying at UCI, while some options cost more and some cost less. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

Students may participate in the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) offering more than 200 programs in 50 countries for UC students; other programs offered by UC campuses; and approved Independent Programs offered by private providers and foreign institutions.

Some UCI academic units have faculty-led programs abroad, such as the Olive Tree Initiative. The Study Abroad Center is supporting those initiatives and working to develop more UCI Departmental faculty-led programs. For more information, contact Ms. Jeanne d’Arc Gomis.

Transfer Student Center

2000 Student Services II
949-824-1142
http://transferhub.uci.edu/
transfer@uci.edu

The Transfer Student Center (TSC) works with new and returning transfer students to facilitate their transition and overall success at UCI by directing them to appropriate campus programs and services, organizing weekly workshops, providing formal and informal mentoring, and offering a space for study. The Transfer Student Center strives to foster a sense of community among the transfer student population at UCI and advocates for transfer students in order to enhance their academic and social experience. The Transfer Student Center works closely with Tau Sigma National Honor Society for transfer students and provides guidance in this organizations’ work to advocate and support transfer students at UCI.

The Umoja Program is a TSC initiative that promotes community and is a critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students.

Students are encouraged to visit TSC and meet with the staff. TSC staff can be reached in person, by telephone or via e-mail.  Additional information is available on the TSC website.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

Student Excellence Center
5th Floor, Science Library
949-824-4189
http://urop.uci.edu
urop@uci.edu

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) encourages and facilitates research and creative activities by undergraduate students. Research opportunities are available not only from all disciplines, interdisciplinary programs, and Schools, but also from many outside agencies, including national laboratories, industrial partners, and other universities. UROP offers assistance to students and faculty through all phases of the research activity: proposal writing, developing research plans, resource support, conducting the research and analyzing data, and presenting results of the research at the annual UCI Undergraduate Research Symposium. Calls for proposals are issued in the fall and spring quarters, and offer recognition and funding to undergraduates engaged in UCI faculty-mentored research. Projects supported by UROP may be done at any time during the academic year and/or summer, and the research performed must meet established academic standards and emphasize interaction between the student and the faculty supervisor.

Undergraduate/Undeclared Advising Program

256 Aldrich Hall
949-824-6987
http://uu.uci.edu
uuadvise@uci.edu

The Undergraduate/Undeclared Advising Program (U/U) assists students without a declared major, or in transition between majors, with the development and implementation of informed decisions about their educational, career, and life goals. The aim of the U/U Program is to help students make well-informed choices of a major aligned with who the student is and wants to be, and how to get there. Students in U/U receive quarterly individualized assistance from an assigned professional advisor to help them explore the variety of educational options at UCI; become more aware of their interests, values, skills, and abilities; and implement a plan toward achieving their personal goals. As a result, the academic advising provided in U/U goes well beyond simply discussing what classes to enroll in each quarter.

The U/U professional academic advisors are knowledgeable about each of the majors offered at UCI and the requirements for transitioning successfully into those majors. Recognizing the importance of the advisor-student relationship, students who are exploring their options in U/U can change their mind about what they might want to major in multiple times without having to change advisors. The U/U advisors are also well versed about resources to help students, opportunities for students to be engaged in their education at UCI, and pathways to degree completion.

Note: All students at UCI are required to choose their major by the time they reach junior status.

UTeach

611C Aldrich Hall
949-824-1955
http://sites.uci.edu/uteach/
uci.uteach@gmail.com

The UTeach program enables upper-division UCI undergraduates to design, develop, and deliver their own lower-division seminar classes. This provides an opportunity to integrate research, teaching, and learning, as contemplated by UC’s mission.

Candidate student-instructors (prospective “UTeachers”) apply for the program in the spring quarter, describing their proposed course and designating a faculty mentor to supervise their research and development. Applications are reviewed near the end of the quarter by the UTeach Student-Faculty Advisory Board (for more information, see the UTeach website). 

During the summer and fall, prospective UTeachers are expected to conduct research with their faculty mentor. They enroll in an independent study course (UNI STU 197A) with their mentor in the fall, producing a draft syllabus and course plan. The Advisory Board reviews these documents at the end of fall quarter. UTeachers whose courses pass the review enroll in a pedagogy seminar (UNI STU 197B) in the winter quarter; this seminar focuses on presentation skills, classroom management, active learning, and discussion of each other’s teaching presentations. After final approval of the syllabus and course plan, UTeachers deliver their seminars in the spring quarter and attend a weekly seminar (UNI STU 197C) that addresses practical teaching issues that have come up in the UTeachers’ classes.

The UTeach seminars (sections of UNI STU 7) are offered for one unit of P/NP credit in spring quarter. In their entire time at UCI, students may enroll for credit in at most two sections of UNI STU 7.