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.

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
https://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 to speak to their academic advisor during orientation before signing up for a placement exam.

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
https://antrepreneur.uci.edu/
antrepreneur@uci.edu

The UCI ANTrepreneur Center is committed to fostering entrepreneurial and innovative thinking among UCI undergraduate students, equipping them with the skills needed to start, operate, and grow their own ventures. Since its founding in 2014, the center has supported aspiring “ANTrepreneurs” by providing free mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, and access to essential resources. Through core program elements that include extrepreneurial workshops, external speaker series and quarterly campuswide challenges, the Center allows students to form strong connections to the broader Irvine entrepreneurial network and helps empower students to confidently navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.

For more information visit the ANTrepreneur Center website.

Campuswide Honors Collegium

5th Floor, Science Library
Student Excellence Center
949-824-5461
https://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
https://www.writingcenter.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

https://freshmanseminar.uci.edu
seminars@uci.edu
949-824-1955

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.

Learning and Academic Resource Center

3500 Anteater Learning Pavilion
949-824-6451
https://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
https://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
https://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 resumes/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
949-824-1142
https://ssi.uci.edu

Student Success Initiatives (SSI) provides individualized and group support to help students thrive academically, personally, and professionally at UCI and beyond. Committed to serving all students—including first-generation, low-income, transfer, and international students, as well as those from diverse backgrounds—SSI fosters a supportive learning community that empowers students to achieve their goals and maximize their educational experience at UCI. Services include drop-in one-on-one counseling, scholarships for tutoring, peer mentoring, and weekly workshops. Additionally, summer academic programs are available for incoming students.

Study Abroad Center

1100 Student Services II
949-824-6343
https://studyabroad.uci.edu
studyabroad@uci.edu

The Study Abroad Center is a comprehensive resource and counseling center dedicated to fostering a culture at UC Irvine in which study abroad is expected and achievable for all students. We help undergraduate and graduate students alike explore and take advantage of worldwide opportunities for study, internships, research, and more, aligning with their academic, professional, and personal goals. We also assist inbound exchange students from the University of California Education Abroad Programs (UCEAP) and UC Irvine Global Partners, enhancing their academic and personal experiences while they are studying at UC Irvine. 

Studying abroad is a transformative experience that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and global perspectives needed to become informed decision-makers and effective leaders. In today’s globalized world, cultural competence and real-world experience are essential across all industries, from business and government to education and healthcare. 

Open to all majors. Students from any major can study abroad, with options ranging from hands-on learning, general coursework to intensive language programs and specialized academic tracks. With early planning, students can seamlessly integrate international experiences into their academic journey. Study abroad can also be combined with other UC Irvine opportunities, such as undergraduate research or the Campuswide Honors Collegium. 

Affordability and Financial Aid. Studying abroad can be comparable in cost to studying at UC Irvine. Financial aid applies to most programs abroad, and special scholarships are available to make these experiences accessible. 

Program options. Students can choose from a variety of study abroad programs, that vary by length, location, and program type.  

Global Risk support. Our International Risk Manager engages in direct support with students traveling abroad to ensure proper preparedness for health and safety in international travel through a comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation process in alignment with policy. From thorough pre-departure preparation to site risk assessments, we ensure that our students and faculty are well-equipped for their journeys abroad. Our comprehensive approach includes careful vetting of international partners, 24/7 emergency response capabilities, and ongoing safety training for program leaders. 

Comprehensive support. Our professional and student staff are here to support students throughout the entire process—before, during, and after their experience! We offer one-on-one advising, orientations, and additional resources to ensure a smooth journey. 

For more information, visit our website or contact us at studyabroad@uci.edu.  

Transfer Student Center

2000 Student Services II
949-824-7649
https://transferhub.uci.edu/
transfer@uci.edu

The Transfer Student Center (TSC) supports new and returning transfer students in their transition to UCI and overall success by connecting them with campus resources, hosting weekly workshops, providing mentorship opportunities, and offering a dedicated study space. TSC fosters a strong sense of community among transfer students and advocates for their academic and social well-being.

The center serves all transfer students and offers specialized support for former foster youth, system-impacted students (including formerly incarcerated individuals), Umoja students, student parents, and more. TSC collaborates with the Tau Sigma National Honor Society to advance transfer student advocacy and engagement at UCI. Students are encouraged to visit the center and connect with TSC staff in person, by phone, or via email. For more information, visit the TSC website.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

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

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) assists undergraduate students from any academic discipline to find on-campus research and creative activities with UCI faculty, or off-campus opportunities with industrial partners, national labs, and other universities. We support students through all phases of the research journey: promoting research opportunities, guidance on identifying faculty mentors, proposal writing, applying for funding, community building activities, and presenting research results and creative activities at the annual UCI Undergraduate Research Symposium. UROP also offers opportunities for recognition and funding for UCI faculty-mentored undergraduate research projects and creative activities during the academic year and summer.

Undergraduate Undeclared Advising Program

Undergraduate Education Building A, Room 106
949-824-6987
https://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

https://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.