About This Guide
CollegiateParent has published this guide in partnership with the University of California, Riverside. Our goal is to share helpful, timely information about your student’s college experience and connect you to relevant campus and community resources.
Please refer to the school’s website and contact information below for updated information in the guide or with questions about its contents. CollegiateParent is not responsible for omissions or errors. This publication was made possible by the businesses and professionals contained within it. The presence of university/college logos and marks in the guide does not mean that the publisher or school endorses the products or services offered by the advertisers.
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For more information, please contact UC Riverside 900 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92521 Tel: (951) 827-1012
Welcome to UC Riverside
Dear Highlander Families,
Welcome to the University of California, Riverside (UCR) family! As the Director of Parent and Student Engagement, I am delighted to introduce you to a vibrant and supportive community where your student can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Here at UCR, we take pride in our commitment to excellence, diversity, and opportunity. Our world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and dynamic student life provide an environment where students can pursue their passions and achieve their goals.
We understand that this is not just a significant step for your student but also for you as a parent or guardian. At UCR, we value your role as partners in your student’s success. Through the Highlander Family Network , we aim to keep you informed, connected, and empowered throughout your student’s college experience. From workshops and webinars to family events and newsletters, we are here to ensure you feel part of the Highlander community.
UCR is more than just a university; it’s a place where students from all walks of life come together to innovate, collaborate, and grow. Your student will have access to an unparalleled support network, including academic advisors, career services, health and wellness resources, and a variety of clubs and organizations to enhance their collegiate experience.
I encourage you to explore our campus, engage with our community, and see firsthand what makes UCR such a special place. Whether you join us for a tour, attend one of our family programs, or connect with other UCR families, we are confident you will feel the energy and excitement that define our university.
Welcome to the UCR family,
Chelsea Usher
Chelsea Usher
Director of Parent and Student Engagement
951-827-0254 chelsea.usher@ucr.edu
Land Acknowledgment
We at UCR would like to respectfully acknowledge and recognize our responsibility to the original and current caretakers of this land, water, and air: the Cahuilla [ka-wee-ahh], Tongva [tong-va], Luiseño [loo-say-ngo], and Serrano [se-ran-oh] peoples and all of their ancestors and descendants, past, present, and future. Today, this meeting place is home to many Indigenous peoples from all over the world – including UCR faculty, students, and staff – and we are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work on these homelands.
Academics at UCR
At UC Riverside, learning happens both inside and outside of the classroom. An education here is rooted in dozens of exceptional major programs, led by extraordinary faculty members whose aim is to support and empower our students. Within all majors, students and faculty, alike, don’t just answer problems — they create meaningful solutions with the potential to impact the world.
At UCR, we don’t simply provide our students with an education — we give them an experience. As one of the top 1.3% of universities worldwide, according to the Center for World University Rankings, we cultivate brilliant minds for new ways of thinking, doing, and achieving. Our undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs are designed to help our multicultural student population broaden their perspectives and challenge the status quo.
Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE)
Offering 10 majors, BCOE is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in areas including biotechnology, sustainability, robotics, and nanoengineering. BCOE faculty includes National Academy of Inventors fellows, National Science Foundation and CAREER Award winners, and a National Academy of Engineering member. engr.ucr.edu ►
College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS)
UCR’s largest college, serving approximately 60% of the student population with more than 65 majors/ minors. CHASS faculty includes Pulitzer Prize winners/finalists, Marvel Comics essayists, social activists, and media influencers. chass .ucr.edu ►
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS)
CNAS students explore our universe, seeking to improve our understanding of and make new discoveries about life, physical, mathematical, and agricultural sciences. The faculty includes two Nobel Laureates and 12 members of the National Academy of Sciences. cnas .ucr.edu ►
School of Business
The largest undergraduate business program in the UC system, the School of Business prepares students for careers in finance, accounting, marketing, management, business analytics, and information systems. Recent graduates were hired by industry leaders including Esri, PwC, and The Walt Disney Co. business .ucr.edu ►
School of Education (SOE)
Started offering a new minor, Athletic Leadership – and is the first athleticsbased undergraduate program for UCR and the UC system. It also facilitates the UC’s first family autism resource center – SEARCH (Support Education Advocacy Resources Community). education.ucr.edu ►
School of Public Policy (SPP)
UCR is the only public policy school with an undergraduate public policy major in the entire UC system. Students in the program are prepared for careers in public service or non-profit and for-profit sectors, with graduates working for elected officials, think tanks, and government agencies. spp.ucr.edu ►
School of Medicine (SOM)
The UC Riverside School of Medicine was created to address the shortfall of healthcare professionals in the Inland Southern California region. The UCR School of Medicine welcomed the
first class of students in 2013 and has continued to grow since. With more than 350 current medical students, the School of Medicine offers an MD Degree, a Master of Public Health, a PhD in Biomedical Science, a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences, an MD/ PhD Combined Degree, and an MD/Master of Public Policy Concurrent Degree. medschool .ucr.edu ►
Academic Support at UCR
UCR also boasts numerous academic support and enrichment programs on campus. Students can elevate their education through tutoring, workshops, and more from our Academic Resource Center ; enjoy smaller class sizes and a built-in support system through University Honors ; and discover ways to engage globally by connecting with Education Abroad
Academic Resource Center (ARC)
Students are invited to take advantage of our academic support programs like tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, writing support and Early Assist, to get ahead in their classes. If they have an interest in personal growth and development, the ARC’s Assistance, Coaching, and Encouragement (ACE) peer mentoring program and R’Success Workshops will help students develop skills that will allow them to be successful at UCR and beyond. arc .ucr.edu ►
Research
Ranked in the top 15 for best public universities in the nation, UC Riverside has created a new model for what a great public research university can achieve. UCR boasts this as a member of the Association of American Universities, or AAU, comprised of the country’s leading research universities.
As a leader in research both nationally and globally, we’re building a better future for everyone. UCR is at the top in the world rankings for research in entomology and consistently in the top 40 universities in the world in plant and animal sciences, according to U.S. News Global Rankings. We’re also home to the largest indoor atmospheric test chamber, and a national leader in air pollution and alternative fuels research.
Research Leadership
Our renowned centers and facilities are designed to accelerate bold ideas and empower a transformative future. At UCR, our students receive hands-on experience to confidently explore solutions and test the limits of innovation. We continue to be at the forefront of groundbreaking research that will make an impact on the community and beyond.
Research Departments
RED – The Office of Research & Economic Development RED ►
OTP – The Office of Technology Partnerships OTP ►
EPIC – Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Inovations Center EPIC ►
SoCal OASIS – The Opportunity to Advance Sustainability, Innovation, and Social Inclusion OASIS ►
Impact
Year after year, UCR ranks among the nation’s top schools when it comes to contributions to the public good. Highlanders want to make an impact on the world. To not just succeed – but to help others do the same. And we do. Our graduates are Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winners, award-winning journalists and filmmakers, business leaders and presidents, scientists, actors and dancers, engineers, counselors, social justice leaders, teachers, Olympians, and so much more.
Key Relationships
Advisors and Deans
Advisors help students navigate course selection, degree requirements, and career goals, ensuring on-time graduation. They provide personalized guidance, connect students with campus resources, and offer strategies to overcome academic challenges. Strong advisor relationships foster informed decisions and a smoother college experience.
Career Center
The Career Center offers guidance on resumes, job searches, internships, and interview preparation. Regular interactions throughout your student’s years here will provide personalized advice, networking opportunities, and access to valuable resources, helping to make informed decisions and increase their chances of landing a desired job or internship.
Faculty and Teaching Assistants
Faculty and TAs provide academic guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Strong connections made during office hours and in lectures can enhance learning, clarify coursework, and open doors to research or career prospects. Professors and TAs are also valuable references for scholarships, internships, and future endeavors, fostering long-term success.
Health, Well-being & Safety (HWS)
These offices offer resources for stress management, counseling, and health services. Establishing rapport ensures
timely access to support, fostering a balanced, safe, and thriving campus experience that promotes overall well-being throughout your student’s college journey.
Highlander One-Stop Shop (HOSS)
Building a relationship with the Highlander One-Stop Shop (HOSS) at UCR is essential for managing student services efficiently. They assist with financial aid, billing, registration, and enrollment issues. Establishing rapport ensures quick support, accurate information, and a smoother experience when navigating administrative tasks, making the university journey more manageable.
Residential Life and RAs
Resident Assistants and professional staff provide support, foster community, and address concerns. They offer resources, mediate conflicts, and organize events that encourage connection among residents. Strong relationships create a safe, welcoming environment, making college life more enjoyable and successful.
Student Alumni Association (SAA)
SAA connects students with a strong network of Highlander alumni. It offers mentorship, career advice, and internship opportunities. Engaging with the association provides access to events, workshops, and resources that enhance your student’s professional growth and strengthen ties within the UCR community.
Life As a Highlander
Student Life
Student Life works in active partnership with student, faculty, and staff colleagues to foster and support student opportunities for learning, involvement, leadership, community building, and creative expression that complement classroom experiences. Student Life further supports student organizations and their leaders, and they in turn provide programs and resources to the student body and the wider university community.
We want every student to get the most out of their UCR experience. From assisting new students during Highlander Orientation and hosting workshops for first-year students, to providing an off-campus housing guide, programs for commuters, and leadership training, Student Life has created dozens of resources to serve and assist UCR’s growing and ever-changing family of diverse students.
With over 500 options, UCR has a vibrant community of student organizations , but we always encourage students to start their own groups and share their passions with other like-minded people.
Costo Hall
Costo Hall at UC Riverside is a vital hub for fostering diversity, inclusion, and community engagement on campus. Named after labor and civil rights activists Dr. Ernest and Dorothy Costo, the hall symbolizes a commitment to social justice and equity. It houses key resource centers for our Ethnic and Gender Programs like African Student Programs , Asian Pacific Student Programs , Chicano Student Programs , LGBT Resource Center, Middle Eastern Student Center, Native American Student Programs , Undocumented Student Programs , and the Women’s Resource Center, providing a space for students to connect, learn, and thrive.
The hall facilitates workshops, events, and services that promote cultural awareness and support underrepresented groups, helping to create a more inclusive campus environment. Additionally, Costo Hall is a gathering place where students can find mentorship, advocacy, and opportunities for leadership development. Its role in enriching the university’s cultural fabric makes it an indispensable part of UC Riverside’s mission to empower its diverse student body.
Campus Map
Planning your visit to UCR involves exploring the campus and touring academic and housing facilities. It’s helpful to schedule a guided tour to learn about student life, campus resources, and the surrounding community. Be sure to check UCR’s website for event dates and visitor information. While you’re here, make sure you head off campus and see more of our beautiful city.
City Tours
The Riverside Cultural Heritage Board has designed a self-tour of Riverside including historical objects and landmarks. For information, call the Riverside Convention & Visitors Bureau at (888) 748-7733
Riverside Highlights
Benedict Castle
(951) 683-4241
5445 Chicago Avenue Riverside, CA 92507
California Citrus State Historic Park
(951) 780-6222
9400 Dufferin Avenue Riverside, CA 92503
March Field Air Museum
(951) 697-6602
22550 Van Buren Avenue Riverside, CA 92518
Metropolitan Museum
(951) 826-5273
3580 Mission Inn Avenue Riverside, CA 92501
UCR California Museum of Photography
(951) 784-3686
3824 Main Street Riverside, CA 92501
UCR Sweeney Art Gallery
(951) 827-3755
3800 Main Street Riverside, CA 92501
Mission Inn Museum
(951) 788-9556
3696 Main Street Riverside, CA 92501
Riverside Art Museum
(951) 684-7111
3425 Mission Inn Avenue Riverside, CA 92501
UCR Botanic Gardens
(951) 827-4650 On Campus
Mount Rubidoux (951) 351-6250
Mt. Rubidoux Riverside, CA 92501
Important Resources
Advising
When students have questions
about
majors, minors, or certifications, or want to create an academic plan with a professional – they need to check in with our advising team. These dedicated professionals can help with the registration process and review campus procedures like adding and dropping classes. With seven different schools and colleges here at UC Riverside, it might seem difficult for students to find their advisors. Know that their academic support is important to us, so we’ll help direct them to the right person!
Health, Well-being & Safety (HWS) Health, Well-being & Safety (HWS) is made up of nine departments (Basic Needs , The Well , Campus Advocacy, Resources, and Education(CARE), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Crisis Response & Intervention (SWIFT), Case Management , Student Disability Resource Center, Student Health Services (SHS), and Police and Campus Safety) that are dedicated to listening, supporting, and providing UC Riverside students with helpful resources and services for their overall safety and well-being.
The vision for HWS is to be a model of excellence in higher education by providing students the best campus environment to thrive, enhance, sustain, and support their personal growth and academic goals, ultimately making a positive impact in communities throughout California, nationally, and worldwide.
The mission of the division is to raise awareness and provide students with an inclusive framework of services, resources, and programs that cultivate community and a holistic approach to the campus environment by supporting diversity and student success through an integrated culture of wellness.
The Highlander One-Stop Shop (HOSS)
The Highlander One-Stop Shop (HOSS) connects your student with a group of friendly and supportive Information Specialists ready to assist with Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, Summer Sessions, Transfer Credit and Articulation Services, and Student Business Services. The HOSS empowers students to succeed in their Highlander journey by delivering effective, centralized student services while communicating with clarity and empathy. We provide a hassle-free experience!
Gardens for Acres
The UCR Botanic Gardens , located at the University of California, Riverside, is a lush, 40-acre living museum featuring diverse plant collections from around the globe. With winding trails, themed gardens, and serene vistas, it offers a peaceful retreat for visitors and an educational resource for horticultural research. The gardens showcase California’s native plants, desert landscapes, and tropical flora, fostering conservation and environmental awareness while providing a habitat for wildlife and a haven for nature lovers.
UCR’s R’Garden is a vibrant, three-acre community garden located on the University of California, Riverside campus. It serves as a hub for sustainability, education, and community engagement. The garden grows fresh produce, supports research on sustainable agriculture, and provides students and local residents with hands-on gardening experiences. With its focus on food security and environmental stewardship, R’Garden fosters a deeper connection to nature while promoting health, wellness, and collaboration among diverse groups.
The UCR Native American Garden is a dedicated space on the University of California, Riverside campus that honors Indigenous cultures and their relationship with the land. Featuring plants significant to Native American traditions, it serves as a living classroom for education and cultural exchange. The garden reflects sustainable practices, fosters community connections, and provides a tranquil environment for reflection while celebrating the history, knowledge, and contributions of Native peoples to the region.
Athletics
Division I Athletics
UCR offers a wide range of athletic programs that highlight both competitive achievement and inclusivity. The Highlanders compete at the NCAA Division I level in the Big West Conference, showcasing the university’s commitment to excellence in sports. The university’s sports programs include basketball, soccer, track and field, volleyball, baseball, softball, and many others, offering opportunities for student-athletes to excel in their chosen fields.
UCR has produced notable athletes, including middle-distance runner Brenda Martinez, an Olympian and national champion. Additionally, former UCR baseball player, pitcher Joe Kelly, went on to become a Major League Baseball pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Student Recreation Center (SRC)
At the University of California, Riverside’s Recreation department, our programs help Highlanders develop a positive attitude toward life-time fitness and healthy lifestyles, both mental and physical. Our programs, services and facilities are designed to enhance personal and academic success by providing a forum for people of similar interests and skills to meet and participate.
All UCR students are automatically members of the Student Recreation Center (SRC), a 155,000-square foot state-of-the-art facility for exercise, sports activities, events and general recreational use.
Go Highlanders! ►
Financial Aid and Scholarships
A UC degree is more affordable than you might think!
Nothing should stop your student from accessing UCR’s world-class education –especially money. Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are offered to qualified students by our Financial Aid office.
In fact, 86% of UCR undergraduates who applied received some form of financial aid and 98% of financial aid recipients received gift-aid (grants and scholarships).
So, remind your student to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov every year – even if they don’t think they qualify – by the priority filing of March 2 for the best chances at getting financial aid.
Note for the Dreamers:
The California Dream Act (AB 130 & AB 131) allows AB 540 students to be eligible for state financial aid. Students granted DACA should apply for the California Dream Act, not FAFSA, by March 2. dream.casc.ca.gov ►
Grants and Scholarships
If admitted, your student will automatically be considered for grants and scholarships (FREE money!). They can also apply for awards from UCR, outside agencies, businesses, and non-profits. scholarship.ucr.edu ►
Tuition, Cost, and Fees
UCR’s undergraduate tuition and fees are a flat rate that remains the same until the student graduates, for up to six years. Find cost breakdowns for all populations at financialaid.ucr.edu/cost
Housing, Dining, and Residential Education
UCR is home to students who live on campus, live nearby, or commute to campus. We have resources to help everyone live well and be part of the campus community. Get a feel for campus life by taking a free student-led family tour of our beautiful campus. Not in California? Take a video or virtual tour without ever leaving home. Learn more and register at visit.ucr.edu.
Dining
Your student has many dining options at UCR, and dining plans are available to make getting a bite to eat easy. Choices include American and international cuisines, residential and retail restaurants, convenience stores, coffee shops, food trucks, specialty menus with vegetarian, vegan, and halal options, and healthy choices – all right here on campus.
Residential Education
By living on campus in the center of everything, your student can experience much more than classroom learning. Residence Halls aren’t just places to sleep – they’re places to feel at home, to learn, to make friends, and to have fun. They include computer labs, study spaces, and tutoring services.
Learning is always a priority. Beyond that, they offer hall-to-hall competitions, socials, dances, pool parties, cultural celebrations, BBQs, concerts, movies, and more. We also offer Living-Learning Communities and Themed Hall living options that connect your student to other students by common interests, heritage, and/or personal development.
Campus Safety
UC Riverside values safety—your student is in good hands here. Student success and safety are top priorities at UCR.
Safety Resources Include:
⦁ An on-campus police department available 24/7 that regularly patrols the campus
⦁ An emergency notification system that sends urgent text alerts to the campus community
⦁ A zero-tolerance policy against sexual violence
⦁ Secure residence halls featuring video surveillance, restricted card access, and live-in staff
Our Community Service Officers patrol halls and parking lots during evening hours, and Campus Safety escorts are available to walk students across campus at night.
We have many other safety measures in place, but nothing tops our most important one – our caring community. We look out for each other. police.ucr.edu ►
Family Emergencies
Parents are welcome to call the Case Management office whenever they are concerned about their student. They can request that a case manager reach out to their student, or they can simply consult about how to handle a situation regarding their student. We can be reached at (951) 827-5000 or at casemanager@ucr.edu.
Case managers cannot, however, share any of the student’s information such as their grades, class schedule, or financial information without the student’s written permission. They can share general information about university policies and departments with you.
If you are concerned about a student’s well-being, then any issue is appropriate for case managers. We will help the student get to the right place if we are not the correct department to assist them.
For immediate safety concerns, call the UCPD at (951) 827-5222 . – UCR Case Mangement
If the student is having a mental health issue and is unsure about going to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), we can address the student’s concerns and normalize the counseling process, as well as help the student connect with counseling support.
Alumni
UC Riverside is one of the most dynamic universities in the US, and its alumni contribute to the rise of their alma mater. Our rich history includes extraordinary graduates of all ages who have built an impressive record of notable achievements.
Distinguished Alumni Include:
⦁ Richard Schrock ’67 – Nobel Laureate
⦁ Steve Breen ’92 – two-time Pulitzer Prize winner
⦁ Cory Butner ’05 – US Olympian
⦁ Brenda Martinez ’10 – US Olympian
⦁ Billy Collins ’65, ’71 – Poet Laureate
⦁ Michael Johnson ’76 – NFL player
⦁ Joe Kelly – MLB player
⦁ Shah Selbe ’04 – National Geographic Explorer
Need-to-Know Acronyms
ARC – Academic Resource Center
ASP – African Student Programs
APSP – Asian Pacific Student Programs
ASPB – Associated Students Programming Board
ASUCR – Associated Students of UC Riverside
BCOE – Bourns College of Engineering
BNA – Basic Needs Allowance
CADAA – California Dream Act Application
CAPS – Counseling and Psychological Services
CARE – Campus Advocacy, Resources, and Education
CHASS – College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
CNAS – College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
COA – Cost of Attendance
CR/NC – Credit/No Credit
CRN – Course Reference Number
CSP – Chicano Student Programs
EAP – Education Abroad Program
EFC – Expected Family Contribution
EOP – Educational Opportunity Program
ESL – English as a Second Language
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
FERPA – Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
FGMP – First-Generation Mentor Program
FYE – First-Year Experience
GPA – Grade Point Average
HFN – Highlander Family Network
HOSS – Highlander One-Stop Shop
HUB – Highlander Union Building
ITS – Office of Information Technology & Solutions
LGBTQ+ – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and more
MESC – Middle Eastern Student Center
NASP – Native American Student Programs
RA – Resident Assistant
R’Gear – Riverside Gear (UCR merchandise)
R’Web – UCR Web Portal
SAI – Student Aid Index
SAP – Satisfactory Academic Progress
SBS – Student Business Services (payments)
SDRC – Student Disability Resource Center
SOE – School of Education
SIR – Statement of Intent to Register
SPP – School of Public Policy
SSO – Single Sign-On
TA – Teaching Assistant
SAA – Student Alumni Association
SRC – Student Recreational Center
UC – University of California
UCOP – University of California Office of the President
UCR – University of California, Riverside
UCRPD – UC Riverside Police Department
USP – Undocumented Student Programs
WRC – Women’s Resource Center
Academic Advising – ask.ucr.edu/academic-advising ►
Admissions – admissions .ucr.edu ►
Athletics – gohighlanders.com ►
Campus Store – ucr.bncollege.com ►
Career Center – careers .ucr.edu ►
Financial Aid – financialaid.ucr.edu ►
Health, Well-being, and Safety – hws .ucr.edu ►
Highlander Family Network – families .ucr.edu ►
Highlander Link – highlanderlink .ucr.edu ►
Highlander One-Stop Shop – hoss .ucr.edu ►
Housing – housing.ucr.edu ►
Library – library.ucr.edu ►
Registrar – registrar.ucr.edu ►
R’Web – portal.ucr.edu ►
Student Affairs – studentaffairs .ucr.edu ►
Student Business Services – sbs .ucr.edu ►
Student Life – studentlife.ucr.edu ►
Student Recreation Center – src .ucr.edu ►
Where Downtown Meets UC Riverside
Located across the street from University Village, and just half a mile from the University of California at Riverside (UCR)
