University of California - Irvine (UCI)

University of California - Irvine (UCI) is an institution of higher learning and research, and one of the fastest-growing campuses in the University of California system.  It is situated in the heart of Orange County, in Southern California. Consistently ranked among the nation's top universities, UCI is known for its top-rated academic programs and professional schools. Some of UCI's newer programs include public health, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing science, and its School of Law.

UCI offers more than 80 academic majors and 63 minors for undergraduates. UCI offers more than 100 academic disciplines at the graduate degree levels, with 53 master's degree programs, and 45 doctoral programs. Professional degree programs include the M.D., Ed.D. and J.D. UCI provides graduate students with many opportunities to participate in research initiatives and interdisciplinary programs.

UCI is known as one of the top research universities in the world, thanks to a distinguished faculty of scholars and scientists. Included among the faculty are two Nobel laureates, two Medal of Science recipients, more than 20 National Academy of Science members, among others. UCI faculty are also acclaimed in the arts, literature and other disciplines, with three Pulitzer Prize winners, more than 50 Fulbright scholars, and nearly 40 Guggenheim Fellows, among others.

The Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences at UCI is the first in the UC System, and is one of the fastest-growing programs of its kind in the U.S.

UCI also offers an Extension program for continuing education focusing on professional and personal enrichment.

History 

The Irvine Company contributed 1,000 acres of land for the University of California, Irvine campus in 1960. UCI officially opened in 1965 with eight buildings on its campus. Over the years, many renowned architects contributed to additional buildings at the UCI campus.

There were nearly 120 faculty members and just over 1,500 students enrolled on campus when the school opened. 

Academics 

The academic calendar of the University of California - Irvine follows the quarter format, with fall, winter, spring and summer quarters.

Colleges and Schools 

The University of California - Irvine, refers to its departments, colleges, schools and programs as "Academic Units," which are: 

• Claire Trevor School of the Arts
• School of Biological Sciences
• The Paul Merage School of Business
• Department of Education
• The Henry Samueli School of Engineering
• College of Health Sciences
• School of Humanities
• Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• School of Law
• School of Medicine
• Program in Nursing Science
• Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• School of Physical Sciences
• Program in Public Health
• School of Social Ecology
• School of Social Sciences

 UCI also has numerous research centers and institutes.

Student Life 

The Student Affairs Office at the University of California - Irvine offers a range of student services that are gathered in clusters: Auxiliary Services, Campus Recreation, Counseling Services, Health Services, Enrollment Services, Dean of Students and Student Housing.

The Anteater Recreation Center (ARC) offers a host of student activities and amenities, including fitness facilities, activity rooms, family/children's time, an aquatics plaza, a rock wall, roller rink, multiple intramural sports clubs, many social, academic and cultural clubs, cooking and nutrition classes, dance classes, yoga, swimming lessons, team building and leadership programs, and more.

On campus student housing is available, along with a range of dining services.

Traditions 

The school colors are blue and gold, and the school mascot is the anteater. When the UCI was founded in 1965, students voted for their favorite mascot. The anteater won over the other possibilities that were promoted, including the unicorns, eagles, golden bears, and sea hawks, among others.

Athletics 

UCI "Anteater" athletic teams have earned 26 national titles in nine sports. Anteaters have won more than 60 individual national titles. More than 40 "Anteater" athletes have competed in the Olympics.  The UCI Anteater athletics teams participate in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

 Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Community Life 

UCI is located in the Irvine, California, which has been voted the "safest city in America" for several years running. The UCI campus offers all the best of California, including nearby beaches, mountains, deserts, and plenty of entertainment and culture. 

UC Irvine is Orange County's largest employer, and has a significant economic impact on the area. The campus community of UC Irvine is founded on several core principles: respect, intellectual curiosity, integrity, commitment, empathy, appreciation, and fun.

UCI's faculty, students and staff contribute to the community through programs that address social issues. The UC Irvine Medical Center and UC Irvine Douglas Hospital offer cutting-edge medicine and the latest technologies to the area's citizens.

UCI engages the community through many public events and activities, including campus performances and speaking engagements that are open to the public. A recent headliner was the His Holiness the Dalai Lama.