Co-Curricular Learning
College learning encompasses more than just the classroom. A very important component of your pre-college experience is what you gain outside the classroom, also known as co-curricular learning. The INSIDE UCI Series and Scholars Events are collegiate life workshops and social activities designed to give you a preview of the opportunities and experiences you will encounter as a college student and introduce you to other Summer Scholars.
Your Summer Scholar experience will be guided by the wonderful staff in the Summer Session Office as well as by the Summer Scholar mentors. The mentors are UCI undergraduate students and former participants in Summer Session programs that plan social events, serve as a resource, and support you.
As part of the requirements to receive your UC Irvine High School Summer Scholar Certificate of Completion you will be required to attend a minimum number of events:
- Program Orientation on Friday, June 21st.
- Two INSIDE UCI Series events
- Two Scholars Events
- Closing Event (Date TBD)
INSIDE UCI Series Events
A key part of the High School Summer Scholar Program will be presentations known as INSIDE UCI. These presentations by prominent UCI faculty will give you a “front row seat” to the diverse academic paths and current research of UCI faculty. You will be able to ask them questions about their academic journeys, how they became interested in research, and why they do what they do.
These are some of the INSIDE UCI presentations that were offered last year:
The Chemistry of Fireworks
What chemical compounds cause fireworks to explode? What chemical compounds are responsible for the colors of fireworks? Alexander J. Wagner, Ph.D. candidate from the Chemistry Department at the School of Physical Sciences explores the chemistry of fireworks and answers some of these questions.
Last Call at the Oasis
Whether the glass is half full or half empty isn’t the point of the effervescent “Last Call at the Oasis”: It’s whether there’ll be anything in the glass at all. The presentation is a sobering yet upbeat examination of the looming catastrophic global water shortage with a lecture and movie clips conducted by Professor Jay Famiglietti from the School of Physical Sciences.
Limb Regeneration Lab
A tour and presentation of UCI’s regeneration lab and the research conducted by Susan Bryant and David Gardiner, professors of Developmental & Cell Biology. “Salamanders are the only vertebrates that can regenerate lost body parts as adults. The key to this ability is that limb cells are triggered to differentiate and reinitiate growth and pattern formation.”
UCI Stem Cell Research Tour
The tour offers an introduction to the Bill and Sue Gross Stem Cell Research Center. The fields of regenerative medicine and stem cell research have long histories of achievement at UC Irvine. Over 60 UCI scientists use stem cells in their studies, offering hope for future medical cures.
San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Tour
Dr. Peter Bowler, senior lecturer in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and director of the UCI Arboretum leads a tour of the San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Reserve and talks about his research on open space conservation and wildlife management.
As a Summer Scholar you will also have access to social events and academic workshops that will allow you to make friends with other students in the program and prepare for collegiate study.
Study Skills Workshop
Learn how to study more effectively, read textbooks, manage time, take exams, give oral presentations, avoid plagiarism, and communicate effectively. Topics covered in the workshop will help students become better suited for college coursework.
“The High School Summer Scholar Program was definitely the best part of my summer! I made so many friends...and the interns really made you feel like you belonged in the group...The best part is that I have kept in-touch with a majority of the people...and luckily for me, I got accepted into UCI, and now I will feel like I already have friends when I get there.” Zach T.2012 Summer Scholar |
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Summer Scholar Mentors
Summer Scholar mentors
are current UCI undergraduate students who are eager and enthusiastic about contributing to your success and development this summer. Each mentor completed formal leadership development training, which refined their leadership skills and reinforced the traits of positive role models.
Brimming with energy, creativity, and knowledge about UCI and college life, the Summer Scholar mentors will support you throughout our program. By participating in study breaks and group activities planned by the mentors, you will engage with other students while achieving your academic, personal, and social goals.
Meet the 2013 Summer Scholar mentors!
Scholars Events
Program Orientation
Attendance at the program orientation is required. Students will be given information about the campus and about the expectations of students at the college-level. Orientation will take place on June 21, 2013. The time and location are TBD.
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program Panel
Find out how to get involved in undergraduate research and how to get funding for your project! Hear from Said Shokair, director of UROP, as well as current UCI students who have been successful in obtaining research projects through this program. (Date TBD)
College Application Workshop with the UCI Office of Admissions
Prepare for the college application process and learn from the experts - UCI Office of Admissions staff will share tips and provide guidance about how to present your best self in your college application portfolio. (Date TBD)
Healthy Living on a College Campus
Dr. Zuzana Bic of the Program in Public Health will help students learn how they can live a healthy lifestyle during college and keep those “Freshmen 15” from climbing on! Dr. Bic holds Ph.D. degrees in both Public Health and Medicine and is the author of the book No More Headaches, No More Migraines. In 2008 she received the campusâwide Lecturer of the Year Award at the 16th Annual Celebration of Teaching. (Date TBD)
Undergraduate Student Panel
Socialize with current UCI students and discuss topics on academia and college life at UCI. Student leaders from various majors, academic interests, and extracurricular hobbies, will answer questions about the "college" experience. (Date TBD)
Program Closing
At the program closing, qualified Summer Scholars will receive their Certificate of Completion for the Program. Students will also be able to see each other one last time and participate in networking activities to ensure that students have a firm foundation for long-term friendships. (Date TBD)
Social Events Offered Previously
The Amazing Zot Race
Learn more about UCI, its many resources, and history as you venture through checkpoints across campus.
Lunch at Pippin Commons
Join the Summer Scholar mentors for lunch in the dining hall. Get a feel for what it is like to have your meals on campus, and converse with the mentors who will be ready to answer all of your questions about student and academic life at UCI.
Study Hall Cultural Potluck
Summer Scholar mentors will host a potluck! Bring your favorite international dish to share during study hall.
Waterbreak - A Water Balloon Competition
Take a break from studying by participating in a classic water balloon competition in the heart of the UCI campus. Bonus points for teams that bring their professors and teaching assistants. |
