University of California Irvine Parent Guide
Student Involvement Equals Success and Fulfillment
Leadership Train
Campus Organizations
Many new college students have already acquired significant high school work or volunteer experience. At UCI, we encourage our undergraduates to continue these experiences and recommend that students seek out new interests.
UCI students have a wide range of opportunities and experiences both on and off campus to make the most of their university education by getting involved.
Leadership development through campus involvement is a priority at UCI. It is our goal to have each student graduate with five essential Core Leadership Competencies (CLCs). By participating in internships, student government, cultural groups and community service, students gain lifelong benefits including:
Administrative Knowledge
- Time management
- Budgeting
- Organizational skills
Ethical Decision Making
- Critical thinking
- Personal responsibility and accountability
- Weighing the benefits of different perspectives
Interpersonal Aptitude
- Oral and written communication skills
- Conflict resolution
- Team and community building
Cultural Literacy
- Intercultural competence
- Appreciation of differences
- Pride in cultural identity
Social Responsibility
- Knowledge of social services
- Community service
- Civic engagement
In addition to these valuable skills, students benefit from campus involvement by interacting and working with a diverse group of students, faculty and staff members, building self awareness, developing a network or support group and gaining a positive feeling of affiliation with the Anteater community. Campus involvement can contribute to students’ ability to achieve their academic and personal goals. On campus, there are a variety of opportunities that meet almost any interest. See the UCI Resources & Services section for involvement opportunities.
Opportunities to build skills, knowledge — and a resume — include:
- Leadership-based Campus Employment
- Student assistantships
- Work study
- Positions with the campus yearbook
- Academic Involvement
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
- Research assistantships
- Community Organizations
- Professional internships
- Volunteer work
UCI’s more than 500 student organizations — including 43 fraternities and sororities — focus on academics, international and cultural interests, performing arts, politics and civic engagement, social support, community service, religion and spirituality, athletics and recreation, other special interests, or a student can start a new club. Students who get involved have a more positive and more fulfilling college experience.
