Welcome to CNAS

Admitted Students

Welcome to the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (a.k.a. CNAS)!

We're thrilled to welcome you to our academic community and we can't wait to see you on campus soon! We invite you to use this page in the months ahead to get to know CNAS better. From on-campus and virtual events to opportunities to interact with current students, faculty and staff, you'll find that there's a lot to love about CNAS!

Advice from Current CNAS Students

Our students weigh in on how you can get the most out of your CNAS experience!

Saba Najafi
"Take your time adjusting to your classes and to the quarter system. It moves by really fast, and you want to make sure you get the hang of things before getting involved in other activities around campus. Once you feel comfortable with your schedule, go check out clubs, or maybe some research opportunities."
Saba Najafi '25, Biology
Indianapolis, IN
Kyrollos Salama
"Build relationships with your professors and seek out their mentorship. They are experts in their fields, and can provide invaluable guidance, research opportunities, and career advice. Research experience is crucial in the sciences, so look for research projects, internships, or lab assistant positions early in your academic journey. Hands-on experience will not only enhance your knowledge, it will also make you a competitive candidate for future opportunities."
Kyrollos Salama '24, Biology
Pomona, CA
Shiraz Mogul
"Come to CNAS with an open mind, because you will get introduced to ideas and topics you might not have heard of before, but are really interesting. The CNAS community is unlike anything I've been a part of and I would not have met so many of my closest friends if not for this college so I am really grateful for that."
Shiraz Mogul '26, Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology
San Diego, CA
Russel Arevalo
"You belong! College is all about learning from your experiences and trying your best every day."
Russel Arevalo '25, Biology
Cerritos, CA
Linlin Liu
"Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and explore. That way, you'll get to learn so much about science, research, graduate school and working in the industry, and you'll have the opportunity to meet so many incredible people. We're looking forward to having you be a part of the CNAS community!"
Linlin Liu '24, Statistics
Grand Terrace, CA
Kamron Sherafat
"Maintain time management! Make time for the things you love to do outside of school while still ensuring that you are putting your best effort into your classes!"
Kamron Sherafat '26 Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology
Riverside, CA
Anastasia Farronan
"If you are interested in a specific field or have a career path in mind, research the different programs that UCR offers. URC does have a School of Medicine that offers pathway programs for pre-med interested students. On-campus clubs also offer shadowing, clinical and volunteering experiences for all pre-health and science-orientated students. Think about your future goals and see if UCR aligns with what you want to do in the future. UCR is a place where you can grow, so even if you come in looking into a specific career and that changes, UCR will be able to support your career needs."
Anastasia Farronan '24, Neuroscience & Biology
Santa Ana, CA
Michelle Tellez
"Take advantage of all the opportunities being offered to you! Go to office hours and reach out to professors if you are interested in their research. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and look into mentorship or clubs."
Michelle Tellez '26, Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology
Fontana, CA
Sana Saifullah
"CR enables students to be incredibly well rounded...for example, I am actively part of a psychology lab even though I am majoring in biology. There are various opportunities for everyone!"
Sana Saifullah '25, Biology
Diamond Bar, CA
Imani Odunze
"If science is something that truly interests you, you should go for a CNAS major because you may realize you are more capable than you think."
Imani Odunze '26, Biology
Long Beach, CA

Register Now!

Highlander Day Dates 2024

Don't miss UC Riverside's in-person open house for admitted students and their families to learn more about our welcoming and inclusive campus!

Connect with inspiring faculty and friendly UC Riverside students and discover academic, wellness, and career resources to prepare and support you through graduation and beyond!

We can't wait to see you on campus!

REGISTER NOW

Check out the following events:

 

  • CNAS info sessions 
  • CNAS tours with our Science Ambassadors
  • CNAS faculty panel and presentations
  • Open houses, student programs, and workshops 

Highlander Day is a "choose your own adventure"-style open house event. Sessions will be repeated throughout the day so you can pick and choose which to attend and plan your own schedule accordingly!

Students walking along Pierce Lawn during Highlander Day

Sign Up Now!

Ask CNAS Event Promo

 

SIGN UP NOW

Choose any of the following dates:

 

  • Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Pacific Time
  • Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Pacific Time
  • Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Pacific Time
  • Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Pacific Time

Learn more about the UC Riverside College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (CNAS)...from the students themselves!

Join current students, faculty and staff online for interactive webinars designed to introduce new students to CNAS. After presentations from our panelists, we'll have a live Q&A so you can get all of your questions answered about courses, research opportunities, clubs, activities and more!
 
Registration is required. Please note that all webinars take place in Pacific Time.
 
We look forward to hosting you online soon!

CNAS Go2s

As you think about attending UC Riverside in the fall, you're probably wondering...what should I bring with me? We asked that very question to students at the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (CNAS)! Tune in to our new video series, CNAS Go2s, to learn what our current students can't do without, and to get tips & suggestions for your continued success at CNAS! New videos added every other week.

CNAS Learning Communities (LC)

UC Riverside students studying & drawing on the concrete

All incoming CNAS students are placed in a CNAS Learning Community (LC) - a small group of CNAS first-years with similar majors and interests, who take their math and science courses together throughout the entire first year.

Our program reserves these courses for our participants, setting them on the right track for a four-year graduation. Our Learning Communities offer incoming students more than just guaranteed classes. Their LC is a built-in support network for their entire first year at UC Riverside.

Learn More About Learning Communities

The LC Advantage:

 

  • Students in LCs tend to have higher GPAs
  • LC students receive faculty and professional academic advisor support, plus supplemental instruction
  • The opportunity to apply to the Research in Science and Engineering program (RISE), a funded summer research program with tenure-track faculty
  • A built-in support network for their entire first year at UC Riverside
  • Making friends, forming study groups, and participating in campus activities
  • And much, much more!

Watch: UC Riverside's Learning Communities

Two UC Riverside students studying together in class

Introducing The Undergraduate Academic Advising Center (UAAC)

UCR Students Congratulating Each Other

 

 

All CNAS students are assigned an academic advisor who provides them with the guidance they need to navigate their degree path as well as the university as a whole.

UAAC empowers students to develop and achieve their academic goals through an individualized, student-centered approach to advising, student success programming, engagement opportunities, and campus resource connections.

Learn More About UAAC

UAAC Will Help You:

  • Explore opportunities in your major
  • Learn how to plan your courses to stay on track
  • Learn how to navigate UCR policies and procedures
  • Get connected to research and internship opportunities
  • And much, much more!
CNAS Undergraduate Academic Advising Center Group

 

UCR Fun Facts

54 Cool Things You Should Know About UC Riverside

 

Since welcoming our first class in 1954, UC Riverside (UCR) has been home to inventors and innovators, creators and community leaders, and geniuses and groundbreakers.

54 FACTS ABOUT UC RIVERSIDE

This is a university that recognizes students’ impressive accomplishments and vigorous drive, and keeps that same energy pumping as Highlanders work toward their university degrees.

UCR is proud to be home to students with bold hearts and brilliant minds who want to succeed and are excited to make a difference. 

Get to know more about UCR through these 54 Facts and Impacts — our academics, people, and student life — and find your place here too!

Students hanging out with Scotty statue

CNAS Majors

CNAS faculty member with students

The world of science is a world of exploration! 

CNAS undergraduate students have access to 17 majors within 13 departments, with a total of 29 options or tracks. In addition to their coursework, more than half of CNAS undergraduates participate in research during their time at the College.

Explore CNAS Majors

Maybe you:

  • Are excited about exploring the world for yourself
  • Are interested in CNAS because of the advantage it gives you for a career in one of the medical or health professions
  • Love math and science but aren't sure what direction in which to go
  • Already chose your major, but want to have some other experiences too

No matter which description fits you best, the CNAS Advantage is for you!

Student with a microscope

Enroll Now!

Submit your Statement of Intent to Register

As a newly admitted student, you have access to My.UCR.EDU.
This exclusively-Highlander portal allows you to do many things, including submitting your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).

We can't wait to have you join the Highlander community!

Say "Yes" to UCR Today
 

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

Join us on campus (or online) at our upcoming events for admitted students!

 

Ask CNAS Admitted Student Webinar (online)

Thursday, April 11, 2024
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Pacific Time
Register for April 11 ››

 

Highlander Day (for first-year students)

Saturday, April 13, 2024
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join us on campus for a special, open house-style event designed to welcome newly admitted transfer students to the UC Riverside community! Check out panels, info tables and special sessions featuring CNAS students, faculty, and alumni!
Register for Highlander Day (First-Year Students) ››

 

Ask CNAS Admitted Student Webinar (online)

Tuesday, April 23, 2024
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Pacific Time
Register for April 23 ››



Science Lecture Series 2024: Gravitational Waves, with Prof. Barry C. Barish

Tuesday, April 30, 2024
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Pacific Time
UCR University Theater
Register for Science Lecture Series ››



Highlander Day (for transfer students)

Saturday, May 4, 2024
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join us on campus for a special, open house-style event designed to welcome newly admitted transfer students to the UC Riverside community! Check out panels, info tables and special sessions featuring CNAS students, faculty, and alumni!
Register for Highlander Day (Transfer Students) ››

 

Ask CNAS Admitted Student Webinar (online)

Thursday, May 9, 2024
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Pacific Standard Time
Register for May 9››

 

Science Lecture Series 2024: From Dirt to Data, with Prof. Elia Scudiero

Tuesday, May 14, 2024
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Pacific Time
UCR Palm Desert, 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Register for Science Lecture Series ››



Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) deadline (for first-year students)

Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Submit your SIR (First-Year Students) ››

 

Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) deadline (for transfer students)

Thursday, June 1, 2024
Submit your SIR (Transfer Students) ››

More CNAS Events

FAQs

Got questions? We've got answers!

 

How do I SIR?

If you have been offered admission to UC Riverside, you can submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) on My.UCR.EDU. You will need to review and agree to the Provisions of Admission prior to submitting your SIR.

 

Can I submit a late SIR?

If you intend to enroll at UC Riverside for your applied term, you should make every effort to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by your SIR deadline. At this time, there is no guarantee that we will be able to accept SIRs after the stated deadline.

 

What is the SLR?

Every student admitted to UC Riverside must submit the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) online.

 

I have completed the FAFSA, when can I expect an offer of financial aid?

New student awards become available beginning in March. Once your award is ready, you will be notified via MyUCR through "Alerts" and "Spotlights." However, if your application is selected for verification of reported information, you will be notified on MyUCR of any additional documents or information needed to complete your financial aid application. If additional documents are required, they must be submitted to the UCR Financial Aid Office by May 1 in order to maintain on-time financial aid consideration.

 

How can I register to live on campus?

Campus housing is in high demand and does get full quickly. First-year students must submit their contract and first payment for Residence Halls housing by May 10 to receive guaranteed housing for fall. You will select your room and roommates (if applicable) during a process that occurs during summer quarter. Transfer students must submit their contract and first payment for our Residence Halls, or submit an application for our Campus Apartments or Family Housing, as soon as possible. While space is limited, any incoming transfer students who complete their contract and submit their first payment by May 10 will be given priority to access room selection for available spaces.

 

More FAQs

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