Over the past two weekends, UC Riverside brought the Highlander experience on the road—welcoming newly admitted students and their families at Regional Celebrations in Oakland, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

For many, these events marked their first introduction to the campus community they may soon call home. For others, they were a chance to begin imagining what the next four years could look like—academically, personally, and socially.

And for the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (CNAS), it was an opportunity to begin building those connections early.

A First Welcome—and a First Step

At each event, students and families heard directly from admissions, current students, and campus partners, while also connecting one-on-one with representatives from colleges, schools, and programs.

“First off, I just want to start by saying congratulations,” said Veronica Zendejas, Director of Undergraduate Admissions. “The reason you have so many options is because of all the hard work and commitment that you've been putting into your education.”

But beyond celebration, the message was clear: this moment is about finding the right fit.

“The biggest question is—where are you going to find the best fit for you?” Zendejas said. “Where are you going to grow? Where are you going to get the support that you need to be successful?”

That sense of support—extending not just to students, but to families—was central to the experience.

“UCR is going to be there to support your student just the way that you have been there to support them along the way,” she added.

Bringing the Campus Experience to Students

The Regional Celebrations are designed to meet students where they are—especially those who may not yet have had the chance to visit campus.

“The reason for regional receptions is because we know students may not be able to come to campus,” Zendejas explained. “This is a sampling of what UCR has to offer—and an invitation to experience campus in person.”

In San Diego alone, hundreds of students and family members attended, engaging with academic programs, student services, financial aid, and housing.

“We are celebrating our admitted students…having them come out and experience a little bit of what UCR has to offer,” said Bree Barrett, Events Coordinator for Undergraduate Admissions. “We’re just hoping that they find the right university for them.”

Inside CNAS: Community, Support, and Growth

At each stop, CNAS advisors, faculty, and student ambassadors connected directly with admitted students—answering questions and offering a glimpse into the academic experience.

For many students, the questions were both practical and personal.

“They want to know, what does my major look like? What kind of classes am I taking?” said Catalina Rodriguez, a third-year biochemistry major. “Many on the pre-med track asked how to prepare for medical school, what opportunities are available, and what college life is like.”

Rodriguez emphasized that success starts early—with habits and community.

“Try to get your study habits down now…find what works for you, and stay on top of things from the beginning,” she advised.

That sense of structure and support is something CNAS intentionally builds into the student experience.

“The biggest question students and families are asking is, ‘What’s going to be the right fit for me?’” said Brett McFarlane, Assistant Dean of the CNAS Undergraduate Academic Advising Center. “And the best way to answer that is to visit campus and experience it for yourself.”

McFarlane highlighted CNAS Learning Communities as one of the college’s most impactful programs.

“We pair students together in cohorts, taking key courses like chemistry, biology, and math together throughout the year,” he said. “That structure significantly increases student success—academically and in building community.”

Your Next Step: Experience CNAS at Highlander Day

While the Regional Celebrations offer an introduction, the full campus experience is still to come.

On Saturday, April 11, admitted students and their families are invited to Highlander Day—UCR’s open house and the largest admitted student event of the year.

“Highlander Day is really where students get to experience what their next four years will look like,” Zendejas said. “It’s often the moment when students decide to say yes.”

For CNAS students and families, the day will include a full slate of college-specific programming:

• CNAS Tours with Science Ambassadors (throughout the day)
• Multilingual CNAS Tours (9 a.m. Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Japanese, and 10 a.m. Spanish,)
• CNAS Welcome Sessions (9 and 10 a.m., University Lecture Hall)
• CNAS Open House & Student Panel (11–11:45 a.m., Life Sciences 1500)
• Lab Tours (11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Life Sciences 1500)
• Faculty Meet & Greet (12–1 p.m., Student Success Center)
• Science Lecture Series featuring Dr. Katie Dehesh (1–2 p.m., Student Success Center)

A Community Waiting to Welcome You

Whether students attended a Regional Celebration or are just beginning to explore their options, one message remains consistent: This is about finding a place where you can grow, belong, and succeed.

“Ask questions. Visit campuses. Find the place that’s going to support you best,” McFarlane said.

For CNAS, that support starts now—and continues every step of the journey.

Admitted students and their families are encouraged to join us for Highlander Day on April 11 to experience it firsthand.

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