For many incoming students, college doesn't begin on the first day of classes—it begins the moment they start building the relationships, confidence and support network that will carry them through their first year.
During the first of seven CNAS Summer Orientation sessions on July 6, hundreds of incoming students and their families took those first steps together, connecting with future classmates, meeting faculty and academic advisors, discovering undergraduate research opportunities, and learning how the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) is preparing them for success long before fall quarter begins.
Held as part of UC Riverside's two-day Highlander Orientation program, the CNAS session introduces students to their academic home while providing the tools, resources and connections that will support them throughout their first year.
"This introduction to the college is really about helping students and their families understand what CNAS has to offer," said Stephanie Dingwall, divisional dean of student academic affairs. "We focus on three main areas—academics, community and undergraduate research—because together they provide the foundation for a successful college experience."
Building a Community Before Classes Begin
Throughout the afternoon, students heard from CNAS Dean Peter Atkinson, faculty, advisors and current students who shared what they wished they had known before arriving at UC Riverside. From navigating the fast-paced quarter system to stepping outside their comfort zones, the message was consistent: students don't have to navigate college alone.
One of the most meaningful introductions came through the CNAS Learning Communities program.
Each Learning Community brings together up to 24 first-year students with similar academic interests who take many of their math and science courses together throughout their first year. Along the way, students build friendships, form study groups, connect with faculty and advisors, and learn about campus resources that support both their academic success and personal well-being.
Designed to help students transition successfully to college, Learning Communities have become one of CNAS's signature first-year experiences. They create an immediate sense of belonging while providing students with a built-in support network that often extends well beyond the classroom.
Current students reinforced that message during a peer panel discussion, encouraging incoming first-year students to embrace new experiences and seek out opportunities to get involved.
"Be comfortable with being uncomfortable," said CNAS Peer Mentor, Aliza Alibhai. "There are going to be so many situations where you'll meet new people or ask questions, but those experiences lead to incredible opportunities and lasting friendships."
Assistant Dean of Advising and Student Success, Brett McFarlane, said hearing directly from current students is one of the most valuable parts of orientation.
"What went really well was being able to hear from our current students on the student panel about their challenges, their adjustments and what made them most successful as they were moving into UCR," McFarlane said. "Those experiences help our incoming students see what's possible."
Preparing for the First Quarter
Orientation also gives students a clear roadmap for the weeks ahead.
One of the most important next steps is completing the UC Riverside Math Placement Assessment before meeting with an academic advisor. More than simply determining math placement, the assessment helps place students into the appropriate Learning Community cohorts and first-year course sequence, ensuring they begin their academic journey on the strongest possible footing.
Students who have not yet completed the Math Placement Assessment are highly encouraged to do so as soon as possible "Our goal is to get students into the right classes and help them feel prepared before they arrive in the fall," Dingwall said. "When they come to campus, we want them ready to hit the ground running."
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Academic Advising, Javier Ramirez, said orientation is designed to help students and families understand they have a team behind them from the very beginning.
"We want parents and family members to know that we're here to support their students," Ramirez said. "We want students and families to know they have a team that's here to help every step of the way."
A New Opportunity for Families
New this year, CNAS also introduced a dedicated Parent & Family Question-and-Answer session, giving families an opportunity to engage directly with college leadership and academic advisors after the student program.
The informal discussion allowed parents and family members to ask questions about academic expectations, student support resources and the transition to college life—creating an open dialogue designed to help families better support their students throughout their first year.
Six additional CNAS Summer Orientation sessions will be held throughout July and August. Incoming students who have not yet attended are encouraged to register for an upcoming session, complete the Math Placement Assessment, and monitor their UCR email for important updates.
By the time students arrive for their first day of classes this fall, they won't be arriving as strangers. They'll have already begun building connections with classmates, faculty, advisors and the campus resources designed to support them throughout their college journey.
After all, starting strong isn't just about the first week of college. It's about building the foundation for everything that comes next.
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