Dear CNAS Class of 2029:
Welcome to your new academic home in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) at the University of California Riverside! As a member of our CNAS community, two of the things you will discover are that our staff and faculty care about your success and that opportunities to engage abound. From classes, to campus clubs, to research under the mentorship of world-renowned faculty members and more, your next four years will be rich with experiences that will position you for future success.
Highlander Orientation is just around the corner this summer. There will be both in-person orientation sessions as well as a few, select virtual dates. Please review the information below to ensure that you are ready for a great start in CNAS.
I look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to UCR! If you have any questions about the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, our programs or the placement examinations noted here, please contact my office at cnasstudent@ucr.edu.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephanie Dingwall, Ph.D.
Divisional Dean, Student Academic Affairs
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Highlander Orientation (Mandatory)
You should have already received information about the UCR Highlander Orientation Program (HOF) in your myUCR Portal, and additional information can be found here: orientation.ucr.edu. You must attend one of the mandatory sessions for CNAS students in order to prepare for your transition to UC Riverside this Fall.
Highlander Orientation involves:
- Completing the online Highlander Foundations advising module that introduces your major, advising, and registration information to help you craft your fall class schedule (CNAS Highlander Foundations will open in May, you will be notified via your UCR email account)
- Completing your Math placement
- Completing the First Phase and Second Phase of registration. First Phase: Priority Enrollment in CNAS Learning Community (LC blocks) that will start on June 23; Second Phase: Finalization & Registration Completion from July 28 - Aug 10
- Attending a new student campus orientation session, either in person or virtually (offered throughout July and August)
At Highlander Orientation you will be able to:
- Get important information and advice from faculty, professional academic advisors, and CNAS Leadership
- Become acquainted with campus culture and resources
- Talk to Highlander Orientation leaders about questions and concerns
- Become familiar with your academic support team in your first-year learning community
Before you can register for your fall courses, you must send in any AP and IB scores, and complete placement testing for Math and English. All placement examinations in mathematics and English must be completed by July 12. You will not be able to participate in advising and registration without math and English placement, whether determined through the placement exams or AP/IB or transfer credit.
Placement Testing for Fall Course Enrollment
The Mathematics Placement Assessment (MPA) exam is important for students in CNAS because the results determine your initial math class placement. The key to having the best math placement is to study, study, study, and practice, practice, practice! Take advantage of exam practice modules to review your knowledge of second-year algebra and pre-calculus before taking the final, proctored MPA exam. If you place into MATH003 on your first proctored exam attempt, we HIGHLY recommend that you do more prep online and retake your proctored exam prior to First Phase of registration (priority enrollment in the CNAS Learning Community blocks). We will take the highest placement from either the MPA exam or from your AP/IB scores or transfer credit to determine your starting math class. For more information on how to register and take the MPA exam (it is all done online), please see this web site:
To meet graduation requirements, all UC students must satisfy the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR). The first step for meeting ELWR is to take the Writing Placement Process (WPP) exam. Just like with math placement, we will accept the highest placement from either WPP exam or AP/IB or transfer credit to determine your placement and completion of ELWR. Please visit the University Writing Program website for information about exam dates:
Advice on Summer Classes
One last tip regarding summer: If you are interested in attending summer classes, we recommend that you enroll in the Highlander Early Start Academy (HESA) program, especially if you placed into one of the math levels below calculus (MATH3, MATH6A, or MATH5A). HESA will help with your transition from high school to college while getting a jumpstart on your degree requirements. If you place into or have credit for calculus (MATH7A, MATH9A) but placed into ENGL4, then you can consider doing the English option for HESA. Priority should be placed on the math option for HESA if you place below calculus because math is critical for progress in a science major.