Leader in inclusive excellence

As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, one quarter of UC Irvine’s student body identifies as Hispanic or Latinx and more than half of students receive financial aid. Students benefit from additional federal funding for learning facilities and programs, and unique opportunities for federal internship and mentorship programs.  

As a federally designated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), at least one quarter of UC Irvine’s student body identifies as Asian American, Native American, or Pacific Islander and more than half of students receive financial aid. Students benefit from additional federal funding for learning facilities and programs, and unique opportunities for federal internship and mentorship programs. 

The UC Irvine Black Thriving Initiative is a whole university approach to creating a university culture where Black people thrive. The initiative recognizes and responds to anti-Blackness as an existential threat to UC Irvine’s mission as a university and brings students, faculty, and staff together to confront anti-Blackness and promote Black student success through programming, intensifying research efforts to promote innovative public policy solutions, and engaging local Black communities. 

First-gen Forward is the nation’s first recognition program acknowledging higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences and a first look at the center’s research and resources. Learn more about first-gen resources.

The Center for Black Cultures, Resources & Research provides a just, safe, vibrant, inclusive, culturally supportive and socio-ecologically sustainable space where Black students can thrive and reach to achieve their highest potential.  

The first of its kind on a UC campus, UC Irvine’s Cross-Cultural Center aims to provide students with safe spaces from which they can launch their involvement in campus programs and leadership opportunities, as well as find a welcoming home away from home. The center includes a lounge, administrative and student offices, and conference rooms available to student organizations, and is home to five student organizations, including Alyansa ng mga Kababayan, American Indian Student Association (AISA), Asian Pacific Student Association (APSA), Black Student Union (BSU), and Movimiento Estudiantil Chican@ de Aztlan (MEChA). 

The DREAM Center provides support to UC Irvine’s undocumented community. The center offers academic, professional, personal wellness, and legal support (through UC Immigrant Legal Services). 

Get familiar with campus support and resources that can help you succeed from day one as a first-generation student at UC Irvine.  

UC Irvine’s Latinx Resource Center (LRC) offers resources, programs, and a space where cultura, arte, and academia are interconnected. The goal of the center is to ensure a clear pathway to graduation through the empowerment of Chicanx and Latinx students. Students can attend events, participate in leadership and mentorship programs, and find academic support through the LRC.  

The LGBT Resource Center provides support, education, and advocacy from an intersectional perspective regarding sexual orientation/attraction and gender identity for the UC Irvine campus community. The center offers programming, events, workshops, and a supportive community gathering space for students. 

Finding community during college is important to make the most of your experience. UC Irvine Anteaters are active and involved on campus and are known for creating a welcoming environment. There are more than 600 student organizations to choose from whether you’re looking for opportunities to build professional skills, pursue hobbies, find support among peers, and more.  

From first-gen and low-income support to former foster youth and student parent programs, Student Success Initiatives offers a variety of services designed to help all students transition to college life and thrive throughout their time at UC Irvine.