Located on the fifth floor of the UCI Science Library, the Student Excellence Center (SEC) represents the partnership between the UCI Libraries and the Office for the Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning (OVPTL).
The SEC was first conceived in 2018 when a Provost-charged Ad Hoc Committee determined the positive impact of creating a centralized space where students could access key undergraduate resources in close connection with library services. With this goal in mind, the SEC is the new home for essential units like the Campuswide Honors Collegium (CHC), the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), and the Scholarship Opportunities Program (SOP).
By bringing these essential student-facing programs together, the SEC facilitates student engagement and ensures that UCI’s diverse student body can access the services and resources they need to thrive. According to Michael Dennin, Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning and Dean of Undergraduate Education:
“The SEC demonstrates UCI’s commitment to serving and supporting students. Not only does the SEC unite key programs and services, but it also provides an innovative space where students can connect, collaborate, and learn together. This fall, I’m so excited for students to explore the SEC and discover how it can empower their success.”
Campuswide Honors Collegium
The Campuswide Honors Collegium (CHC) is a community of motivated learners dedicated to scholastic excellence and personal growth that is supported by the resources of a major research university. The CHC space in the SEC is a hub for Campuswide Honors students, offering academic advising and support, an honors community space, and a state-of-the-art setting for Campuswide Honors programs and activities. The CHC’s student lounge, The Locus, continues a CHC tradition of establishing a community space for study, student meetings, programs, and informal gatherings.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is committed to integrating undergraduate students into UCI’s culture of research. UROP staff at the SEC are available to assist with all aspects of the undergraduate research process—from finding suitable research or creative opportunities with a faculty mentor to drafting proposals to presenting results and writing scholarly papers for publication. Students can also visit the UROP space within the SEC to attend informational workshops and to get help with applying for research funding.
Scholarship Opportunities Program
The Scholarship Opportunities Program (SOP) works toward UCI’s mission to encourage high-achieving undergraduates to successfully compete for the most prestigious scholarships, grants, and graduate fellowships available. Students can visit the SOP space in the SEC to access the latest information on scholarships and other opportunities, receive scholarship advising, and get help with writing CVs and application essays. SOP mock interviews, informational workshops, and social events will also be hosted in the SEC.
Students: September 22, 2021
Students were invited to check out the SEC on Wednesday, September 22 at UCI Libraries’ “Cool As Ice” event. During this special Welcome Week event, students had the opportunity to take group or self-guided tours of the Science Library, learn about essential library resources, and connect with SEC staff.
Faculty & Staff: October 5th, 2021
On Tuesday, October 5, UCI faculty and staff are invited to explore the SEC from 3:00-5:00 pm. Join us for the Centering Student Excellence event to tour the SEC and meet with staff from the Campuswide Honors Collegium, Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, and Scholarship Opportunities Program,
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: October 20th, 2021
Campuswide Honors Collegium
honors@uci.edu
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
urop@uci.edu
Scholarship Opportunities Program
sklrship@uci.edu
