UC Riverside
History
The University of California, Riverside (UCR or UC Riverside) is a public research university in Riverside, California. It is one of the 10 campuses of the University of California system. The main campus sits on 1,900 acres (769 ha) in a suburban district of Riverside with a branch campus of 20 acres (8 ha) in Palm Desert.
Established in 1907 as a Citrus Experiment Station, UCR's mission is to provide research, education, and public service. The campus opened in 1954. UCR's extensive outreach and retention programs have contributed to its reputation as a "campus of choice" for minority students, including LGBT students. In 2005, UCR became the first public university campus in the nation to offer a gender-neutral housing option.
UCR's academic offerings include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, as well as programs in business, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences, natural sciences, and social ecology. UCR's doctoral research programs are particularly strong in agricultural and environmental sciences, arts and humanities, physical sciences, and engineering.
Academics
UC Riverside is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". The 2019 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings places UCR tied for 35th among top public universities and ranks 85th nationwide. Over 27 of UCR's academic programs, including the Graduate School of Education and the Bourns College of Engineering, are highly ranked nationally based on peer assessment, student selectivity, financial resources, and other factors.
UCR's economic impact and influence in the region is significant. The university operates an on-campus and community-based medical residency training program that works in partnership with several local hospitals. Many of UCR's faculty members are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements, and the university is a hub for groundbreaking research and innovation.
Campus
The UC Riverside campus is situated on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Riverside. The park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland Empire. The campus is located in the northeastern part of the city near the intersection of two major freeways. The campus is bisected by the Santa Ana River, creating a clearly defined residential and research zone.
The campus architecture of UCR is characterized by a modernist style, with many buildings designed by architect Lester H. Hibbard. The campus is also home to the UCR Botanic Gardens, a 40-acre (16 ha) site with over 3,500 plant species from around the world.
Student life
UC Riverside has a vibrant student life with over 450 student clubs and organizations, including a student-run newspaper, radio station, and television station. The university also has a strong Greek life, with over 30 fraternities and sororities.
UCR's sports teams are known as the Highlanders and play in the Big West of the NCAA Division I. The school's mascot is a bear named Scotty. UCR students are also active in community service, with many students involved in programs like the Community Service Center and the R'Garden, a student-run community garden.