Diversity

Diversity is a central theme to graduate education at UC Irvine. We strive to create and nurture an environment that not only brings diverse students and faculty to campus but also encourages them to participate in outreach programs that foster equity and access. At UC Irvine, diversity flourishes in the support we provide, the education you receive and the people you meet in our multicultural community.

Global Reach

Recognized as a major research university with a broad range of degree offerings, UC Irvine each year draws thousands of international applicants to its graduate programs. More than 30 percent of UC Irvine’s graduate students and 60 percent of our postdoctoral scholars come from countries outside of the United States. Our faculty, many of whom hail from outside the U.S., engage in international scholarship and research, providing unique opportunities for students and postdocs to collaborate with colleagues from around the world. These experiences not only help students develop a greater understanding of global issues in the world today, but they bring about change that is informed by global practice and knowledge.

Working closely with other campus units, the Graduate Division supports the success of all international community members through a variety of services and programs. We also provide support for graduate students interested in pursuing international research and scholarship as part of their academic preparation. Many graduate students live and learn in other countries, choosing from yearlong, semester or summer programs, as well as language and culture immersion options. And, through various interdisciplinary centers such as the Center for Global Peace & Conflict Studies, the UC Irvine Environment Institute, and the International Center for Writing and Translation, UC Irvine is part of a global network in which faculty and students team up with universities, think tanks and nongovernmental organizations spanning the globe.

Pictured: Home Countries of UCI International Students 2017. Download as PDF

Resources Supporting Diversity

The Graduate Division can help you navigate university resources by providing referral services based on your individual needs. For more information, visit the links below:

The Graduate Dean’s Advisory Council on Diversity was established upon the formation of the Graduate Division in 2007. The committee, which is comprised of distinguished faculty with a record of commitment to diversity, selected graduate students and staff, serves as a consultative body to the Dean, providing ideas, insight and expertise that will expand and enhance the Graduate Division’s efforts to recruit and retain outstanding students from diverse backgrounds. The Council meets monthly to identify, discuss and develop solutions to issues pertaining to inclusive excellence in graduate education. The current list of Council members can be found here.

Accomplishments

For more information about the Council, please contact diversity@rgs.uci.edu

UC Irvine offers Graduate Preparation Programs for prospective applicants, as well as graduate student programs aimed at maintaining and supporting a diverse graduate student population.   

Graduate Preparation for UC Irvine Students

  • Graduate Preparation workshops at the Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Center will help students to learn how to apply to graduate school, fund your graduate education, select an advisor and what is graduate school like. Check the calendar for more information.
  • The Southern California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education is a one event for diverse students interested in graduate school.

Summer Research Programs

Accomplishments

For more information about the Council, please contact diversity@rgs.uci.edu

The UCI Graduate Division provides internal fellowship opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds, designed to help them focus on their research and academic progress by eliminating the need for employment.

UC Irvine Graduate Division collaborates with our campus partners to ensure accessibility for our students who have disabilities and provide support in their academic endeavors. The Graduate Division will also work with academic programs to provide disability accommodations, as appropriate, when recommended by the Disabilities Services Centers.

The following links are information and resources for students with disabilities:

  • The Disabilities Services Center provides services to students who experience any type of disability. We encourage you to contact the DSC as soon as possible to learn about the available resources.
  • The Gordon Hein Scholarship is for Ph.D. or master’s degree students (except those enrolled in self-supporting programs) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, have financial need, and are blind or legally blind.
  • All graduate/professional school students and postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to refer to the Keeping the Balance Wellness Guide. This helpful guide outlines the many campus resources available at UC Irvine.

Campus Student Service Centers

UC Irvine supports the intellectual, personal, social and professional development of all students by providing resources that help enhance academic success and prepare students for leadership roles in a diverse, dynamic and global society. Campus centers address a range of needs, including multicultural issues and opportunities for students with disabilities.

The GPSRC exists to enrich the experiences of our graduate and postdoc community by providing coordinated services, events, programs, information and support. The GPSRC also serves as a meeting place for students to relax, interact with other students, plan events, share ideas, network and develop friendly relationships.

The Cross-Cultural Center provides programs, activities and forums that reach out to UCI faculty, staff and students, and promote the understanding and awareness of multicultural issues

At UC Irvine, providing equal opportunities for students with disabilities is a campuswide responsibility and commitment. The Disability Services Center provides and coordinates support services and programs that enable students with disabilities to realize their educational potential. It serves as a resource for the entire university, so that students with disabilities can freely and actively participate in all facets of campus life.

The International Center provides support for the academic goals and objectives of international students, faculty and researchers, and provides quality services that promote intercultural understanding.

The LGBT Resource Center promotes a safe and welcoming environment for UC Irvine’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and ally communities. It also creates opportunities for leadership, personal development and mentoring by establishing programs and services aimed at eliminating heterosexism, homophobia and gender identity oppression.

UC Irvine welcomes and encourages members of our military to pursue graduate study at our campus. Veterans Services Center provides veterans, reservists, and their dependents assistance in obtaining the educational benefits earned through your military service. The office is responsible for submitting benefit requests for new and continuing students to the V.A., as well as answering any questions veteran students or dependents may have concerning their educational benefits.

The center provides support for undocumented students at UC Irvine and allied training for campus faculty, staff and students. The resource center also holds events and workshops that support undocumented students.