Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I join this program?
All CNAS students are automatically enrolled in a learning community depending on their math placement. Email cnasscholars@ucr.edu for any concerns or inquiries.
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What information do I need to enroll?
In order to enroll, you will need to have taken the Mathematics Advisory Exam, or have another Math placement through AP/Transfer credit. Please visit placementtest.ucr.edu for more information on the placement test.
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Can I change my major while I'm part of this program?
Student's LC enrollment may be affected depending on what major you intend to change into. Each of our communities is designed with specific majors in mind, and this affects the classes tied to those communities every quarter. If a student is considering a change of major during their participation in the LC program, they should first meet with their academic advisor. After meeting with their academic advisor to confirm a major change, students should then meet with the LC coordinators to see if any changes need to be made.
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Can I participate in both the Honors Program and LC simultaneously?
The LC program is not available to Honors students. University Honors has their own requirements and honors classes to take. However, just as LC students have their course seats reserved for them, Honors students also have priority registration. See honors.ucr.edu for more information.
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How do I know which classes CNAS Scholars enrolls me in?
As soon as you opt into the CNAS Scholars program, we will give you the majority of your fall schedule. You will then follow your academic advisor's suggestions to enroll in your English and/or breadth courses as appropriate. For Winter and Spring quarters, you will receive the schedule from us via email approximately 2-3 days prior to the start of enrollment, and you will enroll in the seats we've reserved for you when you enroll in the rest of your classes.
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How do I submit a term plan, and should my LC courses be included in it?
Your Learning Community courses must be included in the Term Plan that is submitted on R'Web. For steps on how to submit a Term Plan, please watch our instructional tutorial on 'How to Create and Submit a Term Plan'. If you prefer a PDF. version of these instructions, please use the link at the bottom for additional instructions.
How to Create and Submit a Term Plan
presented by CNAS Scholars Peer Mentors
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How do I get information on the Learning Community once I am enrolled?
We will email you regularly with updates. You should be in the habit of checking your UCR email at least once a week as it is the official form of communication from campus departments. Check your email filters and junk mail to make sure you are getting emails from on campus. You may also ask your LC classmates.
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Which classes will I get Supplemental Instruction (SI) for as part of my Learning Community?
Your SI session will appear on your class schedule each term (as CHEM or MATH or BIOL, as appropriate). The designation of which class gets SI is predetermined and cannot be changed. However, you are always welcome to attend additional SI for other courses. These SI sessions are classes designed to support you in what is typically the hardest class for your group that quarter. Please keep in mind that SI sessions do not meet during Week 0 of classes (i.e. Thursday and Friday of the first week of Fall). Also, as a reminder, attendance at all of SI and all of the other components of your Learning Community schedule is mandatory.
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What happens if I don't pass one of my Learning Community classes? Will I be dropped from the program?
If you are unable to maintain enrollment in one of the CNAS Scholars classes for the upcoming quarter based on a failing grade you just received, then you will not be able to continue in the Learning Community program. The LC coordinators will reach out to you and guide you through any enrollment adjustments you might need to make. You should focus entirely on doing the best you can do in each of your classes.
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Do all of the Learning Community classes have discussions or labs?
Once you're in the program, we will give you everything you need for the lectures you're being enrolled in including discussions and/or labs. For now, please do not worry about the specifics of your courses. You should expect a discussion for all math, chemistry, and biology courses.
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How many units will the Learning Community give me? What if I don't have enough units after I enroll?
The number of units varies, but is approximately 8-10 units each quarter. Financial aid requires 6 units for enrollment and 12 units for full time student status by the 3rd week. We encourage you to enroll in at least 12 units during the first pass of enrollment. Students should try to enroll in courses that fit their college and major requirements.
Each Learning Community student is also assigned a Peer Mentor who can guide them through choosing class, how many units to enroll in, etc. We recommend students speak with their Peer Mentor once the fall quarter begins.
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Do you have any Early Research Engagement Options?
Students who join a CNAS Learning Community may also choose one of the early research engagement options. This is a great opportunity to get a unique class experience exclusive to the CNAS Scholars program.
- Dynamic Genome (BIOL 020): This lab course offers students the opportunity to engage in advanced research projects that satisfy the BIOL 05LA lab requirement while carrying out real-world research. If you are eligible for this class, it will be included on your learning community block in lieu of BIOL 05LA.
- Sustainability-themed Learning Community: Students will take ENSC 001 in the Fall and ENSC 002 in the Winter, followed by a NASC094 research seminar in the Spring.
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What is RISE? Do I need to complete the LC to be considered?
RISE is a full-time 10-week summer research program. Students may apply to conduct research under faculty guidance. Other aspects of the program include a $5,000 stipend, professional development, graduate school preparation, and enhancement of research skills.
There are multiple pathways into RISE, including an opportunity that opens up for students who have completed the one-year LC program. Please see our Research Opportunities page for more information on this program.