UCI PARTNERS WITH SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE FOR SPECIAL SUMMER 2002 "CHECK IT OUT" PROGRAM

First-Time Partnership with Stockton School

Irvine, Calif., June 4, 2002 -- UC Irvine has partnered with San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton to bring more than 20 of its community college students to UCI for the summer to check out the campus. The students will have the opportunity to experience life and classes while on full scholarship. The schools are jointly funding the scholarships, which will cover all academic, program and living expenses, as well as special group activities.

This is the first time that the two schools have partnered, and it's one of UCI's first collaborations with a community college in northern California. The UC system, and UCI in particular, has been working to increase the level of transfer students from California's community college system.

"We're looking forward to hosting these students and to helping undergraduates from across the state transfer into UCI," said Gary Matkin, dean of continuing education at UCI. "These students have a unique opportunity to live on campus and take part in UCI's summer session--to check out the campus before they make a final transfer decision."

"This initiative between our campus and UC Irvine will provide students a valuable opportunity to approach college and learning at a different level and pace," added John Williams, vice president of student services at San Joaquin Delta College. "This program will benefit our students immensely by giving them a wonderful opportunity to attend a UC campus and take advantage of all the resources that a great university has to offer. On the other hand, we believe the Delta College students have a lot to offer UCI. The diversity of the community college student will bring a different perspective to the school."

The students will arrive on campus June 23 and will be greeted at a special reception with UCI administrators. Classes begin the next day and extend through Aug. 1. Students will be treated to an orientation and campus tour and will live on campus for the summer. The group also will enjoy such services as individual transcript auditing and workshops on full-time financial aid, as well as housing options should they decide to transfer in the fall.

UCI summer session is the summer quarter for matriculating undergraduate and graduate students. Community members may also take courses during summer; summer session students do not have to be accepted into the university to take classes. College students and all adults interested in taking courses at UCI are invited to attend the summer session. More than 7,000 students from various colleges and professions are expected to attend this year's session. More information is available here.

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