University of California-Riverside Top Questions

There is a wide variety of academics at UCR, in almost area of expertise. It was quite fortunate for me that UCR happened to be one of the only UCs to offer Creative Writing as a major, and as an undergraduate and graduate student in that department, I can say with confidence that it is an amazing department with an amazing staff. It offers specialties in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and even journalism. The department is comprised of numerous well-acclaimed and brilliant writers. What I truly appreciated is that all of my professors know me by name and are very supportive of myself and of everyone in the program. They offer office hours in which we can visit them if we need their counsel. The majority of the professors at UCR are often well acquainted with their students. Classes are very enjoyable because each student participates in the class discussions. The most enjoyable and unique class I took at UCR was a fiction and film class with Andrew Winder. It was an incredibly enlightening course, especially with insight as intriguing as the well renowned Andrew Winer. I studied novels that were translated into films and I learned so much about craft, structure and theme. Students fill the libraries every week at UCR, and I would say that the majority of the students are studious and have intellectual conversations outside of class frequently. UCR is a highly academic campus and I think the academics are elevated as well as challenging, but still enjoyable all the same. In regards to the academic requirements, I feel that they could use some adjustments. Often times, more seminars were offered than workshops, while most of the requirements were workshops rather than seminars, so it was a bit challenging to fit the requirements into a framed amount of time. Other than that, they were tolerable and achievable.

There is a wide variety of academics at UCR, in almost area of expertise. It was quite fortunate for me that UCR happened to be one of the only UCs to offer Creative Writing as a major, and as an undergraduate and graduate student in that department, I can say with confidence that it is an amazing department with an amazing staff. It offers specialties in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and even journalism. The department is comprised of numerous well-acclaimed and brilliant writers. What I truly appreciated is that all of my professors know me by name and are very supportive of myself and of everyone in the program. They offer office hours in which we can visit them if we need their counsel. The majority of the professors at UCR are often well acquainted with their students. Classes are very enjoyable because each student participates in the class discussions. The most enjoyable and unique class I took at UCR was a fiction and film class with Andrew Winder. It was an incredibly enlightening course, especially with insight as intriguing as the well renowned Andrew Winer. I studied novels that were translated into films and I learned so much about craft, structure and theme. Students fill the libraries every week at UCR, and I would say that the majority of the students are studious and have intellectual conversations outside of class frequently. UCR is a highly academic campus and I think the academics are elevated as well as challenging, but still enjoyable all the same. In regards to the academic requirements, I feel that they could use some adjustments. Often times, more seminars were offered than workshops, while most of the requirements were workshops rather than seminars, so it was a bit challenging to fit the requirements into a framed amount of time. Other than that, they were tolerable and achievable.

I think it depends on you major, i often hear students talking in class or outside of class about what they learn and they apply it to everyday life. Most students participate in class and there are some debated which i think adds to the class room environment. You can always go to a class mate for help. And you shouldn't be afraid to talk to your T.A's of Professors is you have a question, they will more then likely help you to answer it. As a freshman it is difficult to get the classes that you want but if you wait until the first week of december of so there should be a few more openings, but don't get discouraged if you don't get the class you want. Also Study study study, the last think you want is to fall behind in readings and have to cram a quarters work of information in your head during finals

As a Creative Writing major, I’m limited to a small score of professors, but from the breadth courses I’ve taken, I have had just as much good experience with others outside of my major. I took an Anthropology class as a G.E., and although the subject matter was not my favorite, I came to class everyday to hear the professor speak. He was passionate and inspirational, and opened my eyes to a more global perspective. He also had this to say: he chose to work at UCR, not because he had no other offers (he had plenty!), but because he admired us. He admired out spunk and our grit. He knew that with a reputation like UC “Rejects” that we were a hard-working student body. The rumors only spurned us on to achieve more and prove the world wrong. I will never forget what he said, and I have come to learn that he was not alone in that way of thinking. The professors I’ve had share the same vision: that we are just as good as any students from an Ivy League or private school. They thrive on the commonality that most of us come from under-privileged lifestyles, and in the Creative Writing department, that is a wellspring of inspiration. Everyone loves the stories of the under-dogs, the Cinderellas, and comedic heroes. Adversity breeds the best creativity, and the professors understand that. They listen and they teach with passion. You will very rarely find a professor who hated the class they were teaching. From a 300-seat lecture hall to the intimate workshop settings, they actually care. It’s why they teach, and from what I’ve heard, our “unique-ness” inspires them just as much as they inspire us: it's a cycle of creativity that can only move forward.

When I first came to UCR, I only had one major: Sociology. However, because I was taking 5 classes a quarter [versus the usual 3 that most others take] I was on track to graduate in two years. Considering the looks of the economy, I wasn't ready to graduate and decided to tack on another major as well as a minor. The Sociology department isn't my favorite of the three, but I have heard much worse about other departments, so I don't have much to complain about. In the Sociology department, there are two faculty advisors who, compared to my Creative Writing and LGBT Studies advisors, are much more stern. Actually, there are often times when I feel that they are just downright rude but they do get the job done, so at least there's that. There are a few professors that I would suggest you avoid like the plague because they are just absolutely terrible but most of them are okay. It feels as though they lack a lot more passion than the professors of my Creative Writing and LGBT Studies classes. I have had one or two professors that I like a bit more than the rest but I think in Sociology classes, the TAs are more important than the professors. It's can be better to have a good TA and a bad professor than it is to have a bad TA and a good professor. Unfortunately, rateyourprofessor.com doesn't include TAs. The main professor for the Intro to Creative Writing class is Goldberry Long and she is absolutely amazing. She is the reason many people switch to Creative Writing after taking her class. Of course, she does have her rules and regulations but she is never harsh and always fun. Years ago, she was even a Stanford Stegner Fellow - a prestigious fellowship for writers. Recipients even include Tobias Wolff! There are professors in every department who take too much pride in their degrees and accomplishments but you would never feel that way from Goldberry. The faculty advisor is much friendly than the ones in the Sociology department and usually answers emails in a timely matter. I am probably taking for granted, the great LGBT environment we have here at UCR but it is definitely an amazing minor. I personally believe that sexuality is fluid and therefore am not too fond of labels. However, in the long run, I do identify as being heterosexual. Having said that, I have never had to go through a coming out process or anything that our society kind of forces our LGBT population to experience .Luckily, there is a program on campus called Allies, in which participants go through training and receive a placard and have their names on the website. The idea is for LGBT individuals and those are questioning to have people to talk to and know that it is safe. In addition to that, the LBGT center on campus holds many other opportunities for safe space discussions such as a weekly online chat called Peer Connections. In the LGBT Studies minor department are the most passionate professors I have met in my life. They are an absolute delight to talk to and if you don't have the opportunity to declare it as your minor, I strongly suggest that you at least take a class in the subject. The faculty advisor is also the advisor for Media and Cultural Studies and he is very personable and friendly.

A lot of my professors know my name, but not in the larger classes of around 250 people. That's completely understandable though. My favorite class is my English class because it's a class of 23 people and the professor and I get along quite well. My least favorite class would have to be my Macro Economics class because there are just way too many people and I don't really find the material interesting. I have personally noticed that the students in my class participate only if they enjoy the teacher. If a teacher drones on and on, the students get bored and don’t want to interact with the teacher at all. I’ve had many intellectual conversations outside of class. I talk to people all the time about US politics and the amount of people in the University. Students seem to be fairly competitive with each other, which is always good to see. The most unique class I’ve taken would have to be my Intro to Creative Writing class. Goldberry is a great teacher and never ceases to make me laugh. Many professors spend extra time outside of their office hours to help any students with questions.

Being a Creative Writing and English Major, class sizes are often times just right for engagement with the teacher and effective room for participation and discussion. Also, the 10-30 student courses often times result in the Professor learning all of the students' names very quickly, which creates a friendly, very open learning experience. Most of the Professors in this subject area are also very well-versed in their respective subjects and offer a broad scope of viewing the world and its intricacies.

Professors at UCR are friendly and always willing to help students to succeed. All of my professors know my name, and always clarify any questions a student can produce. Office hours are available and accommodating, and if class schedules conflict one can always make an appointment to get help from a professor. The courses are rigorous but manageable and always fair. Most importantly they inspire students to be passionate and involved in their education.

I'm very happy to see the wide range of subjects that the school has to offer. The major requirements employ that you take units from different areas so you really get a good feel of what you want to do before declaring a concentration. I've taken a dance class, painting class, language class, astronomy class, creative writing class and have enjoyed all of these. There are very competitive students, those who set the curve, so by all means school is not easy! Those kind of students are the ones I know will be very successful after school, because they utilize their education here. As for the professors, there are some great ones here who show that they're concerned with your progress, and really make an effort to connect with you. On the other hand, there are certain professors who students have not liked, and I can see why (not following the course guide line, unprepared in lecture, etc). But I suppose every school has that.

I thought it would be more of a challenge. To be honest, I find the AP program at my high school tougher than the classes at UCR. I think this is partially because students in the AP program actually wants good grades and are of equal potential as their peers. On the other hand, in lower division classes, there are individuals who don't even care. All they think about is party and get F's in their classes. Another reason for UCR being too easy is that they don't expect much from students. The pace lectures are going is that of a child. I can self study a weeks worth of lecture in like an hour. However, there are some intelligent students here that makes class competition more interesting.