Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering Orientation

BCOE Orientation

Transfer Orientation

The information below is pending updates and may not represent the most current information.

Congratulations on your admission to the University of California, Riverside and welcome to the Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE)! We are excited you chose to become a Highlander. 

The following information will assist in your smooth transition to UCR:

Register for Highlander Orientation for Transfers

  • BCOE will participate in the Highlander Orientation for Transfer In-Person Sessions 1 – 4 from Monday, August 28th through Friday, September 1st. 
  • Students are also required to attend one of the half-day Academic Advising Appointment Dates.  BCOE will participate in appointment dates 1 – 4 from Friday, September 1st through Thursday, September 7th.
  • Participation in Orientation is mandatory.  Registration and additional information regarding Highlander Orientation for Transfers available on https://transferorientation.ucr.edu/.

Pre-Orientation Course Planning

Each transfer student matriculates with different preparation, so we will create an individualized course plan for you that will include recommended courses for you for the academic year.  You have already received an e-mail correspondence from bcoeadvising@engr.ucr.edu with detailed instructions regarding this process.

  • E-mail an unofficial copy of your transcripts of all of the colleges/universities you have attended.  (You required to send official transcripts to UCR Undergraduate Admissions)
  • If you attended out of state or four-year institutions, please collect the course descriptions and syllabi for all of your courses.  This will assist in the articulation process to have your courses equivocated to UCR courses.  Further instructions will be provided at a later date.

It is imperative that you respond expeditiously to this request for information.  Please follow the e-mail protocols outlined on https://student.engr.ucr.edu/emailing-your-academic-advisor.

You will be provided with a course plan the week before orientation for your review and you will register for classes the day of our scheduled session. We have reserved seats for you in critical courses.   

Summer Preparation for Fall Success at UCR

Success in BCOE courses is highly dependent on mastery of foundational courses completed at your previous institutions.  As such, it is imperative that you take time to review the mathematics, science and engineering courses you previously completed.  While preparation for each major differs, a review of calculus, multivariable calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, chemistry, organic chemistry, biology and physics will benefit you immensely. 

For students who have been admitted to a computer programming related major (Computer Science, Computer Science with Business Applications and Computer Engineering), please be aware that the primary language in these majors is C++.  Please take some time this summer to learn/master C++.

Transfer Transition Program

The Transfer Transition Program (TTP) is designed to support incoming transfer students to acclimate to UCR.  Transitioning to a new campus can be challenging, so the program provides you with mentors, former transfer students, to share their student experiences.  TTP also hosts workshops to introduce you to campus resources, professional development and social engagement.  It is highly recommended that students participate in the Transfer Transition Program.

Please visit https://student.engr.ucr.edu/transfer-transition for more information about TTP.  

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long will it take to complete the degree after I transfer to UCR?

    It typically takes transfer 2 to 3 years to complete the degree.  The time to degree will depend upon courses completed prior transfer, prerequisite completion and course offerings of the major.

  • Can I meet with a counselor/advisor now to discuss my schedule?

    We will prepare for your transition to UCR by creating an individual course plan for you to review before orientation.  Unfortunately, advisors are not available to meet with new transfers until Highlander Orientation for Transfers.  

  • Is it possible to change majors once I transfer?

    It is difficult to change majors as a transfer student, as it takes several preparatory courses to be successful in a major.  It may be possible to change to a non-engineering major, but not likely for another BCOE major.  

  • Is it possible to double major or minor?

    It depends on your preparation for the double major or minor entering UCR.  If adding another major or minor extends the time to degree beyond an acceptable time, adding the extra major/minor will be denied.  There may be the opportunity to take some courses in your desired area of interest.  Discuss your options with your advisor at orientation.

  • Can I work full-time/part-time while at UCR as an engineering major:

    We do not recommend that students work more than 19 hours a week, as the schedule/classes for engineering is demanding.  The expectation is for students to be enrolled full-time (at least 12 units; approx. 3 classes).

  • What are some differences between the community college and UCR?

    The pace of quarter system moves quickly, as the term is only 10 weeks.  Mid-terms may be offered during weeks 3-4 and a second one during weeks 6-8 and there may be a project required for the course.  Additionally, some courses are only offered once a year, so course planning is important.  Junior and Senior level classes require mastery of foundational courses, so it is vital that you know the material from preparatory courses.