DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS PROGRAM
OUR MISSION
Through a collaborative effort between Student Success Initiatives (SSI) and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS), the Distinguished Scholars Program aims to support the advancement and holistic development of its students. The Distinguished Scholars Program hosts a cohort of students, consisting of first-year students and transfers, who will receive support through intentional programming and advising to meet their academic, personal, and professional needs as they make their transition into UC Irvine.
Program Eligibility + Program Requirements
To be eligible for the Distinguished Scholars Program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Must receive invitation directly from Program Counselor.
- Must be awarded the Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship Scholarship for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Must be a first-year freshman or first-year transfer student.
- Not already a current participant of an existing SSI/TSC program.
Students who apply to the Distinguished Scholars Program and are accepted must complete the following requirements to remain in the program throughout the year:
- Commit to the program for the entirety of the academic year (Fall-Spring)
- Must attend the Distinguished Scholars Program Orientation which will take place on Week 0 of Fall Quarter.
- Must complete ONE of the following in each quarter: (a) Attend one (1) Healthy Happenings or Gateway Initiatives Workshop, (b) Attend one (1) SSI/TSC program workshop, (c) Attend one (1) counselor meeting, OR (d) Attend one (1) DSP Community Connection event. Students will only be expected to complete ONE of these events and can choose a different one each quarter.
- Complete and sign their DSP contract.
Distinguished Scholar Highlights
Check out some of our amazing Distinguished Scholars from the 2024-2025 cohort.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Community Connection
Meet with other Distinguished Scholars and have conversations guided by SSI Peer Educators.
Counseling Sessions
Workshops & Events
Campus Resources
Free Loan Services
Students will have access to a book, i-clicker, and Chromebook loan services via the Gateway Initiatives Resources
Academic Recovery Support
Support with academic recovery if students earn more than one D or F, below a 2.0 GPA, and appeal support for students facing SAP Appeal or Academic Disqualification from their major.
STEM Peer Tutoring
Program participants will have access to free peer tutoring for select STEM courses.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 -2026
Applications to join our program for 2025-2026 will be sent by invitation via email during the Summer before Fall. Eligible first year freshman and first year transfer students will be contacted directly.
CONTACT US
Office: Student Success Initiatives
2200 Student Services II
Irvine, CA 92697-5400