PROGRAMS & CERTIFICATES

The Social Sciences Academic Resource Center (SSARC) has created several programs to help strengthen students along five critical areas of academic and professional development.  Collectively called the Five Educational Pillars, these five dimensions of success in higher education contribute to higher achievement and involvement during the undergraduate training, and higher placement and completion rates in graduate school.  The Five Pillars, founded by SSARC Director, Dr. Jeanett Castellanos, include a mastery in: Research, Leadership, Practical Training, Community Service, and Academic Performance. 

RESEARCH

The fundamental attribute of the social sciences is the exploration of theory and social phenomenon through the practice of research.  Involvement in the research process enhances students' ability to critically analyze scientific theory and integrate it into potential solutions for or understanding of social problems.  Along with various workshops and information sessions with the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), the SSARC also provides the Research Education and Advancement Program (REAP).

The Research Education and Advancement Program (REAP) Students attend critical seminars that expand on their knowledge of the research process.  REAP reveals to students the practical application of scientific research and encourages them to explore and pursue their research interests.  Guest speakers and faculty also present their research and expose participants to current research topics and potential research assistantships.  Students completing this program receive a certificate of participation.  For more information, contact the SSARC Academic Research Program Manager, Cristina Flores, at ssarc@uci.edu. 

LEADERSHIP

Understanding the potential for undergraduate students to influence and change the future of society demands for a strong commitment to leadership development.  While there are many opportunities for students to obtain leadership positions on campus, the need to harness their potential and transform them into motivated and ethical leaders has motivated the SSARC to create the Leadership Development Series.

The SSARC Leadership Development Series Each week, students learn about the different academic theories of leadership and explore topics related to leadership development.  Guest speakers and researchers also stop by to provide insight in the study and investigation of relevant leadership issues in today's changing world.  This program is a must for all students in the social sciences who seek to obtain positions in management or the non-profit sector. Students who complete the program receive a certificate of participation.  For more information, contact andrew.gonzales@uci.edu.

PRACTICAL TRAINING

After obtaining the knowledge and theory of a particular field of the social sciences, students should then apply those skills in an internship or field-work experience.  Not only do students acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities of their chosen profession, but they can also explore various career options and work interests.  Participating in practical training allows students to make more informed career decisions and build professional networks that will contribute to their post-baccalaureate success.

The UCI Professional Internship Program Students may obtain an internship and receive credit through the SSARC's Internship Program.  The Professional Internship course, SocSci 197, instructs students  in topics such as professionalism, organizational leadership, communication, office politics, and internship etiquette.  Internships may be taken for single- or multiple-terms.  For more information on obtaining an internship or participating in the program, contact the SSARC Internship Program Manager, Olivia Lee, at ssarc@uci.edu. 

The SSARC Management Training Program (MPT) This is a year long program that places ten undergraduate students in positions of management throughout the SSARC.  Each student undergoes a rigorous selection process during the Winter term, and serves the following academic year as resource advisors to the SSARC while managing its various units and services.  Students receive practical training and development throughout the academic year to prepare them for future management positions.  For more information on the program or the application process, contact SSARC Associate Director, Andrew Gonzales, at andrew.gonzales@uci.edu.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

The classroom experience only takes a student so far, but understanding the real-world needs and problems of society requires students to experience them through public service.  Community service also serves to build character, compassion, and confidence in one's potential to affect the world around them.  The students research, leadership, and professional skills magnify the extent to which they are able to serve their local communities as positive change agents.  The Community Service and Leadership Program (CSLP) developed with this purpose in mind.

The Community Service and Leadership Program (CSLP) This program transforms undergraduate students into positive change agents in the community by enabling student collaboration on collective service projects while encouraging an application of their undergraduate training through civic engagement and leadership development.  This program is an extension of the SSARC Community Service unit and is managed by a student advisory and leadership board.  General or Advanced Certificates are provided.  For more information, contact cslp@uci.edu.

ACADEMICS

New to the SSARC is the creation of two distinct academic programs designed to advance the practice and theory of several transdisciplinary fields in the social sciences. 

The Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology Program This program introduces students to this field of applied psychology, merging the areas of business, psychology, and organizational science to investigate human work behavior.  Under the direction of SSARC Associate Director and current PhD student in I/O Psychology, Andrew Gonzales, the program includes the Students for Industrial/Organizational Psychology (SIOP) at UCI, a student-based organization that helps manage program planning and participant recruitment.  General or Advanced Certificates are provided.  For more information, contact siop.uci@gmail.com.

The Higher Education Program This program trains and prepares undergraduate students for graduate studies in administration and organizational management, enrollment management, financial management, institutional research and academic development, technology and instruction.  Directed by SSARC Director, Dr. Jeanett Castellanos, this program also includes a student-based organization that helps manage and recruit participants.  General or Advanced Certificates are provided.  For more information, contact castellj@uci.edu.