Residence Hall Theme Descriptions

Mesa Court Themes

Mesa Court is comprised of 29 halls: 8 general interest halls and 21 theme halls. All the halls in Mesa Court are co-ed and have single-gender suites.

• Broadcasting - Viento
• Students are provided opportunities to explore forms of broadcast media, such as radio and television, forms of print media, and the fields of video and film production through hall programming events, faculty interaction and community dialogues about its usage and influence in society. In addition, students will be encouraged to interact with professionals in the world of broadcasting. Living in this community will introduce residents to such campus-wide broadcasting opportunities, as the Housing Cable TV station, KUCI-FM, the campus radio station, the New University student newspaper, 24-Hour Mad Film Dash, and other UCI programs.
  
• Music for Non-Music Majors - Otero
• This hall is designed for students from a wide variety of majors who share an interest in music. Residents will be encouraged to explore the diverse musical presentations and performance opportunities on campus and in the surrounding community and further their own musical interests. We are committed to providing students with an environment in which they can explore their shared passion for music as a community while supporting their individual success in their academic disciplines. This hall is equipped with a piano and a mirrored practice space and is in close proximity to the Claire Trevor School of the Arts. 
• Academic Excellence Halls - Arroyo, Lago, Isla, Barranca & Loma (CHP)
• These halls are committed to providing students with an atmosphere conducive to study and academic excellence. In addition to programming around academics, the students in these halls agree to special community standards in order to support the academic efforts of fellow residents.
• First Year Excellence Program - Ondas & Palo
• The First Year Excellence Program (FYEP) is a "Living, Learning, Leadership" program that is especially designed for Undecided/Undeclared students who do not intend to declare a major for their first year. FYEP supports the transition to life at the University, helps broaden educational and career options, builds community, and teaches leadership skills that will serve the residents throughout their college years and beyond. Guided by the Division of Undergraduate Education, all FYEP residents take a two-unit course, "University Studies 2: UCI Majors," in either the fall or winter quarter and participate in planning, organizing and implementing a philanthropy project. All interested students may apply, however priority consideration will be given to Undecided/Undeclared students.
• Wellness Halls - Bahia & Nubes
• Residents in these halls are encouraged to learn more about an array of wellness topics and support a community that allows for growth of personal wellness. In order to facilitate and support the values and goals of the residents in these communities, programs are offered which enhance studentsunderstanding of various wellness issues. Residents in these halls are given priority when registering for wellness courses offered in the hall and complex. (Optional 1.3 unit class)
• Leadership Hall - Puente
• Students are encouraged to explore leadership in a variety of ways as an individual, within a group, and in larger settings. Students will identify areas of strength as well as areas for development through informal programs in the hall including leadership style assessment, communication skills and being a healthy leader. Students will be connected to leadership classes offered at UCI including ASUCI Visions and the diversity and leadership series offered through the Cross Cultural Center. Students are exposed to a variety of student organizations and are encouraged to share their involvement with others.
• Community Service Hall - Brisa
• Students explore community service opportunities within both the University and local communities. Students are exposed to the UCI Volunteer Center and service organizations including Circle K, Alpha Phi Omega and other UCI organizations that focus on service. Students are encouraged to utilize these resources to develop their own service projects and initiatives. (Optional 1.3 unit class)
• Campus Connection Halls - Ciudad, Cumbre & Vista
• These halls feature optional classes for credit, offered in Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters through the School of Social Ecology and the Counseling Center staff. The Resident Advisors (RA's) also serve as Teaching Assistants (TA's) for these classes - extending the classroom experience to the residence halls. The Fall class, "Fresh Perspectives", addresses college transition issues such as communication skills, community building, assertion training, and getting involved in the campus community. The Winter class, "Identity and Leadership" explores issues related to personal development including leadership assessment, public speaking, gender and leadership, and other topics. In the Spring quarter, "Intersections of Aiversity" is offered where students explore their awareness of differences and values. There is a discussion group that meets in addition to the weekly class meetings for the Spring Class. Each of these three classes receives between 2 - 4 graded units, depending on the course requirements, and is taught in Mesa Court.
• The Fine Arts Hall - Prado
• (Open to all majors) Prado focuses on the interaction among music, drama, dance and the fine arts. Because of the proximity to the School of the Fine Arts, students can explore the rich offerings of the graduate & professional arts community. We are committed to providing students with an environment in which they can further explore the arts and this hall is equiped with a piano and mirrored dance space.
• "Community in a Diverse Society" Class Experience - Sierra
• (includes a required 4-unit class) A multicultural hall with years of tradition, Sierra has provided opportunities for growth since 1971. All residents are required to participate in a progressive 4-credit in-hall class that provides a unique opportunity that challenges residents to think beyond their current boundaries. Residents will explore a variety of issues in diversity, clarify their values and ethics, and further their understanding and their ability to make an impact in their community.
• Diversity Awareness - Aldea & Jardin
• Cultural diversity, social events, and appreciation of differences are highlighted in this hall through a variety of programmatic and educational efforts. These halls feature classes, offered in Winter and Spring Quarter through Mesa Court Housing and its staff. Classes address topics such as status, LGBT issues, multicultural vs. multiethnic communities, and identifying the opportunities & challenges that come from being a citizen of a diverse global community.
• Technology Hall - Cascada

• This innovative hall explores the impact of technology on our daily lives. Open to students of all majors, residents will discover how technology empowers many fields.  Students will have opportunities to learn about recent advances in technology and to explore ethical challenges that these discoveries present (e.g. such as questions related to biotechnology, cloning, and genetics research). Residents can explore the challenges of careers in technology with opportunities for student technology jobs across campus, and fostering employment partnerships across housing, UCI and Industry. Residents will also have opportunities to engage with hall-mates via "recreational technology", e.g., inter-hall gaming competitions.

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Middle Earth Themes

Middle Earth's halls (24) are divided into six cluster theme areas of four halls each. There is an academic class and thematic programming associated with each cluster. Students in the cluster have priority for signing up for the classes, however, all programs are open to Middle Earth residents. While participation in the class and in theme programs is optional, we strongly encourage residents to get involved and make the most of the living and learning experience. Cluster programs and classes provide opportunities to assist students with the transition to residence hall life, as well as educate on issues that will enhance students' academic and personal success. Middle Earth also offers traditional social and educational programming such as talent shows, athletic tournaments, dances, and opportunities to interact with faculty members outside of the classroom.

• New for 2007-08: Changing the Future Through Education - Misty Mountain
• Use the power of education to make a difference! Residents will collaborate with faculty, staff, and others, whose research and program initiatives are making significant impacts on schooling, educational access, and education policy in the US and worldwide.  Students will develop their teamwork, leadership, and public speaking skills through a variety of on- and off-campus activities. Learn how your interest in education can be applied to many different careers. Students of all majors are encouraged to apply.  Sponsored by the UCI Center for Educational Partnerships and UCI Department of Education.
  
• Exploring Study Abroad - Lorien
• Living in this community, students will discover the world beyond the United States. Residents will have contact with students, faculty, and staff who are living examples of how study abroad can expand one’s knowledge and appreciation of other nations, peoples, and cultures. As a result of living abroad, students become better prepared to enter today’s workforce and become more informed private citizens. Students in this community will discover the importance of going abroad, learn how to prepare for the experience, and learn how to do it while graduating on time. A fellow Anteater studying abroad says: “This is one of those rare milestones that separate the first half of your life...from everything that follows.” For more information on study abroad options, check out the Center for International Education at www.cie.uci.edu
  
• The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) - Hobbiton
• Living in this community will introduce you to the many research and creative opportunities available to you at UCI under the guidance of world-renowned faculty. Conducting a research or creative project has become an integral component of your Undergraduate education at UCI. There are many benefits to participating in the research process that will prepare you for a successful career. You will also be introduced to off-campus opportunities with outside agencies including national laboratories, industrial partners, and other universities. Join this fun environment, discover your interests and passions, and interact closely with faculty, student researchers, and members of the UROP Team. For more information about UROP, please visit: www.urop.uci.edu
  
  
• Intellectual Competence (includes Campuswide Honors Hall) - The Shire, Shadowfax, Gondolin, & Evenstar
  (single-gender and coed suites)
• This cluster focuses on academic success and intellectual skill development. Programs will highlight first year students’ academic transition issues, study and test taking skills, and navigating campus resources.
• Interpersonal Relationships - Lorien, Aldor, Balin, & Valimar
  (single-gender and coed suites)
• This cluster focuses on issues that impact our relationships with friends, family and significant others. Programs will highlight interpersonal skills, gender issues, diversity, dating issues, and factors that influence our relationships.
• Academic & Career Options - Hobbiton, Calmindon, Elrond, & Quenya
  (single-gender and coed suites)
• This cluster focuses on issues related to career development and academic interests. Programs will encourage students to explore various majors, personal interests, job seeking strategies, and access to resources that support development of academic interests.
• Involvement in Civic & Campus Life - Misty Mountain, Crickhollow, Whispering Wood & Snowbourn
  (single-gender and coed suites)
• This cluster focuses on promoting leadership skills through involvement in civic and campus activities. Programs will highlight conflict mediation, communication skills, ethical behavior, how to navigate the university environment and practice skills for living in a community.
• Health & Safety Strategies - Mirkwood, Rohan, Woodhall, & Oakenshield
  (single-gender and coed suites)
• This cluster focuses on issues promoting health and safety among students. Programs will address nutrition, fitness, personal and academic balance, stress management, personal and sexual health and college transition.
• Personal Identity & Philosophy - Isengard, Grey Havens, Rivendell & Harrowdale
  (single-gender and coed suites)
• This cluster focuses on issues affecting individual identity development and how one's personal values shape decision making. Programs explore issues of diversity, self-awareness, personal ethics, personal goals, value clarification, and sexuality.

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