[Faculty] Communication regarding UCDC course update

[Louie F. Rodriguez]

Dear UCR Colleagues,

Beginning in Fall 2026, all students participating in the University of
California Washington Center Program (UCDC) will earn academic credit for
their internship through enrollment in UCDC 198I, administered by the
Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE).  This update supports more
streamlined enrollment management and promotes instructional consistency
and equity across participating students. In Spring 2025, the UC
Educational Policy process approved *UCDC 170: Experiential Learning in DC* as
a UC systemwide course, establishing common learning outcomes and academic
credit standards across all UC campuses. UCR’s UCDC 198I aligns with this
framework and follows the UC standard of three internship hours per unit of
academic credit.

*UCDC 198I Course Requirements & Expectations:*

UCDC 198I provides an academically rigorous framework that integrates
internship participation with structured reflection and professional
development.  Students enrolled in UCDC 198I will:

   - Complete a minimum of 24 internship hours per week over a 10-week
   quarter (240 internship hours total)
   - Participate in academic activities, including:
      - Structured readings
      - Reflective and analytical writing assignments
      - Professional development programming and speaker events
      - Internship evaluations
      - Preparation and presentation at the UCR Undergraduate Research &
      Creative Activities Symposium
   - Meet with the UCR Instructor of Record and the Division Undergraduate
   Education staff *three times per quarter* to review internship and
   course progress

The total expected student commitment is approximately *350 hours*, which
corresponds to *11 units of academic credit*.

Students completing more than 24 internship hours per week may be eligible
for additional units. Please contact Danielle White (dwhite at ucr.edu) for
additional information.

*Implementation Structure:*

To support student success and degree progress:

   - *BEFORE APPLYING:*  Students will be advised to consult with their
   major academic advisor (as they normally would) to understand how UCDC
   coursework and units may apply toward degree requirements.
   - *AFTER BEING ACCEPTED:*  Continuing with previous practice, students
   will be required to confirm they have consulted with their academic advisor
   and understand any implications for their academic progress plan.
   - *ENROLLMENT PROCESS: * Students will enroll in *UCDC 198I* and
   complete the required Career Center’s Internship Request Form.

The Division of Undergraduate Education will manage enrollment and provide
centralized support to address implementation and enrollment questions.
This standardized approach establishes consistent expectations for all UCDC
participants regardless of major while reducing administrative burden
across departments.

*Frequently Asked Questions*

*Do departments need to do anything?*

No. UCDC 198I will be fully administered by DUE. Departments will no longer
be responsible for overseeing UCDC students in major-specific 198I sections
for internship credit. Departments seeking enrollment data for their
students participating in UCDC may contact Danielle White (dwhite at ucr.edu).

*What happens to students who previously enrolled through their major’s
198I?*

Students who completed or enrolled in major-specific 198I sections through
summer 2026 will not be affected.  This change will be implemented for UCDC
students in Fall 2026.

*How are units calculated?*

UCDC 198I follows the UC standard of three internship hours per unit of
academic credit. Students complete a minimum of 24 internship hours per
week over a 10-week quarter (240 hours). Internship participation combined
with required academic activities (structured readings, reflective writing,
program events, evaluations, and a research presentation at the UCR
symposium) totals approximately 350 hours, corresponding to *11 units.*
Students who intern more than 24 hours per week may be eligible for
additional units; please contact Danielle White (dwhite at ucr.edu) for
details.

*Will UCDC 198I count toward the major’s internship or 198I requirement?*

Articulation of UCDC 198I towards major requirements is determined by the
student’s department.  Admitted students must consult their academic
advisor to determine how UCDC units apply to their degree plan before
enrolling in UCDC 198I.  We encourage departments to review the attached
syllabus and advise students accordingly.  DUE is available to support
these conversations.

*Who can I contact with questions?*

Please reach out to the CUREL/DUE team at engage at ucr.edu. We are happy to
answer any questions about how this change may affect your students or
department.



We are committed to ensuring that all interested students have equitable
access to participate in UCDC. If questions arise about a specific
student’s enrollment, we welcome the opportunity to work directly with
departments and students to identify solutions.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting UCR students. We
look forward to seeing the impact of this more equitable, streamlined
experience for students participating in UCDC.

Best regards,

Louie Rodriguez

Vice Provost & Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Education
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