IRVINE, Calif. (July 10, 2023) — The University of California, Irvine School of Law (UCI Law) and the University of California, Irvine’s Campuswide Honors Collegium (CHC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a dynamic, two-part collaboration to offer CHC students access to an accelerated Bachelors/Juris Doctor degree program at UCI Law, and scholarship funds.
“The collaboration between UCI Law and CHC is an innovative partnership that paves the way for student success, combining academic excellence with financial support,” said UCI Law Dean Austen L. Parrish. “Together, we are enhancing UCI’s commitment to providing meaningful pathways for students to advance their academic interests and jump-start their careers.”
“The new programs recognize that CHC students have the background and preparation to make them compelling candidates for a top-ranked law school,” CHC Associate Dean of Campuswide Honors Ted Wright explained. “Equally important, the financial support these programs offer dramatically increases the accessibility of law school and removes financial barriers for students.”
Michael Dennin, UCI Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning and Dean of Undergraduate Education, added: “It has long been a goal of the UCI Campuswide Honors Collegium to have a partnership with UCI Law so our best students that need to stay local can have a well-defined path to law school. With the partnership of Dean Parrish, we are excited to see this dream become a reality for our students!”
Under this collaborative initiative, UCI Law and CHC will cooperate on two innovative programs: the Honors Collegium Law Scholarship and the 3+3 Honors Collegium Law Program.
Honors Collegium Law Scholarship (Scholarship)
The Scholarship program guarantees a minimum scholarship for students who have graduated from CHC and are later admitted into UCI Law’s Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. Successful applicants admitted to the Law School, who are part of the Scholarship Program, will receive a $30,000 tuition scholarship — available for both residents and nonresidents — to help offset the costs of attending UCI Law.
To be eligible for the guaranteed scholarship, applicants must meet or exceed the minimum UGPA and LSAT score, at least equal to the median for the UCI Law entering J.D. class of the prior year. CHC graduates who surpass the required minimum LSAT and UGPA criteria may be eligible for additional scholarship assistance. Even students with credentials lower than the requirements may still receive substantial scholarship support.
3+3 Honors Collegium Law Program (3+3 Program)
The 3+3 Program is designed to significantly reduce the cost of education for qualified students and provide an expedited pathway for high-achieving CHC students to obtain both undergraduate and J.D. degrees within six years, rather than the traditional seven.
Successful applicants admitted to UCI Law through this program will benefit from scholarship assistance, including a $30,000 scholarship to help cover tuition and fees at UCI Law. Additionally, participants will receive mentorship through a structured mentor program.
The collaboration between UCI Law and CHC is an innovative partnership that paves the way for student success, combining academic excellence with financial support. Together, we are enhancing UCI’s commitment to providing meaningful pathways for students to advance their academic interests and jump-start their careers.
– Austen Parrish, UCI Law Dean
To be eligible for the 3+3 Program, students must be CHC students who are on track to fulfill all their undergraduate degree requirements and CHC requirements by the end of their third year. Throughout their tenure at UCI Law, students enrolled in the 3+3 Program will be recognized as Honors Collegium Law Scholars.
To promote academic success and provide valuable support, prospective students considering the 3+3 Program as Honors Collegium Law Scholars will be assigned an upper-division student or alumni mentor. Whenever possible, these mentors will be chosen from among upper-division students who also graduated from CHC. In the future, efforts will be made to match current Honors Collegium Law Scholars with former program participants, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.
The collaboration between UCI Law and CHC underscores the university’s commitment to promoting academic excellence, reducing financial burdens and creating unique educational opportunities for students. By combining their resources and expertise, UCI Law and the CHC aim to empower aspiring legal professionals and nurture their intellectual growth.
“UCI’s CHC brings students from different backgrounds and areas of study together to provide them with an interdisciplinary education,” said rising 3L and CHC graduate Adriana Perera. “The collegium not only deepens students’ knowledge but also encourages and enables them to use the lessons they learn to make effective changes in our society. I’m excited to see future students bring these ideas and passions to UCI Law and to positively impact the larger legal community.”
For more information, please contact:
Cristina Gapasin Tortal
Assistant Dean of Admissions and Student Financial Services
cgapasin@law.uci.edu
About the University of California, Irvine School of Law
The University of California, Irvine School of Law is a visionary law school that provides an innovative and comprehensive curriculum, prioritizes public service, and demonstrates a commitment to equity within the legal profession. UCI Law students have completed more than 148,000 hours of pro bono work since 2009. Nearly half of all UCI Law’s J.D. graduates are people of color. At UCI Law, we are driven to improve our local, national, and global communities by grappling with important issues as scholars, as practitioners, and as teachers who are preparing the next generation of leaders. The collaborative and interdisciplinary community at UCI Law includes extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and enthusiastic supporters. Connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest news and events at UCI Law.