An Important Partnership
At UC Riverside, we feel we are your partners in your student's education, and we're committed to making this partnership a successful one. Below are several links that will help you remain informed about some of the most important aspects of UCR campus life.
There is much for both you and your student to learn about UC Riverside. But in short, it is our goal to provide your student with an excellent opportunity to succeed at the very highest level of higher education. To that end, we try to create a campus experience that is lively, diverse, challenging, and safe. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions, and we look forward to working with you towards your student's success.
Safety First
The University of California Police Department, Riverside would like to welcome your family to our family here at UCR. Please know that the university places a priority on providing a safe environment for all of our students. To that end, we have instituted several special security programs including a campus escort service and an Emergency Notification System. (All students should opt-in to the system at http://cnc.ucr.edu/ens ) Planned upgrades to the system include expanding to include notification for parents as well as students. Our Communications Center is staffed by trained Public Safety Dispatchers (PSD's) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more please visit our Campus Police website.
Financing a Student's Education
Regardless of your income level, UCR wants to be sure that you investigate all opportunities for financial assistance, including grants, loans and scholarships. To learn more about financial aid and the application process, go to UCR Financial Aid website. In addition, our friendly staff in Student Business Services can assist you with everything from payment and cashier services to loan and debt counseling.
A Second Home
UC Riverside has several residence hall options for incoming freshmen. Help your student choose the living option that you know they will thrive in. Take a Housing Tour and visit the a UCR Housing Services web site.
Campus Health
It is important that you and your student know of the many Health Care options available at UCR and in the immediate Riverside area. The Campus Health Center provides a variety of services for our students -- from walk-up clinic care for flu shots to urgent care for medical emergencies.
And be sure to review the insurance options available to you through UCR Student Health Insurance.
UCR Card
It's probably one of the most useful conveniences we offer. In addition to serving as a permanent photo card for identification purposes, the UCR Card enables students financial freedom, but within certain parameters. The card can be used as a debit card at Dining Services, The UCR Campus Store, The Learning Center, at all campus convenience stores and at many off-campus locations. For more information on how to acquire a UCR Card for your student. You'll also find out how this card allows you to easily send money to your student for neccesities, books, laundry, dining, with UCR Card's "Bear Bucks" program.
Orientation -- For Your Student (And For You!) 
Bear Facts Highlander Student Orientation provides students with an opportunity to make friends, become accustomed to the campus, and begin their adjustment to life at UCR. But, perhaps more importantly, we've found that students who attend Bear Facts Orientation tend to score higher GPAs and stay in school longer. UCR also highly recommends Bear Facts Family Orientation -- a one-day program that includes a discussion group, called Parent Challenges 101, where you'll receive support and education about your student's transition to college life.
Stay Involved
The more you know, the more you can help your student succeed. Join the UCR Parents Association and stay informed about your student's undergraduate experience. There's no membership fee. No time commitment. But you'll reap plenty of benefits from VIP invitations to special campus events to reserved preferred parking at events to reserved tickets for "Chancellor's Reserved Seating" section at your student's graduation.