About

Highlander Early Start Academy Overview

The Highlander Early Start Academy (HESA) is a 7-week intensive program for incoming first-year students.

Student that participates in HESA will have the opportunity to choose one primary course – Math OR English, they will be enrolled in a secondary course - English 008 (Oral communication) or Education 42, as well as partake in HESA 001 (College Success Course). Students will also participate in mandatory weekly community building activities.

Primary Course	Secondary Course	College Success Course	Units Earned
English 1A	English 008	HESA 001	9 units
English 4	English 008	HESA 001	10 units
Math 5A	English 008	HESA 001	10 units
Math 6A	English 008	HESA 001	9 units
Math 3	Education 42	HESA 001	8 units

HESA will challenge you, give you more confidence in both your personal and academic development, provide you with knowledge about the campus and resources in order to allow you to achieve the goals you have set for yourself.

Important Dates

Welcome Event

HESA Virtual Welcome Event is for students and parents only

Saturday, July 27th

The Journey Begins

First day of class

Monday, July 29th

The Financial Commitment

HESA Fees Due

Tuesday, August 6th

HESA Finals

Friday, September 13th – English Finals

Saturday, September 14th – Math Finals

Meet the Staff

HESA 2024 Peer Mentor Staff

Hazal Seran

Hazal Seran
Year: Second Year
Major: Political Science/Law and Society
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with incoming students and offer guidance and support as they start their journey at UCR. I am excited to create a sense of community and assist students in reaching their academic and personal goals during Highlander Early Start Academy (HESA).

Catherine Nguyen

Catherine Nguyen
Year: Third Year
Major: Psychology major and Education Minor
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I’m looking forward to building many connections with wonderful students and creating a welcoming environment for their learning journey. I hope to share my experiences as a first-generation college student to help incoming first year students feel more comfortable as they transition into college. I’m excited to learn and grow alongside students and fellow peer mentors!

Caitlyn San

Caitlyn San
Year: Third Year
Major: Neuroscience
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I’m looking forward to meeting the new freshmen at UCR! You guys are what makes our university better and better and I hope to help you guys in achieving both your academic and personal goals here!

Hannah Gomez

Hannah Gomez
Year: Second Year
Major: Medical Anthropology
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I'm excited to be a HESA Peer Mentor because I want to help other students succeed and to be a part of a lovely community on campus! I will do my best to provide students with the support to do well during their first year at UCR, and to do well in the future as well.

Dima Saffour

Dima Saffour
Year: Second Year
Major: Biology
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am looking forward to meeting and connecting with new faces in the HESA program! I am especially excited about being able to be a mentor for those who need help and guidance.

Lance Santana

Lance Santana
Major: Information Systems
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I'm excited for the opportunity to guide new students by connecting them with invaluable resources that I wish I had known about when starting my college journey. My goal is to empower these students by providing support and insights to help them navigate and prepare for the path ahead in their college careers.

Mariana Saldivar

Mariana Saldivar
Year: Second Year
Major: Philosophy
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am really excited to meet you all and help you with whatever I can through the HESA program. I truly hope that all of you have the best of times during your first year of college.

Donna Alghizzi

Donna Alghizzi
Year: Fourth Year
Major: Neuroscience
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I’m looking forward this summer to meeting all the new students, supporting them in any way I can, and help guide them into their college career at UCR! I hope everyone had a great summer, let’s get ready for a new start!

Kelechi Okwuegbe

Kelechi Okwuegbe

Year: Third Year

Major: Biology and Education

hat I am looking forward to for HESA: I’m super excited for HESA because I was a part of the program before my freshman year here at UCR so to come back as a peer mentor is like a full circle moment for me! I am also looking forward to being a resource for anyone and give advice and guidance when needed!

Bryan Hernandez

Bryan Hernandez
Year: Third Year
Major: Neuroscience
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am excited to work with students who are motivated to excel in both their academic and personal lives!

Sonika Khare

Sonika Khare
Year: Third Year
Major: Neuroscience
What I am looking forward to for HESA:I'm looking forward to HESA since it offers a special chance to interact with other students and learn insightful things about life at university. It is both fulfilling and inspirational to have the opportunity to provide new students with individualized support and advice. I can't wait to see how HESA will improve high school graduates' transition experiences as they start their careers at UCR.

Diego Andrade

Diego Andrade
Year: Third Year
Major: History
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am so excited to get started with HESA and work with such eager students.

Contact Us

Location

Academic Resource Center
156 Skye Hall
University of California, Riverside

Hours

Monday – Thursday
8:00AM – 7:00PM
Friday
8:00AM – 5:00PM

Phone

951-827-3721

Email

earlystart@ucr.edu