About

Highlander Early Start Academy Overview

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

Students participating in HESA will choose one primary course—Math or Writing—and will also be enrolled in a secondary course: Writing 55 (Oral Communication) or Ethnic Studies 001, along with HESA 001 (College Success Course). In addition, all students will participate in mandatory weekly community-building activities.

Primary Course	Secondary Course	College Success Course	Units Earned
Writing 005	Writing 55	HESA 001	10 units
Writing 007	Writing 55	HESA 001	10 units
Math 5A	Writing 55	HESA 001	10 units
Math 6A	Writing 55	HESA 001	8 units
Math 003	Writing 55	HESA 001	8 units
Math 003 - ONLINE	Ethnic Studies 001- ONLINE	HESA 001 - ONLINE	8 units

HESA will challenge you, strengthen your confidence in your personal and academic development, and equip you with knowledge of the campus and available resources to help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.

Important Dates

HESA Orientation

Virtual Event for students and parents only

Saturday, July 25th 10 AM

The Journey Begins

First day of class

Monday, July 27th

The Financial Commitment

HESA Fees Due

Tuesday, August 4th

HESA Finals

Friday, September 11th – Writing Finals

Saturday, September 12th – Math Finals

Meet the Staff

HESA 2025 Peer Mentor Staff

Vivienna Cai

Vivienna Cai
Year: Second Year
Major: Business Economics
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I’m excited for the opportunity to connect with incoming students, help them navigate their journey at UCR, and offer support in any way I can. I look forward to building a welcoming community and sharing what I’ve learned along the way.

Ruth Rapuri

Ruth Rapuri
Year: Third Year
Major: Cellular Molecular and Developmental Biology
hat I am looking forward to for HESA: I am looking forward to welcoming the incoming students and creating an environment in which they feel comfortable to grow in as they start their academic journey. I am super excited to meet everyone and be a mentor for them by providing my support and teaching them the ins and outs of college as they navigate the years ahead!

Kirsten Dingson

Kirsten Dingson
Year: Third Year
Major: Biology
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I’m excited to welcome the new Highlanders and share the academic, personal, and professional advice I wish I had as a freshman :,) Can’t wait to help make your transition to UCR a little smoother!

Kimberly Mondragon

Kimberly Mondragon
Year: Third Year
Major: Biology
hat I am looking forward to for HESA: I'm looking forward to connecting with incoming students and helping them feel supported as they begin their college journey. As someone who understands how overwhelming the transition to college can be, I hope to offer guidance and encouragement to help new students feel confident and capable. I’m excited to build a welcoming environment and grow alongside my fellow mentors and the HESA community! I also hope to connect students with helpful resources I wish I had known about when I first started college.

Michelle Almaraz

Michelle Almaraz
Year: Second Year
Major: Computer Science
What I am looking forward to for HESA: Motivated by my passion for collaborating with my academic community, I am enthusiastic to aid scholars toward their success in higher education. Let us reach for success together! You got this!

Hannah Gomez

Hannah Gomez
Year: Forth Year
Major: Anthropology Law & Society
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I'm looking forward to being a valuable support system and guide for my incoming peers who need help transitioning into college. I'm also excited to share my knowledge of underrated resources here at UCR!

Heili Shah

Heili Shah
Year: Third Year
Major: Psychology B.A, Business Finance Minor
What I am looking forward to for HESA: Hi Guys! I am looking forward to meeting you all! I can’t wait to guide you on your journeys into college. I hope to be a mentor and provide some insight on how to face your challenges in your upcoming academic years! I want to create a comfortable and judgment-free environment for you all to grow in.

Jamilet Flores-Clement

Jamilet Flores-Clement
Year: SecondYear
Major: Biology
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I’m really excited to share what I’ve learned during my time at UCR and help incoming students feel more prepared and excited for what’s ahead. I’m here as a resource and hope to create a welcoming space where you feel supported.

Mariana Saldiva

Mariana Saldivar
Year: Third Year
Major: Philosophy and Political Science Law/Society
hat I am looking forward to for HESA: I am excited to interact with everyone involved in the program and help students with both their short and long-term goals as best I can.

Nika Bordbar

Nika Bordbar
Year: Third Year
Major: Neuroscience
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and hopefully becoming someone you can count on during this big transition. Starting college can feel overwhelming, so I hope to help ease that process, whether it’s offering academic tips, answering questions, or just being there to listen. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned during my time here at UCR and create a space where everyone feels supported both academically and personally. I can’t wait to start this journey together!

Chris Michel

Chris Michel
Year: Second Year
Major: Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology
hat I am looking forward to for HESA: I am looking forward to helping new students at UCR. I want to be a helpful resource in guiding students to be as successful as possible in their college career.

Aarushi Sahu

Aarushi Sahu
Year: Third Year
Major: Neuroscience
hat I am looking forward to for HESA: I’m excited to work with HESA because I’m passionate about supporting incoming UCR students as they build confidence and get a strong head start on their academic journey.

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