About

Highlander Early Start Academy Overview

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

As part of the program, students will enroll in one primary course—Math or Writing— along with secondary course, either Writing 55 (Oral Communication) or Ethnic Studies 001, and HESA 001 (College Success Course). Students will also participate in mandatory weekly community- building activities designed to support their transition to campus life and help them build connections with peers and staff.

Students who participate in HESA can earn the following units:

Primary Course	Secondary Course	College Success Course	Total Units Earned
Writing 5 (5 units)	Writing 55 (4 units)	HESA 001 (1 unit)	10 units
Writing 7 (5 units)	Writing 55 (4 units)	HESA 001 (1 unit)	10 units
Math 5A (5 units)	Writing 55 (4 units)	HESA 001 (1 unit)	10 units
Math 6A (4 units)	Writing 55 (4 units)	HESA 001 (1 unit)	8 units
Math 3 (3 units)	Writing 55 (4 units)	HESA 001 (1 unit)	8 units
Math 3 (3 units) - ONLINE	Ethnic Studies 001 (4units) -ONLINE	HESA 001 (1 unit)- ONLINE	8 units

HESA will challenge you academically, strengthen your confidence in both your personal and academic growth, and connect you with the campus knowledge and resources needed to help you achieve your goals.

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 2026 Peer Mentor Staff

Alyssa Guerrero

Alyssa Guerrero
Year: Second Year
Major: Biology
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I can't wait to meet the incoming students and help them feel welcomed as they begin this new chapter in their lives. I hope to help them get involved on campus and build a sense of belonging!

Amanda Cisneros

Amanda Cisneros
Year: Second Year
Major: Psychology
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I’m really excited to help support incoming students and guide them through their journey here at UCR. I’m especially looking forward to sharing some of the tips and tricks that have helped me tremendously during my time here. I know college can be nerve-wracking at first, but I’m here to help ease that feeling along the way!

Amanda Tafoya

Amanda Tafoya
Year: Fourth Year
Major: Psychology B.A. & Education, Society, and Human Development B.A.
What I am looking forward to for HESA:I look forward to meeting incoming UCR students and fostering a collaborative and supportive community.

Brian Heckman

Brian Heckman
Year: Third Year
Major: Biochemistry
What I am looking forward to for HESA: Hello! I'm looking forward to meeting all of the incoming students and helping them transition into college life. My goal is to create a supportive environment where I can share my experiences and tips for success.

Camila Gil Ollague

Camila Gil Ollague
Year: Second Year
Major: Public Policy and Political Scienceh
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am beyond excited to welcome and help incoming students. I am here to help manage the transition from high school to college and prepare them for a year of success!

Chris Michel

Chris Michel
Year: Third Year
Major: Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology
What 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.

D'Andre Wilkins

D'Andre Wilkins
Year: Second Year
Major: Biology
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am looking forward to meeting all the new incoming Highlanders and becoming a great asset to your success here at UCR!

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: Fourth Year
Major: Philosophy and Political Science Law/Society
What I am looking forward to for HESA: Hello! My name is Mariana Saldivar, and I am an incoming fourth-year philosophy and political science law/society student. I am looking forward to working with all of you and supporting you throughout your first weeks in college.

Mathew Mayorga

Mathew Mayorga
Year: Second Year
Major: Computer Engineering
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am looking forward to helping out all the incoming first years in their transition into college, keeping them informed with the resources that UCR provides to students!!

Meghana Kumarakalva

Meghana Kumarakalva
Year: Second Year
Major: Biochemistry
What I am looking forward to for HESA: Hello! I am looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing what I've learned to help them adjust to college life. I hope to support students and make sure their start at UCR is smooth and enjoyable.

Michelle Almaraz

Michelle Almaraz
Year: Third Year
Major: Environmental Studies
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!

Natalie Zollinger

Natalie Zollinger
Year: Second Year
Major: Psychology
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I love to explore education for the sake of connection and knowledge and hope I can spread this passion and help you along your individual journey! I hope you can find solace in me as I have found comfort in my HESA peers, mentors, and faculty.

Nathan Boylan-Boisvert

Nathan Boylan-Boisvert
Year: Third Year
Major: History
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am a first generation college student who came to UCR without any of my friends from high school and remember the loneliness I felt during my first quarter. I am looking forward to being a peer mentor for the HESA program because I will be able to help incoming students make friends and understand their academic expectations before their first year even begins, giving them a launchpad and mentorship I didn't have.

Rizelle Ramesh

Rizelle Ramesh
Year: Third Year
Major: Material Science and Engineering
What I am looking forward to for HESA:I can't wait to meet the incoming students and support them as they adjust to life at UCR. I'm excited to share tips, experiences, and resources that have helped me succeed and to be a mentor they feel comfortable reaching out to!

Sri Devarakonda

Sri Devarakonda
Year: Third Year
Major: Biochemistry
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am most excited to meet everyone and help students with transitioning into college! I hope to make college more approachable and help prepare everyone for the next four years!

Vanessa Olmos

Vanessa Olmos
Year: Second Year
Major: Spanish
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am looking forward to providing guidance and support to incoming students as they transition to college. I hope to share my experiences to help others feel more prepared as they begin their journey at UCR.

Viennay Garrido

Viennay Garrido
Year: Second Year
Major: Public Policy and Education
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I am looking forward to connecting with students and making sure they feel prepared to start their college journey!

Tanyon Herrera

Tanyon Herrera
Year: Fourth Year
Major: Environmental Engineering
What I am looking forward to for HESA: I want to share all my learning experiences both in and outside the classrooms to incoming students. Navigating University can be complex, so I want to help prepare and show the exciting things here at UCR!

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