Dear CNAS Students,

On behalf of the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) at UC Riverside, I welcome all our new first-year, transfer, and returning students to the start of the new academic year at UC Riverside.

Being my 27th year at UC Riverside, I have seen and experienced how unique CNAS is within the University of California system. Few universities cover the breadth of science the way CNAS does. From the agricultural, life, and physical sciences, UCR is renowned for providing students the opportunity to participate in research projects in our laboratories where they can work side-by-side with faculty, staff, and fellow students. Our college offers a wide choice of research projects on the compelling issues of our time and the opportunities to help solve them. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of the CNAS community.

When classes start in the next few days, I encourage all of you to step into your lecture halls, classrooms, and labs and take the opportunity to engage with your classmates that are on this journey with you; get to know your faculty during lectures, labs, and office hours; and reach out to staff who are here to support you in your success. 

For our new CNAS first-year and transfer students, be sure to attend the CNAS Welcome Week Community Meet & Greet tomorrow, Tuesday, September 26 at 11:30 a.m. at the Physics Courtyard. This will be a perfect time for you to meet the CNAS community — everyone is welcome.

Looking forward to seeing you on campus!

Peter W. Atkinson, Ph.D.
Professor
Interim Dean, College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences