UCI Giving Day 2023

The School of Social Ecology is dedicated to interdisciplinary, solution-driven scholarship, teaching, and outreach in the public’s interest. It is a national leader in applying empirical research to address complex societal problems. Since 1970, the school has grown from a few dozen students to more than 2,900, with more than 25,000 graduates working in fields as diverse as healthcare, human services, planning, education, law and public policy. 

The school is home to three highly-ranked departments: Criminology, Law and Society; Urban Planning and Public Policy; and Psychological Science. All are committed to research that illuminates human behavior in both social and institutional contexts, moves beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries, and reaches a diverse and broad audience.  

Field Study Program 

For the last 50 years, Social Ecology students have had to complete 100 hours of field work in the community. This program has benefited our community in countless ways and provides a formative experience for our students.

To ensure the Field Study program continues to be effective for students and community partners, the School of Social Ecology is seeking financial support for participating students. Gifts will fund leadership development workshops, transportation to and from Field Study placement sites, professional wardrobes and scholarships. 

• Each year, more than 1,000 social ecology undergraduate students, under the guidance of faculty, are placed in over 200 community partner agencies. Students deepen their understanding of the connections between theory and practice and grow into more informed community leaders. Community partners include nonprofit organizations, public sector agencies and private businesses. 
  
  
• The impact of the program is profound for both students and community partner agencies. Students become better prepared for today’s labor market, and often have life-changing experiences that influence their future career choices. Community partners benefit from the thousands of hours of work offered by energetic, creative, difference-making students. 
  
  
• In recent years, the Field Study program has expanded to Advanced Field Study, Immersive Field Study and Global Service Scholars and – all of which deepen students’ learning opportunities and grow the school’s reach. 
  
  
• Our Field study program has just launched a critical student transportation and professional wardrobe stipend program. We’ve partnered with Working Wardrobes to provide students with a $75 stipend to get the professional apparel they need. This first-of-its-kind program will help our students with their field study placements and leave them better prepared to enter the workforce.

Social Ecology Dean's Excellence Fund 

You can also support the School of Social Ecology by making a gift to our Dean's Excellence Fund. Gifts to this fund help support the immediate needs of the school. It is a simple but powerful way to show your support.