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Who is eligible to apply to the UTeach program?
When is the application due?
What criteria will the UTeach selection committee use when reviewing applications?
On what basis does UTeach reject proposals?
I am studying abroad during the school year I propose to teach my class. Can I still apply to UTeach?
What is the time frame of the program if accepted?
Why should I propose to teach a UTeach seminar?
How do I find a faculty mentor?
Q: Who is eligible to apply to the UTeach program?
A: A student must be of sophomore or junior standing at the time of applying (by unit count at UCI) with a 3.0 GPA minimum. No prior teaching experience is necessary. Each prospective applicant is highly encouraged to attend one of the UTeach informational sessions on Zoom. For information regarding upcoming Information Sessions, please see How to Apply.
Q: When is the application due?
A: The application closes June 4, 2021 at 11:59 pm.
Q: What criteria will the UTeach selection committee use when reviewing applications?
A: The UTeach selection committee will look for the following:
- The applicant must meet the eligibility requirements.
- The applicant must have his or her proposed seminar endorsed by a faculty mentor.
- The proposed seminar must be unique; in other words, it must not already be a class offered at UCI.
- The application must be well written, lucid, and convince the committee that the student is passionate about his or her proposed topic and committed to meeting the time and other demands of the program.
Q: On what basis does UTeach reject proposals?
A: The UTeach selection committee rejects proposals on one or more of the following criteria:
- The applicant did not meet the eligibility requirements (e.g., applied as a freshman or fell below the GPA minimum)
- The applicant proposed a seminar similar or the same to a class already taught at UCI.
- The application was vaguely written, the topic or teaching approach seems inappropriate, or the applicant appears to be using the seminar to espouse his or her particular agenda.
- The proposed faculty mentor expresses doubt over his or her mentee’s ability to carry out the seminar successfully.
There are also constraints on the number of new UTeach seminars that can be offered each year and a desire to offer a diverse portfolio of seminar topics.
Q: I am studying abroad during the school year I propose to teach my class. Can I still apply to UTeach?
A: Students in UTeach are required to attend seminars during Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters, however, exceptions can be made for students who agree with their faculty mentor to do the majority of their work during the summer before the student departs for their study abroad program.
Q: What is the time frame of the program if my proposal is accepted?
A: The broad program schedule is as follows:
- Summer: Conduct research under the supervision and consultation of your faculty mentor. Update student coordinator periodically.
- Fall Quarter: Conduct research under the supervision and consultation of your faculty mentor. Enroll in University Studies 197A with your mentor. Write and complete your seminar’s course plan and syllabus by the Sunday of Week 8.
- Winter Quarter: Sign up and attend University Studies 197B. Polish your course plan and syllabus.
- Spring Quarter: Teach your seminar. Attend weekly meetings of University Studies 197C to address issues that come up as you teach. Participate in UTeach information sessions to recruit UTeachers for next year.
Q: Why should I propose teaching a UTeach seminar?
A: UTeach provides great opportunities to:
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- gain experience for if you’re contemplating a teaching career, particularly at the college level.
- learn your topic area in greater depth—it’s often said that you never really learn a subject until you teach it.
- work closely with a faculty mentor.
- share your interest and enthusiasm for your topic with other students.
Q: How do I find a faculty mentor?
A: Search on the UC Irvine Faculty Profile or contact a mentor that you already know. Contacting past professors is a great way to start.
- The faculty mentor has to be a part of the UC Irvine Academic Senate.
- Your faculty mentor does not need to specialize in the subject that you desire to teach, although it can be helpful in terms of course planning.