About the UC System

In 1849, one year before California was ratified as a state, the first state constitution was ratified. Included was the objective to create a complete educational system, including a state university. Nearly 20 years later, Governor Frederick Low organized the merger of the proposed state university with the existing College of California., with the agreement that the school would be turned into a "complete university." In 1868, the University of California opened in Oakland, relocating to Berkeley five years later. Since then, the University of California system has grown into a world-renowned education leader, with its campuses ranked among the best around the globe. Its roots stretch from as north as Davis to as south as San Diego. With the Merced campus' opening in 2005, the University of California system now features nine undergraduate schools and one graduate school, which include an affiliated law school, three national laboratories, two observatories, five medical centers and a natural reserve system. The UC System also features several missions, other research facilities, networking centers and transportation venues.

The UC System is governed by the Board of Regents of the University of California. The board is composed of 18 regents appointed by the Governor of California for 12-year terms. An additional member is a student appointed to a one-year term. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, Superintendent of Public Education, Alumni Associations of the UC President and Vice President and the UC President also serve as "ex officio" members. The current UC President is former United States Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.  The UC System certainly has the accolades to compete with the best in the world. Dozens of Nobel laureates, several pioneers in multiple industries and several political, athletic, entertainment and cultural icons have graduated from UC schools. Because of the tremendous reputation of the schools, it is a challenge for high school seniors to be accepted at a UC school. If they can, they'll have the chance to learn at and graduate from one of the top educational institutions in the world. UC admits students through a universal application that open on Nov. 1 and closes on Nov 30. The application is available on the UC website. For more information, visit the UC website.