Discussion Leaders

Discussion Leaders (DLs) are upper-division undergraduates who serve as teaching assistants for University Studies 1: The Freshman Experience.

Each year 20-30 DLs, as part of the University Studies 1 teaching team, facilitate their own weekly 50-minute discussion section with up to 17 first-year students. They are trained to facilitate discussions and lead activities on important topics like major exploration, academic resources, student support services, and student involvement. DLs are a crucial part of first-years' peer support system as they transition from high school to UCI.

Discussion Leader Coordinators are experienced DLs that take on additional responsibilities including mentoring, training, and supporting the DLs.