UC Irvine scores high in California Mobility Index; ZotGPT Academy launched

Feb. 20, 2025

Anteater Time Machine: A student shares a smile, circa 1982. (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries University Archives)

UC IRVINE NEWS

UC Irvine rates among best universities in California Mobility Index

Students walking in front of the Student Center at UC Irvine

The California Mobility Index rated UC Irvine among the top universities in California for its commitment to inclusivity and its excellence in student outcomes. UC Irvine placed #12 overall and second among University of California campuses. According to CMI data, UC Irvine graduates earn $79,031 10 years after enrollment, the highest amount of the top 12 rated campuses, and 37 percent of Anteater students receive Pell Grants.

ZotGPT Academy launched

The Office of Information Technology has created a new online learning program called ZotGPT Academy to train faculty and staff in generative AI technology. The program consists of three interactive 30-minute modules that provide hands-on experience with ZotGPT: Module 1: Generative AI Fundamentals; Module 2: Prompt Engineering; and

Module 3: Augmenting your Work with Generative AI. The courses are available now for free and can be accessed by logging into Articulate Rise with a UC Irvine email.

Making friends at any age

We lose opportunities to make friends after age 50, said UCI Health psychiatrist Dr. Jody Rawles. He recently shared some strategies for building connections at any age. “Group exercise does everything. Running clubs, cycling clubs, yoga and Pilates are great workouts, and there’s no pressure to socialize because you’re engaged in an activity. At the same time, there’s opportunity for informal socialization before and afterward.”

UC NEWS

Call to protect life saving research

The University of California is a leader in life-saving biomedical research, advancing treatments for cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and other critical health challenges. Recently imposed drastic federal funding cuts now threaten UC’s ability to provide essential lab space, equipment, utilities and other critical infrastructure needed to conduct good science. Through the UC Advocacy Network, you can send a message to your lawmakers urging them to uphold its commitment to federally funded research.

SAVE THE DATE

Langson IMCA: Adult Workshop | Exploring the Landscape through Collage and Drawing

Saturday, 10 a.m. (sponsored by Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of

California Art)

Trust and the National Cancer Plan: Empowering our community

Thursday, 5 p.m. (sponsored by UCI Health)

For more events, visit UC Irvine Today.

#UCIconnected

Former state senator to co-teach course on California’s future

Former California Senator Josh Newman has accepted an unpaid appointment as a senior fellow with the School of Social Ecology. Aside from co-teaching a class on California's future with Dean Jon Gould, he will help the school in attracting the attention of policymakers and hosting events. “I’m very much looking forward to working closely with Dean Gould and other members of the school’s talented staff to bring real-world insights on politics and policy as part of the school’s mission of developing future leaders in education, research, public policy and community action,” said Newman, who served in the California State Senate from 2016 to 2018, and again from 2020 to 2024, representing parts of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties.

#UCIconnected spotlights interesting updates from the UC Irvine community. #IamUCI spotlights profiles of students, faculty, staff and alumni. Send submissions via email or post on social media with the #UCIconnected or #IamUCI hashtags.