The UCI Student Center was presented the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold (LEED) award for its Phase 4 expansion project, which included additions to the Cross-Cultural Center, new conference spaces, dining and retail facilities, and offices for student organizations.

The development of Phase 4 placed an emphasis on an environmentally and socially responsible design, garnering acclaim from the U.S. Green Building Council. Despite being a large undertaking, with the late addition of a new ballroom, moveable wall partitions, and audiovisual equipment, the expansion was completed earlier than projected.