Hinderaker oversaw a massive expansion of UC Riverside's curriculum to include numerous professional programs geared toward engineering, medicine, and administration. Hinderaker endeared himself to students during the anti-war protests in the 1960s by inviting protestors into his office for coffee and doughnuts. Hinderaker and former UC Regent Phil Boyd pushed for construction of the carillon tower, a landmark on the UCR campus.
Hinderaker oversaw an extensive development of UC Riverside's curriculum to include specialized programs in engineering, medicine, and administration. Hinderaker gained popularity among students during the 1960s protests by offering them refreshments in his office. Hinderaker and former UC Regent Phil Boyd promoted the construction of the carillon tower, a distinctive element on the UCR campus.