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 a significant expansion of UC Riverside's curriculum to include various professional programs focused on engineering, medicine, and administration. Hinderaker won over students during the anti-war protests in the 1960s by inviting protesters into his office for coffee and pastries. Hinderaker and former UC Regent Phil Boyd advocated for the construction of the carillon tower, a notable feature on the UCR campus.