College Ten

College Office
217 Social Sciences 1
(831) 459-5034

https://collegeten.ucsc.edu

Academic Programs

Academic Emphasis

College Ten’s theme of Social Justice and Community addresses a range of social problems and their impacts on society. Understanding the contemporary United States requires social and historical frameworks that address concepts including racialized and gendered social hierarchies, the construction of marginalization and difference, the impacts of class differentials, and many manifestations of unequal power relationships. A flourishing society that progresses toward more social and environmental justice depends on informed, critical, and empathetic people willing to make the efforts necessary to create social change. At College Ten, we strive toward the goals of analyzing, embodying, and implementing ideas that help our students become knowledgeable and critical social actors who recognize and practice the principle that all people possess equal intrinsic worth. Our academic and co-curricular programs consider the injustices that many people confront in their lives, and possible policies for overcoming social, political, and economic inequalities. In addition, the college provides students with opportunities to make their own positive contributions to social change through community involvement and/or scholarly research.

Core Course

In the first-quarter frosh core course, CLTE 1: Academic Literacy and Ethos: Social Justice and Community, students examine current issues pertinent to the college’s intellectual theme. The college curriculum explores the causes and consequences of social injustice in several ways. Students examine the roots of prejudice, discrimination, and violence directed toward groups based on their ethnicity, skin color, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or political views. They also consider the causes and consequences of economic inequality both within the United States and around the world. In addition to articulation with the college theme, the seminar teaches foundational concepts for intellectual exploration and personal development within an academic community—analysis, critical thinking, metacognition, engagement with others across difference, and self-efficacy. The instructors work closely with each student throughout the quarter.

College Advising

Contact information:
tenadvising@ucsc.edu
Phone: 831-459-5034
Social Sciences 1, Room 217

Located on the second floor of Social Sciences 1, our team of dedicated, knowledgeable and caring advisers is here to guide students throughout their journey at UC Santa Cruz, from admission to the university through graduation. Our approach is collaborative and student-centered, assisting undergraduates with identifying and exploring their academic interests and capacities, and providing advice as to how to make the most of their time at UCSC. Our advisers answer questions about navigating the policies and life at UCSC, course scheduling and selection, degree and general education requirements, qualifying for a major, educational support and opportunities, and much more. Close partnerships with units across campus mean that if we do not know the answer to a question, we usually know someone who does.

Students who wish to connect with Advising should visit the College Ten Academic Advising website for open hours, drop-ins, and appointments.

Other Academic Programs

Optional programs are available to involve College Ten students in academic and co-curricular activities beyond the first-quarter core course. They are designed to promote students’ academic achievement and success by connecting them with faculty mentors and helping them pursue leadership experiences and experiential learning opportunities.

Social Justice Issues Workshop

College Ten students have the option of enrolling in the Social Justice Issues Workshop in winter quarter. This two-credit course, taught by student instructors, meets once per week and can be taken in addition to a regular 15-credit academic load. The workshop offers a small, dynamic learning community in which members explore important issues of personal and cultural identity; social, political, and environmental concerns; and community-mindedness. The class emphasizes small-group experiential learning through structured exercises and group activities, and also includes discussions, film presentations, and guest speakers.

Apprenticeship in Community Engaged Research

The Apprenticeship in Community Engaged Research (or (H)ACER) is a new program at College Nine and College Ten designed to teach students qualitative research methods with a focus on community-engaged and participatory methodologies. The objectives of our work encompass student enrichment, uplifting the work of our community partners, and conducting relevant, critical research to solve real-life challenges at the intersections of education, health, economics, immigration, nutrition, labor and the environment. The benefits for students of experiential learning in the community are multiple: abstract academic concepts become more tangible, students expand their web of social connection, and skills such as teamwork and problem solving are heightened. Students reach outside of their comfort zone, have their assumptions challenged, and meet remarkable local heroes.

(H)ACER offers a scaffolded progression of opportunities for students: students can begin by getting involved with Praxis, participating in Alternative Spring Break, or signing up for internships with community partners such as an after-school, garden-based educational program at Calabasas Elementary School in Watsonville. Praxis is a student club for community service in which College Nine and College Ten students undertake monthly volunteer opportunities throughout Santa Cruz County and neighboring communities. During campus meetings, Praxis participants engage in discussion, reading, and reflection to increase their awareness and knowledge about key issues.

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) in Watsonville centers on issues of food security, sovereignty, and justice. After getting to know each other at a retreat, discussing readings, and hearing from a panel of Watsonville leaders, ASB participants undertake five days of experiential learning with a variety of community partners (e.g., schools, artists, non-profits). After Spring Break, a final gathering is held for students to share their final projects.

Practical Activism: Tools for Local and Global Change

The annual Practical Activism Conference is a day-long, student-led event featuring keynote speakers, 10 workshops, various on-and off-campus organizations, performances, and a variety of hands-on activism activities. Students gain valuable leadership and organizing skills through developing and planning this exceptional program, which involves collaboration among faculty, staff, and the local community. Visit Practical Activism for more information.

Community Garden Class

In cooperation with the work of the Community Garden Club, this course explores such topics as collaborative garden design, community gardening best practices, building regenerative social and ecological systems, sustainability, and food justice, while also offering hands-on experience in the Colleges Nine and Ten community garden.

College Ten Pathways to Distinction

Students are recognized with College Ten Distinction upon successful completion of three quarters (15 credits) of experiential coursework in Service and Leadership and/or Research and Scholarship focused on social justice and diversity issues. Applicable College Ten courses and research opportunities with faculty can fulfill the criteria for distinction. This recognition is intended to serve as an incentive for students to pursue activities that help them succeed in college and beyond.