Academic Advising
Academic advising at UC Santa Cruz aims to partner with students to identify and pursue paths to graduation that support their educational goals and post graduation plans, and thereby make meaningful change for themselves, their families, and communities.
Every UC Santa Cruz student is supported by a team of advisors:
College Advisors and Assistant Directors
These generalist advisors assist with campus-wide requirements, such as general education, academic progress, and time-to-degree policies. They are your go-to resource for understanding university requirements and policies, exploring academic interests, and supporting your academic success. Students are affiliated with their college advisors from admission through graduation.
Major and Minor Advisors
Specializing in specific academic programs, major advisors help you understand major qualification and graduation requirements, and assist in academic planning within your chosen field. They also guide you in identifying appropriate faculty mentors and enrichment opportunities related to your program. Students are affiliated with their major advisors from the time they declare their major until graduation.
For additional information, contact information, and access to schedule appointments, visit the Undergraduate Advising Website
If you plan to go on to graduate school, consult with faculty in your major. Faculty advisors are the best people to ask about the quality of graduate programs in your field of interest. In addition, the Career Success office offers guidance and workshops on applying to graduate school.
A number of programs provide additional academic and comprehensive support services to students with specific needs. Students can access a variety of resources to support their education journey at belong.ucsc.edu.
Orientation
Comprehensive information for incoming new students are detailed on UCSC’s welcome site.
Online Orientation Course
All new UC Santa Cruz students who enter in a fall quarter are expected to participate in an online "Slug Orientation" course, for which they earn 1 credit upon passing. This required online course introduces you to how the university works, what’s expected of you, and how to navigate campus life. You’ll complete it in Canvas before your first quarter begins—so you start informed, confident, and ready to succeed. Be sure to check your UCSC email regularly for important deadlines and instructions.
Slug Start / Fall Welcome Week
Slug Start is a multi-week kickoff to your first year at UC Santa Cruz, packed with important activities and sessions designed specifically for new students. Some parts of Slug Start are mandatory, and all the information you receive is valuable. Your first day of programming will depend on your college affiliation and move-in date—plan to start participating as soon as you’ve moved in and be sure to check your UCSC email for Slug Start information.
International Student Orientation
International Orientation takes place on the UC Santa Cruz main campus and is required for all new, incoming international students in F-1 or J-1 status. More information on preparing you for your arrival at UC Santa Cruz can be found under “Pre-Arrival Orientation” in iGlobal.
Note: Students who consider themselves international but are not in F-1/J-1 status are also welcome to register and attend.
The mandatory International Orientation program your transition to university life and introduces you to a research university’s academic expectations, UC level writing norms, campus resources, and the UCSC and Santa Cruz communities.
Career Success
The staff at Career Success will help you link your educational experience to the world of work. The center provides a variety of employment and career-development services to help students obtain rewarding and successful careers.
Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to visit Career Success often throughout their time on campus. Undergraduates should check out the Career Planning Guide for additional career development activities suggested for students from first year through senior year.
Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP)
Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) at UC Santa Cruz provide dedicated support to first-generation, low-income, and educationally disadvantaged students. Our team of academic counselors and student staff are here to help you thrive—both in college and after graduation. We believe higher education remains one of the most powerful tools for social mobility, we’re committed to helping you succeed. Connect with EOP staff and mentors.
EOP Programs and Initiatives
For detailed information about EOP's comprehensive resources, and to meet with a counselor or mentor, visit the EOP website.
STEM Diversity Research Programs
The Division of Physical and Biological Sciences sponsors several programs designed to promote diversity in the sciences by providing direct services that support students, bolstering their science identity through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) research training, professional development, and academic support. STEM Diversity Programs support students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds in achieving their educational and career goals by providing them with hands-on research experience and fostering a sense of inclusion, acceptance, and community.
For information on opportunities and programs, visit the STEM Diversity Programs website.
Academic Excellence Program (ACE)
ACE is a nationally recognized academic support program that is designed to increase the diversity of students who earn bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). ACE offers active-learning problem solving sessions for selected mathematics and science courses.
Applications are accepted quarterly for the upcoming term. Enrollment in ACE is limited and priority is given to RISE scholars and EOP students who are planning to pursue a STEM major. For more information, visit the ACE website.
Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP)
Also known as the MESA Engineering Program, MEP is the university-level component of Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA), a statewide program of the University of California Office of the President. At UC Santa Cruz, MEP is supported by the Baskin School of Engineering. Its goal is to promote the retention and graduation of a diverse population of students, especially those from groups that remain the most underrepresented in engineering studies.
For further information, visit the Mesa Engineering Program website.
Services for Transfer and Re-entry Students (STARRS)
For transfer information see Transfer Student Support.
Disability Resource Center (DRC)
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is committed to promoting the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of university life. The DRC’s team of professionals provides a wide range of services and accommodations to help ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to education and all aspects of campus life – whether they need accommodations for exams, assistance with note-taking, or access to assistive technology.
DRC staff also work closely with faculty and staff to create an inclusive and accessible campus environment, providing training and consultation on disability-related issues, and working with departments to ensure that all aspects of campus life are accessible to everyone.
Students are encouraged to contact the DRC to learn more about their services and resources. Visit the Disability Resource Center.
Campus access for people with mobility impairments. Visit the campus Americans with Disabilities Act website for more information about accessibility maps, vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts that can transport students throughout campus, and permits for accessible or medical parking spaces that are adjacent to all campus buildings. Most buildings on campus have wheelchair-accessible ramps, modified rest rooms, and other facilities. If necessary, classes are rescheduled to meet accessibility needs.
Questions and concerns can be directed as follows:
- Students: Academic accommodations are available through the Disability Resource Center to ensure an accessible learning environment.
- Faculty and Staff: Workplace accommodations can be requested through Disability Management Services to support accessible work environments.
- Members of the Public: Visitors can request accommodations for events, tours, or other university programs by contacting the event organizer or the campus ADA Compliance Officer at adaccess@ucsc.edu. We recommend submitting requests as early as possible to allow time for arrangements.
- Accommodating job applicants or current employees with disabilities should be directed to (Disability Management Coordinator, Benefits Office (831) 459-4602 or Assistant Director for EEO, Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (831) 459-3676.