Academic Support Resources

Below are some particularly useful resources for students seeking academic support. Please visit the science.ucsc.edu website for a full list of academic support resources

• ACE - The Academic Excellence Program provides discussion sections in biology, pre-calculus, general and organic chemistry and physics. Sections meet for 4 hours each week with professional teaching staff and take the place of the required secondary discussion section for your math or science lecture.

• CAPS - Counseling and Psychological Services at UCSC is committed to providing timely, culturally appropriate, and effective mental health services to all UCSC students. They are here to assist with any personal and mental health concerns that affect the well-being and education of UCSC students.

• Chemistry Learning Center (CLC) - The Chemistry Learning Center in PSB 209 is meant for any General Chemistry (CHEM 3) student to come for academic help. TAs and instructors will be there to offer help to ANY student who needs it. General Chemistry students should check their Canvas courses for the current Chemistry Learning Center schedule.

• Chemistry Tutoring - Looking for a Chemistry tutor? Reach out to chemistryadvising@ucsc.edu to request our private tutor listing!

• College Scholars Program (CSP) - The UC Santa Cruz College Scholars Program (CSP) offers a congenial and stimulating academic home for a select group of well-prepared first-year students at UC Santa Cruz. This enriched program of study includes special courses, seminars, colloquia, and other events during each quarter of the student's first academic year and fall of the student's second academic year.

• DRC - The Disability Resource Center assists the UCSC campus with equal educational access for students with disabilities.

• EOP - Academic and personal support for students who have been granted EOP status.

• LSS - Learning Support Services offers Modified Supplemental Instruction (MSI) and tutoring services.

• MSI - Modified Supplemental Instruction gives students the opportunity to learn together in small groups led by advanced Student Learning Assistants.

• Navigate Slug Success - You can use Navigate Slug Success to:

  • Set alerts and reminders. Stay on top of your to-do list and important deadlines.

  • Locate campus resources. Connect to resources and support throughout campus.

  • Sync your class schedule with your phone calendar. See your whole schedule in one calendar view.

  • Make an appointment. Instantly schedule a Slug Success meeting with an academic advisor or other campus staff.

• Science Excellence Advising (Sci-X) - Sci-X is for First year proposed Science and Math Majors. SCI-X also provides advising for First-year undeclared students in the Life & Health Science, the Physical Science & Math, and the Undeclared Environmental Policy, Science, & Sustainability advising clusters.

• STEM Diversity - The UCSC STEM Diversity Programs encompass a variety of programs that support underrepresented students in STEM fields.

• STEM Hub - The STEM Hub is a place for Small Group Tutoring from Learning Support Services (LSS), study space, and peer advising, centrally located on Science Hill to support the retention and graduation of low-income, first-generation, EOP, and Latinx STEM students at UCSC. All students are welcome.

• Study Group - Students are encouraged to create study groups for themselves with fellow students in their classes!

  • "Forming and being part of a study group was essential for my success in challenging courses like CHEM 163A. We created a supportive network where any of us could ask for help from one another to better understand confusing concepts and homework problems. I think I can directly attribute my success in my classes to the help I got from being in a study group." - a testament to the benefit of study groups from Sean Tierney, a 3rd year Chemistry major in 2022

  • How does one form a study group?:

    • "If there is a class discord, ask if anyone wants to create an in-person study group in the general chat. Ask the people that sit near you in class if they want to form a study group, and share contact information with them so a group chat can be made. Ask them to invite anyone they would like to join, too." - advice from Sean Tierney, a 3rd year Chemistry major in 2022

    • Navigate Slug Success also has a Find Study Buddies feature that can be used to create or join a study group with other students from your classes.