Monday, September 15, 2025

Check in Day! 9 am- 5 pm

If you are living on campus, you should have received check in information from the housing office. Please follow those instructions to move into your Fall Housing Assignment.

Welcome Session 5 pm- 7 pm 

Quarry Amphitheater

The Opening Ceremony will start at 5:00 pm with doors opening at 4:30 pm. It is imperative that you arrive on campus on time for your scheduled move-in time, so that you can move into your permanent residential space, then meet us in the Quarry by 5:00 pm. If you live off campus, you can meet us at the Quarry directly at 5:00 pm, and we will have your materials there. 

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

8:00 am Kick off Breakfast & Games

Have breakfast in our classroom and enjoy game time with peers!

10:30 am- 1 pm Año Nuevo Trip

Lunch provided. Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring your water bottle, as there will be a mild hike. 

2:00 pm Success Strategies for the First Year Experience  PM Group (3 hours)

 LAUNCH Student Success is designed to build understanding, with a structured process of how our mind works, and how we can control the way we think to achieve success in any part of our lives that we desire. 

2 pm - 5 pm Financial Aid Office Hours (sign up only)

Schedule a one on one meeting time with a Financial Aid officer to talk about your specific package and options. Financial Aid has blocked off their day for IGNITE only and will be available to all students in their zoom and phone drop in. Set up your time now before it gets open to all students. If you do not have an appointment you will stay with the Success Strategies for First Year Experience Session. 

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

All Sessions will take place in the Science & Engineering Library 206

8:00 am Breakfast  Everyday Rachel Carson, Nine & John R. Lewis, and Cowell dining halls are open during the week. You can pick any of them for your meals. Please be to sessions on time. 

9 am Metacognition: Learning Method Autopsy

10 am Math Workshop 1

11 am Learning Strategy: Understanding the podium

1 pm- 1:50 pm Sessions

Academic Comebacks

Students will create a plan of action for when or if they fall behind. As well as building a strong foundation to prevent falling behind in the first place. They will discuss in groups their hopes and fears for the school year, to bond and introduce themselves. As well as being supplied with a list of resources that can be useful in various situations of academic or personal distress. They will write their non-negotiables for maintaining well-being (ex., Sleep 8 hours, going outside every day, etc.). This will remind them that even when the chaos of university life is present, they can still be sane.

How to: Google Calendar 

Come and learn how to make your college life 10 times easier and organized with the help of Google Calendar!! 

Know Your Rights Workshop

This workshop will cover Know Your Rights information, share resources on how to create your own family safety plan, and provide an overview of the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center and the services provided at UC Santa Cruz.

Navigating Your MyUCSC Portal 

This workshop will teach mentees how to navigate their MyUCSC Portal. 

Party Safe Workshop

Do you know what a standard drink size is? Or which drugs are most dangerous? Do you know what to do if someone overdoses? 

We at SHOP believe you can party without putting yourself or others in harm's way. Come learn about drugs and alcohol from people who will give you real, unbiased information in an interactive workshop. 

Paying for College: Make a Financial Plan for the Year You Want

How good would it feel to know you have enough money to pay for all your college and living expenses for the entire academic year? Come to this workshop and we will show you how to organize your finances, estimate funding resources you can use to pay for tuition, fees, housing, and other college costs, and identify resources that may provide more money for school and reduce your financial stress.

STARRS Overview Presentation

The Services for Transfer, Re-entry, and Resilient Scholars (STARRS) team supports students navigating unique educational journeys at UCSC. From easing the transfer pathway and building mentorship connections, to providing scholarships and community spaces for re-entry students, to offering resources and peer networks for student parents, STARRS is here to help you thrive. Join us to learn how our student-centered, community-driven programs create pathways to success and belonging.

Incorporating AI into your Workflow 

Laptop is required for this session. This session will take place in the Science & Engineering Library

Asian American/ Pacific Islander/ South West Asia North Africa Resource Center Mixer

AA/PIRC co-creates engagement opportunities that explore the complexities of Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Southwest Asian & North African experiences and identities. Through signature annual events like the vibrant Heritage Night Market (held at the Quarry Amphitheater) and Comedy Night, plus academic courses, leadership development programs, and cross-campus conferences like SWANA Con, students find pathways for both individual growth and collective celebration. Whether you’re connecting at Community Welcome, pursuing scholarships, or engaging in cultural education, AA/PIRC offers holistic development within a supportive diaspora community.

2 pm- 2:50 pm Math Workshop 2

Science & Engineering Library

3 pm- 3:50 pm Sessions

Charting Your Course

Our mission at the Veteran Resource Center is to provide comprehensive, personalized support to all military-connected individuals, empowering them to achieve their educational and personal goals. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we honor the sacrifices of those who have served, offering a supportive environment that fosters success from prospective students to graduate and beyond.

Paying for College: Make a Financial Plan for the Year You Want

How good would it feel to know you have enough money to pay for all your college and living expenses for the entire academic year? Come to this workshop and we will show you how to organize your finances, estimate funding resources you can use to pay for tuition, fees, housing, and other college costs, and identify resources that may provide more money for school and reduce your financial stress.

Understanding Suicide: The Basics of Suicide

The workshop will give attendees a current description on suicide, highlighting and educating on common misnomers and fallacies regarding suicide. It will then turn into an interactive portion, where the presenter will educate on the 3 most important steps on suicide, Exploring Invitations, Asking about Suicide, and Hearing People's Story. 

Cultivating Connections: Building Your UCSC Community 🌱

This workshop would foster a sense of belonging. We'd start with a "Community Mapping" activity, encouraging participants to identify existing and desired affinity groups. A key segment would differentiate between advisors, mentors, and coaches through brief, illustrative anecdotes, guiding students on how to find the right support. We'd incorporate mini role-playing scenarios for effective communication with professors and peers, and briefly touch on conflict resolution basics. The session would emphasize the inherent strengths and "cultural wealth" students bring to the university, culminating in a discussion on fostering healthy relationships.

Designing Your Blueprint for Success

Life in college can be overwhelming without a game plan. This 55-minute workshop empowers you to take control of your time, energy, and academic goals. Learn practical strategies for goal setting that will leave with a personalized approach to staying on track, reducing stress, and building long-term academic success.

Ethnic, Gender, & Sexuality Resource Center Mixer

UC Santa Cruz is home to a vibrant network of six campus resource centers open to all students. Each center offers its own mix of programming, events, and support services, while working together to foster connection and collaboration across communities. From academic support and leadership opportunities to comfortable spaces where you can relax, study, and hang out, the resource centers are here to help you feel at home. Rooted in student activism and cultural celebration, they’re part of a wider network of programs and spaces across campus where students can find community and thrive.

4 pm- 4:50 pm Sessions

Academic Comebacks

Students will create a plan of action for when or if they fall behind. As well as building a strong foundation to prevent falling behind in the first place. They will discuss in groups their hopes and fears for the school year, to bond and introduce themselves. As well as being supplied with a list of resources that can be useful in various situations of academic or personal distress. They will write their non-negotiables for maintaining well-being (ex., Sleep 8 hours, going outside every day, etc.). This will remind them that even when the chaos of university life is present, they can still be sane.

Sexploring Your Resources with SHOP

If you are thinking about getting it on at UCSC, you need to know how to take care of yourself and were to get resources on campus. This workshop will teach you basics about sexuality, STIs, safer sex supplies, birth control, and where you can get services and information at UCSC. You might even get free safer sex supplies if you attend... 

STEAM Research Engagement Opportunities for UCSC Undergraduates

In this workshop, students will be introduced to online and on campus in person STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) experiential learning opportunities, including funded research opportunities. Our CrEST (Creating Equity in STEAM) team offers three programs for students: (1) Shadow the Scientists (StS – https://shadow.ucsc.edu/); (2) Python and Research (PyaR – https://pyar.ucsc.edu/); (3) Science Internship Program (SIP – https://sip.ucsc.edu/).

Designing Your Blueprint for Success

Life in college can be overwhelming without a game plan. This 55-minute workshop empowers you to take control of your time, energy, and academic goals. Learn practical strategies for goal setting that will leave with a personalized approach to staying on track, reducing stress, and building long-term academic success.

RSP Student Panel - Staying Successful

In this space, RSP specially welcomes our students with the following lived experiences: current/former foster youth, formerly incarcerated or justice system impacted, and McKinney-Vento students. Most Resilient, Underground and Hope Scholars have faced adversity, and have navigated barriers, obstacles, and challenges with success! In this Resilient Scholar Programs workshop space, come hear from peer Resilient Scholars about how they have managed to become and stay successful at UCSC! Navigating transportation, housing, Financial Aid, and more with assistance and guidance of support offices, staff/faculty, resources, and organizations.

Taking advantage of career developing opportunities at UCSC

We plan to discuss the importance of gaining experience at UCSC through volunteer and work experience. We will talk about our experiences taking part of things outside the classroom. I plan on talking about how to gain lab experience and the role it has played in deciding what I want to do in the future. We hope to get the students to think about what they want to get out of ucsc and ask any questions they have to achieve it.

USS Community Building

This workshop will provide an opportunity for undocumented students to partake in different community building activities aiming to foster a sense of belonging at UC Santa Cruz and create an opportunity for students to meet USS staff and other peers.

Ethnic, Gender, & Sexuality Resource Center Mixer

UC Santa Cruz is home to a vibrant network of six campus resource centers open to all students. Each center offers its own mix of programming, events, and support services, while working together to foster connection and collaboration across communities. From academic support and leadership opportunities to comfortable spaces where you can relax, study, and hang out, the resource centers are here to help you feel at home. Rooted in student activism and cultural celebration, they’re part of a wider network of programs and spaces across campus where students can find community and thrive.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Move in begins for all of campus! Clean your room and prep for your roommate! Check on your Welcome Week to dos through your college. You may have a plenary to attend next week.

8:00 am Breakfast Rachel Carson, Nine & John R. Lewis, and Cowell dining halls are open during the week. You can pick any of them for your meals. Please be to sessions on time.

Social Science 1 & 2

 Review the titles and descriptions for each session and select which one you will attend. There will be a capacity limit on each room when you RSVP on Slug Success. So have a back up option in case the session you select is full. 

9 am- 9:50 am Sessions

Campus Hike

Upper Campus, McHenry, Math Department

Sex, Drugs, Campus Life: SHOPs Got You!

In this session, students will learn about the many resources the Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP) office has to offer. Our services cover sexual and reproductive health, alcohol and other drugs, and wellbeing. All of our services are free and do not require UCSHIP. Our philosophy is founded in harm reduction and unconditional positive regard, and we never tell students what they should or should not do, only offer health education and resources. Students will learn about our harm reduction supplies, wellness coaching, and peer education and how SHOP can support them while they are at UCSC. 

Mindedness, wellness, and fitness

Dedicated towards strengthening your mental health and spirit - learn about strategies that you can use to become more mindful through your first year of college and beyond.

Paying for College: Make a Financial Plan for the Year You Want

How good would it feel to know you have enough money to pay for all your college and living expenses for the entire academic year? Come to this workshop and we will show you how to organize your finances, estimate funding resources you can use to pay for tuition, fees, housing, and other college costs, and identify resources that may provide more money for school and reduce your financial stress.

Slug Support

College can be a challenging time for students, and it is not always easy to find the help you need during these stressful situations. Access to affordable and healthy food, stable housing, and comprehensive mental health resources should not be an additional stressor. Slug Support, part of the Basic Needs Village at UCSC, is here to help ensure all students have their basic needs met and help them navigate challenging circumstances by providing resources, information, connecting to on-campus departments and off-campus resources.

STEAM Research Engagement Opportunities for UCSC Undergraduates

In this workshop, students will be introduced to online and on campus in person STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) experiential learning opportunities, including funded research opportunities. Our CrEST (Creating Equity in STEAM) team offers three programs for students: (1) Shadow the Scientists (StS – https://shadow.ucsc.edu/); (2) Python and Research (PyaR – https://pyar.ucsc.edu/); (3) Science Internship Program (SIP – https://sip.ucsc.edu/).

Surviving Your First Year in the Dorms

Students learn the unwritten rules of dorm life (what apps they should download to make living on campus more efficient, how to deal with roommates, how to deal with communal bathrooms, etc)

10 am- 10: 50 am Community Activity

Calculus & Community bonding, games, puzzles 

11 am- 11:50 am Sessions

Social Sciences 1 & 2 unless otherwise noted

Faculty Panel

Maximizing your undergrad experience. Science & Engineering Library

EOP: Transfer into STEM

In this worksop transfer students will learn more about EOP STEM programs and services, build new connections with peers, explore strategies for adjusting into the quarter system, and engage in discussion while reflecting on experiences. 

Academic Comebacks

Students will create a plan of action for when or if they fall behind. As well as building a strong foundation to prevent falling behind in the first place. They will discuss in groups their hopes and fears for the school year, to bond and introduce themselves. As well as being supplied with a list of resources that can be useful in various situations of academic or personal distress. They will write their non-negotiables for maintaining well-being (ex., Sleep 8 hours, going outside every day, etc.). This will remind them that even when the chaos of university life is present, they can still be sane.

CAPS Services supporting your well-being

Prioritize your mental health—discover how CAPS can support your well-being with caring and confidential programs and services.

Cultivating Connections: Building Your UCSC Community 🌱

This workshop would foster a sense of belonging. We'd start with a "Community Mapping" activity, encouraging participants to identify existing and desired affinity groups. A key segment would differentiate between advisors, mentors, and coaches through brief, illustrative anecdotes, guiding students on how to find the right support. We'd incorporate mini role-playing scenarios for effective communication with professors and peers, and briefly touch on conflict resolution basics. The session would emphasize the inherent strengths and "cultural wealth" students bring to the university, culminating in a discussion on fostering healthy relationships.

Mindedness, wellness, and fitness

Dedicated towards strengthening your mental health and spirit - learn about strategies that you can use to become more mindful through your first year of college and beyond.

Navigating Your MyUCSC Portal 

This workshop will teach mentees how to navigate their MyUCSC Portal. 

Opportunities on Campus for UndocuSlugs

This workshop is designed to help students, particularly undocumented students, identify and navigate on-campus opportunities such as jobs, internships, fellowships, and other professional development programs. We recognize that undocumented students face unique challenges when accessing these opportunities, so this workshop will provide tailored information, strategies, and resources to help overcome these barriers. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a clear understanding of where to find these opportunities, who to contact for support, and how to approach applications with confidence. We will also highlight programs, departments, and student organizations that are committed to supporting UndocuSlugs in their academic and career goals.

Paying for College: Make a Financial Plan for the Year You Want

How good would it feel to know you have enough money to pay for all your college and living expenses for the entire academic year? Come to this workshop and we will show you how to organize your finances, estimate funding resources you can use to pay for tuition, fees, housing, and other college costs, and identify resources that may provide more money for school and reduce your financial stress.

What to Expect During a Transition

We were just thinking of talking about our own experiences as transfer students and entering a new space. We're both transfer students but in different ways (one from another UC and one from CC), so we can talk about our experiences with that. And we both came from different parts of California (bay area vs socal), so we can talk about stepping into a new climate as well and adjusting!

Slugs & Self-Love: A Wellness Workshop

Presenters will come together to present mental health and wellness resources, and tips on how to regulate emotional wellness as a student. 

STEAM Research Engagement Opportunities for UCSC Undergraduates

In this workshop, students will be introduced to online and on campus in person STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) experiential learning opportunities, including funded research opportunities. Our CrEST (Creating Equity in STEAM) team offers three programs for students: (1) Shadow the Scientists (StS – https://shadow.ucsc.edu/); (2) Python and Research (PyaR – https://pyar.ucsc.edu/); (3) Science Internship Program (SIP – https://sip.ucsc.edu/).

Who's Asian: It's More Complicated Than You Think

Explore Asian, Pasifika, and Middle Eastern identity at UCSC with staff from the Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center (AA/PIRC) on campus!

Come learn what it means to be part of the Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Southwest Asian/North African (AA/PI/SWANA) community, as well as the different resources and opportunities available at UCSC.

1 pm- 1:50 pm Math Tool Workshop

2 pm Math Workshop 3

4 pm Learning Resources

LSS/ACE, other on campus resources

1 pm Find your classes

Link up with your mentor group, bring your class schedule, and map out your first day. How to find your classes, campus hotspots, best times to take the loop or just walk.