First Year Schedule
If you are an incoming first year student (you just graduated high school) please be mindful of this schedule and locations. You will receive specific event registration invitations through Slug Success
Embedded Files
The Schedule is available! Check out the details here but don't forget to RSVP through your Slug Success in order to reserve your seat!!
Monday, September 15, 2025
Monday, September 15, 2025
Check in Day! 9 am- 5 pm
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
Welcome Session 5 pm- 7 pm
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
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
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.
9:00 am Sessions pt. 1 You will be randomly assigned a group to pick from the following session options for both the morning and the afternoon. Find your specific sessions on Slug Success. If you're in the 3 hour session in the morning then you will have the opportunity to do the other sessions in the afternoon and vice versa.
Success Strategies for the First Year Experience (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.
Financial Aid Office Hours
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.
Career Success: Planning your career plan checklist
Career Success provides students with resources to explore several career industry groups that fit your interests, skills, and goals. Some opportunities include events, jobs, internships, research experiences, and more.
Understanding Your Syllabus and Tutoring Services
In this workshop, participants will learn what a syllabus is, why it's important, and how to use it for their own academic planning. Participants will also engage with the undergraduate tutoring center, learn about academic services, and the benefits of using tutoring.
EOP Information Session
EOP supports first-generation, low-income, and educationally disadvantaged students—many from historically marginalized backgrounds—through academic advising, financial support, community-building, and more. Our goal is to help you thrive and lead during college and beyond. Discover what EOP is, who it’s for, and how to get connected. Get information about EOP eligibility and status, our mission and vision, and find out how to reach us with questions or to get involved.
12:00 pm Lunch Rachel Carson, Nine & John R. Lewis, and Cowell dining halls are open during the week. Lunch must be with your mentor. Please coordinate with your mentor which dining hall you will go to together. Please be to 1 pm sessions on time.
2:00 pm Sessions pt. 2 You will be randomly assigned a group to pick from the previously mentioned session options for both the morning and the afternoon. Find your specific sessions on Slug Success. If you were in the 3 hour session morning then you will have the opportunity to do the other sessions in the afternoon now and folks who were in the shorter sessions in the morning are participating in the 3 hour session in the afternoon. Please be sure to reserve your seat in both your morning and afternoon sessions by RSVPing to the link provided via email.
5:00 pm Dinner Any open dining hall
7:00 pm Mentor/Mentee time
Bonding experience with your mentors this evening after all Workshops are complete for the day. Check in with your mentor about meeting time and location
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
9:00 am- 5:00 pm Resource Conference Sessions
9:00 am- 5:00 pm Resource Conference Sessions
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.
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
9 am- 9:50 am Sessions
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.
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.
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...
Experience the world through enriching UCSC Global Learning programs. 🌎 ✈️
You have many options to engage in domestic and international opportunities that can expand your understanding of new cultures, academic perspectives, languages, and global communities. ✨
UCSC programs can offer the opportunity to:
✅ Fulfill degree requirements (major, minor, GE, and total units)
✅ And financial aid is available!
Highlights can include affordable living, unforgettable adventures, and the chance to make lifelong connections. Now is the time to begin planning your journey 🤗
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)
African American Resource & Cultural Center Mixer
From the Welcome Black BBQ and elegant Black Love Gala to the 15-year tradition of Pachanga (celebrating Afro-Latine culture with El Centro), AARCC creates spaces for celebration, connection, and community building. Connect with mentors through the African American Mentorship Program, explore Santa Cruz through ABC Outings, stock up on culturally affirming essentials at The Black Shop (our on-site basic needs pantry), and celebrate achievements at Black Grad.
10 am- 10: 50 am Sessions
10 am- 10: 50 am Sessions
Accessing available campus resources.
Resources available to students including free markets and drop in hours for professors.
How to build your wellbeing toolkit: strategies for self care and succeeding in college
This workshop would discuss different methods of self care that students can use and practice while at UCSC. It goes beyond the white-woman-capitalist idea of self care and talks about self-compassion, navigating imposter syndrome, and how to use different coping skills for different situations. Students will walk away with actual skills that they can practice and resources at UCSC that will help them maintain their well-being.
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)
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.
Students will receive an overview of UCSC's Basic Needs Village and learn about the definition of basic needs. Students will learn about our campus food security resources and how to access them should they. need them while at UCSC.
This workshop will focus on sharing an overview about the Undocumented Student Services program and services we offer to undocumented students at UC Santa Cruz.
In this space, RSP specially welcomes our Resilient Scholars to better understand the tools and resources available for them to ignite a successful and transformative higher education experience. Come learn more about how UCSC Resilient Scholar, Underground Scholar, and Hope Scholar Programs support and guide students with the following lived experiences: current/former foster youth, formerly incarcerated or justice system impacted, and McKinney-Vento students. Resilient Scholar Programs has you covered, with services like support with building housing stability, holistic advising, basic needs, scholarships, peer mentorship, work study and more!
El Centro: Chicanx Latinx Resource Center Mixer
Where cultura thrives and comunidad belongs. Build community at biweekly Pan Dulce Fridays, honor ancestors at the Día de los Muertos ceremonia held in the Quarry Amphitheater, and celebrate Afro-Latiné culture through the collaborative Pachanga tradition with AARCC. From La Bienvenida in the fall to the Chicane Latiné Year-End Celebration, El Centro creates many opportunities for connection throughout the year. Beyond vibrant programming, El Centro supports your academic journey with internship opportunities, affiliated student organizations, scholarships, and resources that promote critical understanding of Chicanx and Latinx communities both locally and internationally.
11 am- 11:50 am Sessions
11 am- 11:50 am Sessions
Beyond Tolerance: Being Unapologetically QTBIPOC and more at UCSC
As Queer and Trans People of Color, we experience a unique set of challenges as well as opportunities when coming to UCSC. This workshop will center a discussion exploring different strategies used by students to overcome hardships, build community, and claim and proclaim their voices with intersectional fierceness. Students of all backgrounds and intersections of identities are welcome to participate.
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.
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.
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.
This workshop will teach mentees how to navigate their MyUCSC Portal.
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.
Santa Cruz Secrets: Local Food, Transit & Hidden Gems
Santa Cruz, beyond being the location of the school, offers a plethora of hidden gems and local resources that can significantly aid students. This workshop aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and gather student input on various aspects of navigating Santa Cruz. We’ll explore options for obtaining free or affordable food off-campus, identify helpful local community organizations, discover study-friendly coffee shops and spots throughout the town, and provide practical tips on utilizing public transportation, biking, or alternative modes of commuting without a car. To enhance the learning experience, we’ll collaboratively create a comprehensive map link it via QR codes to the digital version afterward. This workshop is designed for anyone seeking to become more comfortable navigating Santa Cruz, particularly commuters and students new to the area.
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/).
The presenter will share a little about their own transfer experience and a few campus resources that helped them during their first quarter. It’ll be a quick overview of what their transition to UCSC looked like.
Women's Center Mixer
Affirming the dignity and diversity of all women since 1985, the Women’s Center creates community spaces for individual and social change. Located in Cardiff House alongside AIRC and PoCSC, the Center offers both vibrant programming and essential resources. Beyond events, you’ll find free basic needs supplies, free printing, a feminist library, and a fully-stocked community kitchen. Whether you’re seeking creative activities, supportive dialogue, practical resources, or ways to challenge and uphold feminist traditions, the Women’s Center welcomes all women and allies.
12:00 pm Lunch Rachel Carson, Nine & John R. Lewis, and Cowell dining halls are open during the week. Lunch must be with your mentor. Please coordinate with your mentor which dining hall you will go to together. Please be to sessions on time
1 pm- 1:50 pm Sessions
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.
Incorporating AI into your Workflow.
Laptop is required for this session. This session will take place in the Science & Engineering Library
2 pm- 2:50 pm Sessions
2 pm- 2:50 pm Sessions
Advancing STEM Achievement: EOP Resources for First-Generation Students
Join the EOP STEM team in this interactive workshop on building your STEM community at UCSC. Through reflection and hands-on activities, you’ll connect with peers, explore support networks, and discover campus resources to help you thrive in STEM.
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.
Going Global and UCSC
Experience the world through enriching UCSC Global Learning programs. 🌎 ✈️
You have many options to engage in domestic and international opportunities that can expand your understanding of new cultures, academic perspectives, languages, and global communities. ✨
UCSC programs can offer the opportunity to:
✅ Fulfill degree requirements (major, minor, GE, and total units)
✅ And financial aid is available!
Highlights can include affordable living, unforgettable adventures, and the chance to make lifelong connections. Now is the time to begin planning your journey 🤗
How to build your wellbeing toolkit: strategies for self care and succeeding in college
This workshop would discuss different methods of self care that students can use and practice while at UCSC. It goes beyond the white-woman-capitalist idea of self care and talks about self-compassion, navigating imposter syndrome, and how to use different coping skills for different situations. Students will walk away with actual skills that they can practice and resources at UCSC that will help them maintain their wellbeing.
Introducing the Smith Society
Come and learn about the Smith Society, in its 26th year on our campus. The Smith Society is an intergenerational community offering friendship and support to UC Santa Cruz students who spent years in foster care, lost their parents, became caught up in the juvenile court system, or were homeless before they turned 18 years old.
Know the campus “hot spots”
The presenter will show all or at least the most popular spots at UCSC where students love to hang out, study, grab food, and relax. In this workshop, we’ll explore fun places on campus, like scenic views like the east field, cozy study corners like McHenry Library, and student favorite hangouts like Banana Joe's.
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 Campus Resources
Explaining in depth the different procedures and resources, offered for students both on and off campus.
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.
American Indian Resource Center Mixer
Your home away from home, AIRC creates bridges between campus life and tribal communities while honoring traditions and empowering futures. Join the Fall Welcome celebration with games and food, experience the UCSC Pow Wow, or attend Indigethankx, an alternative Thanksgiving celebrating Indigenous foodways. Learn from Native leaders through the Amah Mutsun Speaker Series, and celebrate achievements at the Year End Celebration honoring Native graduates.
3 pm- 3:50 pm Sessions
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.
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
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.
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.
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/).
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.
6:00 pm Banana Slug Bash
6:00 pm Banana Slug Bash
Quarry Amphitheater
Quarry Amphitheater
Time to dine and play at our Silent Disco to let off some steam halfway through the week!
Time to dine and play at our Silent Disco to let off some steam halfway through the week!
Thursday, September 18, 2025
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.
9:00 am- 5:00 pm Resource Conference Sessions Day 2
9:00 am- 5:00 pm Resource Conference Sessions Day 2
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.
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
9 am- 9:50 am Sessions
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 Sessions
10 am- 10: 50 am Sessions
Accessing available campus resources.
Resources available to students including free markets and drop in hours for professors.
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.
How to build your wellbeing toolkit: strategies for self care and succeeding in college
This workshop would discuss different methods of self care that students can use and practice while at UCSC. It goes beyond the white-woman-capitalist idea of self care and talks about self-compassion, navigating imposter syndrome, and how to use different coping skills for different situations. Students will walk away with actual skills that they can practice and resources at UCSC that will help them maintain their wellbeing.
How to: Google Calendar
Come and learn how to make your college life 10 times easier and organized with the help of Google Calendar!!
Living on Campus: Making Responsible Choices
In this workshop, I will share wise pieces of advice, go over safe sex practices, offer information on drug and alcohol effects, and the health center and other resources available for one's physical and emotional health.
Rooted in Community: Embracing Your Story, Cultural Wealth, and Support Systems
To guide students in unpacking the roots of imposter phenomenon and help them see the value of what they already bring — their families, languages, histories, resistance, and resourcefulness — as sources of leadership and legitimacy.
Student Health Services
Navigating Student Health Services at UCSC
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)
USS Life After College & Career Exploration
This workshop will cover topics around life after college and go over information and resources for career exploration for undocumented students.
11 am- 11:50 am Sessions
11 am- 11:50 am Sessions
Faculty Panel
Maximizing your undergrad experience. Science & Engineering Library
EOP: Transfer into STEM
In this workshop 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.
12:00 pm Lunch Rachel Carson, Nine & John R. Lewis, and Cowell dining halls are open during the week. Lunch must be with your mentor. Please coordinate with your mentor which dining hall you will go to together. Please be to sessions on time
1 pm- 1:50 pm Sessions
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 Beyond Tolerance: Being Unapologetically QTBIPOC and more at UCSC
As Queer and Trans People of Color, we experience a unique set of challenges as well as opportunities when coming to UCSC. This workshop will center a discussion exploring different strategies used by students to overcome hardships, build community, and claim and proclaim their voices with intersectional fierceness. Students of all backgrounds and intersections of identities are welcome to participate.
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.
How to build your wellbeing toolkit: strategies for self care and succeeding in college
This workshop would discuss different methods of self care that students can use and practice while at UCSC. It goes beyond the white-woman-capitalist idea of self care and talks about self-compassion, navigating imposter syndrome, and how to use different coping skills for different situations. Students will walk away with actual skills that they can practice and resources at UCSC that will help them maintain their wellbeing.
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.
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.
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.
What to Expect During a Transition
We were just thinking of talking/ sharing our own experiences as transfer students and how to go about a new space. We're both transfer students but have different stories/ ways we've gone about things. We are also both from two different areas Ariana being from NorCal and me from SoCal, so this climate is new for both of us and we'd love to talk about what worked for us in terms of getting adjusted.
How Can RSP Help You?
In this space, RSP specially welcomes our Resilient Scholars to better understand the tools and resources available for them to ignite a successful and transformative higher education experience. Come learn more about how UCSC Resilient Scholar, Underground Scholar, and Hope Scholar Programs support and guide students with the following lived experiences: current/former foster youth, formerly incarcerated or justice system impacted, and McKinney-Vento students. Resilient Scholar Programs has you covered, with services like support with building housing stability, holistic advising, basic needs, scholarships, peer mentorship, work study and more!
2 pm- 2:50 pm Sessions
2 pm- 2:50 pm Sessions
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.
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 Campus Resources
Explaining in depth the different procedures and resources, offered for students both on and off campus.
USS Student Panel: How to Succeed as a Student
This workshop will feature a student panel sharing their knowledge on navigating campus, how to seek resources available and share tips and tricks on how to succeed as students transition into the university.
EOP Wellness: Practicing Wellness at UCSC
During this session, we'll provide a brief overview of EOP programs/resources related to student wellness. Additionally, we'll learn about the various components of wellness and how campus programs and resources can contribute to your wellness during your time at UC Santa Cruz.
What is the Invisible Curriculum?
Exploration of graduation Requirements (General Education Courses), major requirements such as courses, GPA, and proposing your major and tips on course selection for each quarter.
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.
How to do UCSC?
A workshop that is experience led. I will be talking about what really helped me strive and what potentially prevented me from striving. There will be a lot of pictures.
3 pm- 3:50 pm Sessions
3 pm- 3:50 pm Sessions
Together We Go Farther: ABC Resources @ UCSC
An overview of ABC Resources and Community at UCSC. Hosted by the AARCC.
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.
Know the campus “hot spots”
I will try to show all or at least the most popular spots at UCSC where students love to hang out, study, grab food, and relax. In this workshop, we’ll explore fun places on campus, like scenic views like the east field, cozy study corners like McHenry Library, and student favorite hangouts like Banana Joe's.
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.
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.
How to do UCSC?
A workshop that is experience led. I will be talking about what really helped me strive and what potentially prevented me from striving. There will be a lot of pictures.
4 pm- 4:50 pm Sessions
4 pm- 4:50 pm Sessions
Living on Campus: Making Responsible Choices
In this workshop, I will share wise pieces of advice, go over safe sex practices, offer information on drug and alcohol effects, and the health center and other resources available for one's physical and emotional health.
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/).
USS Fall Welcome Event
This event will focus on connecting students to campus resources and key staff that will support them during their transition first year at UCSC.
How to do UCSC?
A workshop that is experience led. I will be talking about what really helped me strive and what potentially prevented me from striving. There will be a lot of pictures.
6:00 PM Movie Night
6:00 PM Movie Night
The Imitation Game
Friday, September 19, 2025
Friday, September 19, 2025
All Sessions are optional
12:00 pm College Nine. John R. Lewis Dining Hall All Star Lunch
Faculty and staff are invited to dine with IGNITE participants before the academic year begins.
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.
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