Wednesday, September 17, 2025

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. 

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

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... 

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 🤗 

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

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)

Speak Up, Work It Out: A Guide to Conflict and Conduct at College

College is a time for growth, discovery—and sometimes, disagreement. Let’s talk about how to handle conflict with confidence and compassion in this engaging session on conflict education and how it can intersect campus policy. Whether it’s a roommate issue, group project tension, or a misunderstanding in class, we’ll cover practical tools for positive engagement and resolution. If you are interested in deepening your conflict resolution skill set we will discuss various ways to get involved at UCSC.

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.

UCSC Basic Needs 

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.

USS Services Overview

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.

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! 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Student Health Services 

Navigating Student Health Services at UCSC

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.

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/).

Transferring to UCSC

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.

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 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.

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. 

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.

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

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.