Introduction to Advising for Parents

College Advising & Availability

As college advisers, we provide general academic advising on a wide range of topics (choosing a major, selecting classes, developing educational goals). We are a great first contact if students aren't sure who to ask, and we are always happy to make referrals as appropriate. We offer appointments and drop-in advising and our schedule is posted on the website and in our advising office. Students may also email us or call the front desk with quick advising questions.

We rely on you to help us help your students! Though we cannot share information freely with you regarding your student's academic record (read below) we can certainly talk about general university policies. If you see something on the website or hear something from us that you think your student would benefit from, please pass it on to your student, or suggest a visit to our office. If your student is new to the campus, you might enjoy looking at new student guides for frosh and transfer students.

Student Privacy

You have probably heard that university employees are limited in what they can share with you about your student’s activities at UCSC. Your student’s privacy is protected by the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). We are always available to speak generally with concerned parties about university and college requirements and policies, academic standing, and campus resources. We hope that you’ll share your questions and discoveries with your student, and encourage them to talk to us if they want to learn more.

Online Advising

The campus has a number of online advising resources. Students, parents, and other interested parties may find answers to their questions using the following sites:

• The UCSC Undergraduate Advising Center
• The UCSC General Catalog
• The Navigator (UCSC’s online policy and procedure manual)
• The Academic & Administrative Calendar
• The UCSC A-to-Z index (an extensive list of campus websites, affiliated offices, and resources)

Choosing a Major

Though some students enter UCSC with a strong idea of what they’d like to major in, many students are confused when confronted with so many possibilities. We encourage these students to talk to family and friends, advisers, and faculty about their prospects. Students may find direction by enrolling in electives and general education classes that appeal to their interests, by meeting with one of us, or by visiting the Career Center.

The Career Center

At the Career Center (centrally located at the Bay Tree Bookstore Plaza), students may seek on- and off-campus employment and internships, peruse a library of career and graduate school information, and speak one-on-one with Career Coaches. 

Social Opportunities and Academic Enrichment

Students often find their academic lives more fulfilling when they take advantage of the many extracurricular opportunities on campus. We encourage students to explore their options at Kresge and beyond. And we encourage you to get involved, too!

How can you help your student succeed?

We know that family and friends are a huge influence in students’ lives. To that end, here’s a short, basic timeline of what students might be thinking about (and needing to talk about with you) during their years at UCSC.

First (Frosh) Year:

Researching or confirming a major; meeting with college advisers and major advisers (if they’re narrowing down or deciding on a major); determining degree requirements; taking GEs; looking into academic support services; forming study groups with peers; thinking about education abroad; looking into extra-curricular activities (sports, clubs, jobs, internships).

Second (Sophomore) Year:

Declaring a major and creating a long-term course plan; applying to study abroad; meeting with a department adviser; getting to know faculty in prospective or declared major(s); thinking about possible career paths and/or graduate school plans; looking into extra-curricular activities (sports, clubs, jobs, internships).

Third (Junior) Year:

Finalizing major plans; meeting with a college adviser to check on progress with graduation requirements; going to the Career Center to explore graduate schools and/or career plans; talking to faculty about post-graduate plans and (if applicable) letters of recommendation.

Fourth (Senior) Year:

Pursuing internships and/or independent study with faculty; preparing graduate school applications and finalizing faculty recommendation letters (if applicable); seeing major and college advisers to check that all graduation requirements will be met; applying for graduation in graduating quarter and signing up for the commencement ceremony if participating.