Fall Orientation Course

Complete the Online Orientation Course

Slug Orientation represents your whole experience of becoming a Banana Slug, from when you submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) all the way to your first day of classes. And the online Orientation Course is a big chunk of that!

The online Orientation Course is required.

The goals of Slug Orientation are to:

• Provide you with information in a timely manner, and to connect you to current students who can assist you in finding answers to your important questions
• Connect you with advising resources
• Supply you the tools necessary for choosing and enrolling in your first quarter classes
• Encourage respectful engagement in your inclusive and multicultural community
• Support your transition into a research university
• Inspire you to get involved and be engaged with the campus
• Introduce you to vital campus resources such as Learning Support Services, safety resources, the Health Center, financial aid, the resource centers, college and university housing, student groups, and Career Success to name just a few
• Welcome you and your family to the UC Santa Cruz community

For fall admits only: In order to get an enrollment appointment, you must complete Parts 1 and 2 of the Online Orientation Course, and submit your official transcripts to admissions.

Orientation Course for Credit

All new first-year and transfer students that start fall quarter are automatically enrolled in the required to participate and complete the one-credit Orientation Course.

After students are automatically enrolled, they will see the course in their MyUCSC portal as: Introduction to University Life at UC Santa Cruz for first-year; Introduction to Research Universities and the Liberal Arts for transfers. Completing the Orientation Course is essential for preparing students for university success and first-quarter class enrollment.  

The course is graded on a Pass/No Pass system and only the students who Pass will receive one academic credit that will count towards graduation. To Pass the course and receive the credit, students need to fully complete the Orientation Course (including all quizzes, discussions, and assignments) by all the deadlines during the summer. The class and the final grade will appear on students' official UC Santa Cruz transcript.

It is to the student’s benefit to complete each part of the Orientation Course by the deadlines, be engaged during the summer, receive their enrollment appointment date (to be able to enroll in fall quarter classes), get a passing grade, and obtain the academic credit. In addition, completing the course and staying engaged during the summer will assist in having a strong start to the student's academic career.

*Students that do not complete the Orientation Course will not receive the academic credit and will receive a No Pass grade. The Orientation Course cannot be retaken.

Access the Course In Canvas

Each part of the Orientation Course becomes available on different dates throughout the summer. We recommend that you start each part as soon as you have access, and complete each part before the deadline. If you have trouble accessing any parts of the course or have any questions, email orientation@ucsc.edu.

Quick Links

Learn to use/navigate Canvas
Orientation To-Do Items 
Orientation dates and deadlines
Admissions dates and deadlines

Orientation Course Dates

The Orientation Course is required and is completely done online. In order to get an enrollment appointment, you must complete Parts 1 and 2 of the Orientation Course, and submit your official transcripts (and test scores if applicable) to the Admissions Office.

All new students are expected to receive a passing grade and to fully participate in the online Orientation Course through the summer. Learn more about the course expectations and the orientation process to-do items for a successful course completion.

Students must fully complete Part 1 in order to gain access to Part 2.

Course Dates:

The online orientation course is accessed via Canvas. Learn how to use and navigate Canvas.

Participation and completion (passing) of the Orientation Course is required to receive an enrollment appointment date and the one academic credit.

Orientation Course Fee

Participation and completion of the online Orientation Course is required to receive one academic credit (Pass/No Pass) and to receive an enrollment appointment date.

Orientation Course Tuition

The Orientation Course tuition of $279 will be added to your student account in your MyUCSC student portal as a "Summer Session Course Fee" and is due in August. Students may be eligible for financial aid. If you qualify for the Orientation Grant, the full $279 grant amount will be posted as a credit directly to your student account.

Payment

Once orientation fees are posted to your student account, you will receive an email alerting you to a bill from Student Business Services. Follow the instructions on the billing statement once you receive it to make your payment.