Fall Admits Timeline and Checklist
You are now a Banana Slug!
We know how exciting and intimidating it can be to join a new community; that is why we created Slug Orientation.
UC Santa Cruz is one of the first universities in the nation to offer orientation for credit! Slug Orientation is designed to ensure you start off strong from day one. Completing the required online Orientation Course will help alleviate confusion, provide you with important information you will need to be a successful student, and assist you in meeting critical deadlines.
All new first-year and transfer students that start fall quarter are automatically enrolled in the required one-credit Orientation Course.
We expect you to participate and complete the course throughout the summer. You will gain access to each part of the course automatically once it is available, as long as you have completed the previous part.
If you need additional information you can return to this page anytime, or reach out to our staff for assistance.
Plan for the following:
- Access your UCSC email: Two to three business days after accepting your admission offer (completed your Statement of Intent to Register), you become eligible for a campus email account. Log in to email.ucsc.edu with your CruzID and Gold password. Official email correspondence from the campus is sent to your UCSC email account. Check out the Guide to Technology at UCSC for Students for more instructions and additional technology information
- Submit your ID card photo by July 3: A personalized link will be sent to your UCSC email with instructions on how to upload your student ID card photo. Follow the photo submission requirements carefully to get your photo approved.
- Understand the one-credit Orientation Course process: All new first-year and transfer students are automatically enrolled in the one-credit Orientation Course. Pass the required course by staying engaged throughout the summer. The grade you earn in the course (Pass or No Pass) will appear on your official UC Santa Cruz transcript.
- Complete the Orientation Course Parts and assignments by the course deadlines:
- Part 1: Getting Started (available on June 25) provides information on the university structure, has critical admissions deadline reminders, and includes academic and career guides. You will only have access to Part 2 if you fully complete Part 1
- Part 2: Advising & Enrollment (available on July 7) focuses on advising and class enrollment preparation.
- Part 3: Understanding My University (available on August 10) provides academic and social resources to help you successfully transition to the university, move-in preparation guidance, and contains Fall Welcome Week information.
- Enroll in Classes: You must complete Parts 1 & 2 of the course, and submit your official transcripts to the Admissions Office, in order to receive a date to enroll for fall classes (enrollment appointment).
The one-unit Orientation Course is accessed through Canvas. You will receive course access information in your UCSC email. Learn how to use Canvas by reviewing the Canvas FAQ for Students.
The required one-unit Orientation Course will:
- Provide you with information in a timely manner and connect you to your Orientation Leaders (current students) who can assist you in finding answers to your important questions.
- Connect you with advising resources.
- Give you the tools necessary for choosing and enrolling in your first fall 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.
- Welcome you and your family to the UC Santa Cruz community.
You are also expected to:
- Actively participate in Fall Welcome Week.
- Fully complete the We Are Slugs! (Alcohol.edu; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Title IX requirements) program or risk a winter class enrollment hold.
- Engage with Orientation Leaders (OL) throughout the summer. OLs are current and recently graduated UCSC students that provide first-hand experience and are ready to answer your questions. Your OL Team will guide you throughout your journey, including helping you enroll in classes.
- For academic advising support you should contact your college or major advisors.
Right to Privacy
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), the UC Santa Cruz Orientation Office protects the confidentiality of any student’s records. Only the student will receive advising and enrollment support. And access to a student’s records will be given to the student only.
Your Fall 2025 Orientation To-Do List
Your success is our goal! Follow the to-do list below to complete all of your online Orientation Course requirements to ensure that you pass the course and receive the one academic credit. We recommend you start each orientation part as soon as you gain access. You will receive orientation information in your UCSC email, so remember to check your email regularly!
Stay engaged, add dates to your calendar, and do not miss a deadline!
June 2025
|
Due Date |
Item |
Note |
|
Now! |
Complete Statement of Legal Residence |
New UCSC admits must complete the Statement of Legal Residence so we can evaluate your residency for tuition purposes to ensure we assess the correct tuition. If you still need to complete the Statement of Legal Residence, please do so immediately! For information about establishing residency for UC tuition, refer to the UC Residence Policy and Guidelines. |
|
Due to Admissions by July 1 |
Order All Official Transcripts (& test scores if applicable) *We recommend that you order as early as possible (before May) |
Only students who have submitted ALL required official transcripts by the deadline will be assigned an enrollment appointment. Students that have not submitted the required records will not be able to enroll in courses until records are received. |
|
July 3 |
Upload your Slug Card Photo |
Upload your photo for your student ID card after April 15 (read the instructions carefully). |
|
July 6 |
Start Part 1: Getting Started |
Access in Canvas (canvas.ucsc.edu) after June 25. |
|
July 6 |
Complete Directed-Self Placement (DSP) |
First-year only: Included in Part 1 of the Orientation Course. |
|
July 6 |
Complete the We Are Slugs requirements |
Included in Part 1 of the Orientation Course. |
|
In July |
Take the ALEKS Math Placement |
If you plan to take math classes your first quarter, you must take the math placement. |
|
|
Part 1 will take approximately 10 hours to complete. |
|
July 2025
|
Due Date |
Item |
Note |
|
July 1 |
Submit Official Transcripts |
Learn more on the Conditions of Admissions FAQ page. |
|
July 6 |
Complete Part 1: Getting Started |
Access in Canvas (canvas.ucsc.edu) after June 25. |
|
July 15 |
Submit Official Test Scores |
Learn more on the Conditions of Admissions FAQ page. |
|
July 16 |
Complete Part 2: Advising & Enrollment |
Access in Canvas (canvas.ucsc.edu) after July 7. |
|
July 16 |
Complete all required We Are Slugs assignments |
Included in Part 1 of the Orientation Course. |
|
|
Prepare for Class Enrollment |
Prepare for enrollment by reviewing Part 2 of the Orientation Course, looking at classes in the Academic Catalog, and writing down what questions you have for your advisor. |
|
Week of August 4-8 (all new students) |
Attend Virtual Advising Days |
Your advisors will send you emails directly to your @ucsc.edu email explaining how to meet with them. |
|
|
Part 2 will take approximately 10 hours to complete. |
|
August 2025
|
Due Date |
Item |
Note |
|
Week of August 11-15 (first-year) |
First-year Enrollment Dates |
You will receive the date of your enrollment appointment once we receive your official transcripts and verify completion of Parts 1 and 2 of the Orientation Course. |
|
Week of August 18-21 (transfer) |
Transfer Enrollment Dates |
You will receive the date of your enrollment appointment once we receive your official transcripts and verify completion of Parts 1 and 2 of the Orientation Course |
|
August 25 |
Complete Part 3: Understanding My University |
Access in Canvas (canvas.ucsc.edu) after August 10. |
|
|
Part 3 will take approximately 12 hours to complete. |
|
All students are expected to fully and actively participate in Fall Welcome Week.
See also (helpful resources)
- Orientation Leaders Office Hours
- Orientation Course Requirement
- Orientation dates and deadlines
- Admissions dates and deadlines
- Housing dates and deadlines
- Financial Aid Timeline
Orientation FAQs for Students Starting Fall 2025
Q: What is the Orientation Course? [show]
A: The Orientation Course is required for all new students. New UCSC students will complete the course during the summer, and engage with their Orientation Leader Team. After saying "YES!" to UCSC, you will begin to receive emails from the Orientation Office with specific orientation instructions and deadlines. You will receive one academic credit for completing and Passing the Orientation Course. You will be automatically enrolled in the Orientation Course.
Q: What are the dates and deadlines for the Orientation Course? [show]
A: The required Orientation Course is fully online. New students must complete the orientation process to get a class enrollment appointment date. See the dates and deadlines for details.
Q: I am unable to meet some admission deadline, what do I do? [show]
A: Contact the Office of Admissions immediately. Not meeting deadlines or submitting your official transcripts late may put you at risk of your admission being canceled.
Q: Do I have to go to campus during the summer? [show]
A: During the summer months, the required Orientation Course is only online. You do not need to go to campus. All you need to do is complete the required online Orientation Course which will provide you with all of the information you need to have a successful transition to UC Santa Cruz and to prepare for your fall quarter class enrollment. You will need internet access.
Q: How do I access the Orientation Course? [show]
A: You will receive an email from the Orientation Office with instructions on how to access the Orientation Course via Canvas. The email will be sent to your UCSC email account. *Note: The required Orientation Course is via Canvas and only online.
Q: How do I access videos and slides if I do not have access to YouTube and Google from home? [show]
A: Use this link to gain access to YouTube using a university-provided VPN service. Also, all of the orientation videos have PDF companions that provide you with the same information. If you have access issues pertaining to technology, contact the Orientation Office at orientation@ucsc.edu, and we will connect you to the appropriate resources.
Q: How do I pay for the Orientation Course? [show]
A: The Orientation Course tuition of $279 will be added to your student account (MyUCSC) as "Summer Session Course Fee" and will be due in August. Students with financial need may be eligible for financial aid. The Financial Aid & Scholarship Office will be in contact with students who qualify directly. When you receive your bill, follow the instructions on the billing statement to make your payment.
Q: How do I prepare for class enrollment? [show]
A: Parts 1 and 2 of the Orientation Course contain all the information needed to assist you in preparing for your fall quarter class schedule, and to prepare for your enrollment appointment. Orientation Leaders will be available throughout the summer to provide you with personal support and guidance. Also, during Virtual Advising Days, you will be able to connect with your advisors.
Q: When will I be able to enroll in classes? [show]
A: You will receive your enrollment appointment date once we verify completion of both Parts 1 and 2 of the Orientation Course and after we confirm the Admissions Office has received your official transcripts.
Q: I would like to attend an on-campus orientation, is that an option? [show]
A: There is no on-campus orientation option for summer 2025.
Q: What happens if I do not complete the Orientation Course? [show]
A: The Orientation Course is required, and you will be left at a real disadvantage if not completed. There is so much that is part of the Orientation Course including, uploading a photo for your ID card, class enrollment preparation, completing the We Are Slugs! requirements (which if not met will give you a class enrollment hold for the winter quarter), housing, financial aid and scholarships, start-of-the-quarter preparation, and academic and social resources information. To receive an enrollment appointment date (to enroll for classes in August), and to PASS the class, you need to complete the Orientation Course in its entirety.
Q: When will I receive the one academic credit for the Orientation Course? [show]
A: You will receive one unit of academic credit when you Pass the course. This means fully completing each part of the Orientation Course.
Q: I am visiting Santa Cruz during the summer, where can I stay? [show]
A: There are many great places to stay in the local area—click here to view local options.
Q: I am unable to meet the official transcript deadline, what do I do? [show]
A: Contact the Office of Admissions immediately. Not meeting deadlines could put you at risk of your admission being canceled.
Q: Where do I find my test scores (e.g. AP, etc.) in MyUCSC student portal? [show]
A: Login to your MyUCSC student portal, then follow the instructions on this AP Score Verification page.
Q: I have taken AP (Advancement Placement), and/or IB (International Baccalaureate) exams but I do not see them in my portal? [show]
A: There are two reasons your AP and/or IB scores might not be posted:
--Your score was never sent to UCSC. To have your AP scores sent, contact AP Services at (609) 771-7300 or (888) 225-5427, or visit the AP Scores webpage. UCSC’s school code is 4860. To have your IB scores, visit the IB Scores webpage for more information.
--Your score was sent to UCSC, but it did not correctly match with your student record. This can happen for a variety of reasons including a slightly different spelling of your name, a mismatch on the birth date, etc. If you are sure your scores were sent, contact Admissions and upload the score report you received via their Inquiry Form (choose “Admitted Student,” then “Test Scores”). Admissions will review and respond to your inquiry promptly.
Q: I did not receive any information about the required Orientation Course. What should I do? [show]
A: First, check your spam folder within your UCSC email account (ends with @ucsc.edu). If it is not there, then email orientation@ucsc.edu and we will send you access information. Include your full name and your 7-digit UCSC ID number in your email.
Want to learn about Placement Exams, and if you need to take any? Visit the sites below:
Writing Placement (required for all first-year)
Math Placement (required for math class placement – see list of majors that need math)
Language Placement Exams (varies according to language)
Spanish Placement Exam (take online placement prior to enrollment)
