Meet Your Orientation Leaders

Connect with your Orientation Leaders!

Sammy Slug
Hi Banana Slugs! My name is Sammy Slug! I am the official mascot of UC Santa Cruz! Did you know we came very close to being the UCSC Sea Lions? But UCSC students wanted me! I love roaming around campus and taking in the beauty of Santa Cruz. I am so excited for you to start here at UC Santa Cruz. Learn more about your Orientation Leaders and get connected with us!

An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow shirt. Elizabeth
Hey, hey, hey! My name is Elizabeth and I am a 3rd year MCD Biology major! I am a Porter affiliate who is super passionate about art, nature, and all things music! I am a huge EDM lover, and if I am not on campus studying, you can catch me at a show! 
An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow shirt.

Kayla
Hello, my name is Kayla and I am a fourth-year student at UC Santa Cruz. I am double majoring in Sociology and Legal Studies which I absolutely love. I am also affiliated with Oakes College, Oooakes! A few things I enjoy doing during my free time are watching movies/tv series, painting pottery at Petroglyph, trying out new coffee shops around town, and going to the beach! During my time here I have gotten involved with Greek Life, EOP Bridge, the College Scholars Program, the Building Belonging Program, and the Orientation Office!

An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow hoodie.

Leo
Hello, my name is Leo, and I go by he/him/his. I am a second-year student at UC Santa Cruz affiliated with John R. Lewis College. My proposed major is Computer Science, and I am going to declare it by the end of Spring 2024! I am currently working for DRC (Disability Resource Center) as a peer note taker, and I am also a member of the Admissions team at UCSC that provides support during special events! In my free time, I like listening to music and walking around the campus.

An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow shirt.

Liya
Hi all! My name is Liya and my pronouns are she/her. I am a Psychology, Sociology, and Latin American and Latino Studies major and am affiliated with Kresge. I am involved in the multicultural sorority Kappa Zeta, the Student Diversity Inclusion Program (SDIP), the Renaissance Scholars Program and the College Nine and John R. Lewis College CoCurricular Programs Office ("The CoCo"). Some of my hobbies include learning more about music, thrifting, and spending time near the ocean.

An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow shirt.

Lucy
Hi everyone! My name is Lucia but please call me Lucy, my college affiliation is Oakes *Ooooakes* and I am a second-year student, majoring in Art and Latin American and Latino Studies. I love the outdoors, cats, video games, music, and books! I am also part of some clubs, and I've gotten involved with programs such as EOP. In my free time I like to play video games, go out to the Oakes lower lawn, and read or listen to music, and I also love going off campus and exploring Santa Cruz.

An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow shirt.

Maximus
Hello! My name is Maximus and I am currently a senior majoring in Psychology. Also, I am a Merrill College affiliate. I will be graduating in the spring which is pretty exciting. I am a member of the Slug Anime and Manga Association, and I have been working with the Orientation Office for 3 years. My main hobbies are watching anime, playing video games, and hanging out with friends and family.

An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow shirt.

Melissa
Hi everyone! My name is Melissa, my pronouns are she/her/hers and I am a third-year UCSC student. I am an Oakes College affiliate and I am majoring in Politics. During my free time, I love to draw and watch all different types of movies!

An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow shirt.

Rider
Hey y'all! My name is Rider and I am a 3rd year Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology major at UC Santa Cruz. I am affiliated with College Nine, and I am involved with UCSC's Film Production Coalition. I enjoy working on films, going on hikes, and taking pictures of the diverse wildlife on campus!

An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow shirt.

Rita
Hello everyone, my name is Rita! I am currently in my third year here at UCSC and my declared major is Legal Studies. I am a proud affiliate of Stevenson College, and I'm also involved in a co-ed, pre-law fraternity called Phi Alpha Delta. Outside of the Orientation Office, I am a barista and enjoy doing latte art. As a multiracial, first-generation college student myself, I look forward to assisting you all in your transition to become UCSC Banana Slugs!

An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow shirt.

Ruby
Hi everyone, my name is Ruby! I’m a second-year student here at UCSC. My official major is Politics; however, I am working on double majoring in General Psychology as well! I’m affiliated with the newly named John R. Lewis College, which means I’ll be the first graduating class associated with John R. Lewis! While attending UCSC, I have had the opportunity to be a part of a pre-law fraternity known as Phi Alpha Delta (P.A.D.) and I currently hold two jobs for the university as well as a legal internship outside of the university!

An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow shirt.

Selene
Hi everyone! My name is Selene and I am a first-year proposed Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics major here at UCSC! I am affiliated with Crown College and I am currently a member of the Bioinformatics club, a great way to attend career exploration panels for those interested in a STEM-related career pathway! In my free time, I enjoy exploring and trying new things such as searching for coffee shops, visiting different beaches, and trying all kinds of foods. I am eager to share knowledge and assist you all on your transition to become Banana Slugs!

An student leader smiling with wearing a yellow shirt.

Shalini
Hi everybody! My name is Shalini, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a first-year student at UCSC affiliated with Crown College. My proposed major is Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, walking around campus, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. I can not wait to help you transition into becoming a Banana Slug!