Summer Orientation for 2008

From: Michellle Whittingham, Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management; Rosa M. Plaza, Interim Director of Campus Orientation Programs

Each year the campus officially welcomes new students and their families and guests during Summer Orientation. Summer Orientation represents the first step toward a student's academic and social transition into university life, eventually leading to graduation and becoming a UC Santa Cruz alumnus!

Mark your calendar now for the Summer 2008 Orientation dates:

Frosh: July 10 (Thurs.), 12 (Sat.), 15 (Tues.), 17 (Thurs.),and 22 (Tues.)

Transfer: July 19 (Sat)

July 24 is set aside as a tentative date for either frosh or transfer students. At this point we anticipate not needing it. However, we want to make sure it is not a surprise to anyone in case we need to have Orientation on this day. We will know by late May or early June.

On each day of Summer Orientation, we expect to host 1,200 to 1,500 students and their guests, many of whom will be visiting our beautiful campus for the first time. The students come to us very excited and a bit anxious. Our goal is to provide information, direction, and support during this exciting time. And to that end, we will share our resources and services that support student success.

Orientation is the perfect time for offices/programs/departments/student organizations to provide information to new students in a large forum. For example, college advisers will meet incoming students before they enroll in classes. Department advisers will meet both with students who have chosen a major and with undeclared students, who may need more information.

In addition, Orientation offers students the opportunity to:

* enroll in classes

* get pictures taken for their UCSC ID Card

* take placement exams, if needed

* get first-hand knowledge from current UCSC students

* take campus tours

* hear about campus resources such as learning support services, safety resources, the Health Center, financial aid, the Ethnic Resource Centers, college and university housing, student groups, career services, and other services

Rosa M. Plaza, Interim Director of Campus Orientation Programs, is currently working with the Orientation Planning Team coordinating the programs. Should you have any feedback regarding past Orientations or new ideas for future programming, please e-mail her directly at rplaza@ucsc.edu or call her at ext. 9-5499.

We welcome you to join us in ensuring that future UCSC students and their families and guests have the richest Orientation experience possible. Thank you in advance for your support!