Welcome to UC Santa Cruz! The start of a new academic year is an exciting time, and I look forward to welcoming you to the campus community. As you prepare to move in and reconnect with friends, I am writing with a short update about the Division of Student Affairs.
It has been a busy summer and you should expect some changes around campus, from facilities to programs and service hours. The renovations and repairs to the 50-meter pool are complete and the pool is open. Last spring, the Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall was renovated and now offers expanded food options, and final touches are underway at the Porter College B renovation project. Also, throughout the division, many offices will operate with reduced services on Friday afternoons due to furloughs.
Students Affairs continues to reorganize and re-envision programs to maintain quality services for students. For example, a new Retention Services organization in Campus Life was created to bring together student engagement with academic support services and help you achieve your academic and personal goals. I am excited to work with the many student leaders across campus on ideas about how we can continue to meet your needs. Over the summer, I met with the officers of the Student Union Assembly (SUA), the official undergraduate student government at UCSC. SUA represents and advocates for students at the campus, system, and state levels. From student-led campaigns to college student government, there are many opportunities for you to get involved. For more information, call SUA at (831) 459-4838, log on to http://sua.ucsc.edu, or stop by the SUA office.
I encourage you to explore all that UCSC has to offer. The Office of Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports (OPERS) Fall Festival on September 22, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. on the Upper East Field is the largest resource fair on campus and a great way to learn about how to get involved. You can find out about activities such as recreation and athletics, student organizations, clubs, resource centers, university interfaith council, environmental groups, fraternities, sororities, and more. Also on September 22 at 6:30 p.m. is the annual UCSC Boardwalk Frolic at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. A ticket to the event includes free bus transportation and parking, exclusive rides, and activities.
Our mission in Student Affairs is simple-to support you and create a living-learning community where you thrive, belong, and are engaged world citizens. Clearly you are the heart of the university and an integral part of our campus. The state and UC fiscal challenges are difficult, and we realize that you may be impacted as well. We are always available to help you. If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance, just ask. I also invite you to take advantage of my open office hours for students every Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the second floor of Kerr Hall. Most importantly, I want you to be well and stay healthy. Many resources and support are available to you through the UCSC Student Health Center. Log on to www2.ucsc.edu/healthcenter for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Again, I welcome you to campus and look forward to meeting you. I hope your time on the campus will be exciting, challenging you in new and different ways. Your academic success is our top priority-study hard and enjoy your UCSC experience. Have a terrific year!
