Welcome visitors to campus this spring

We’re a month into the new year and I hope that the first month of the winter quarter has gone smoothly for you. As is always the case with spring approaching, I wanted to remind you that we’ll again see a large number of visitors to the campus in March and April, many of whom will be our newly admitted frosh and transfer students, along with their families.

You may have seen that UCSC received another record number of applications for fall 2014 -- over 48,000! This level of demand is a testament to our entire campus community and the exciting opportunities that are available to our undergraduate students. To support admitted students in their university decision-making process, the Admissions Office is again inviting admitted students and their families to learn more about the campus during two key annual events:

Virtual Spring Spotlight – April 2

We continue to expand yield efforts with on-campus and online activities. The Office of Admissions will host this web-based college fair, providing an opportunity for newly admitted students in California and beyond to learn more about our academic, campus, and student life programs through live online text and video chats.

UCSC Spring Spotlight – April 11 to April 19

(includes specific sessions for transfer students April 18–19)

This annual event provides an opportunity for admitted students and their families to visit the campus and learn more about how UC Santa Cruz might be a good fit.

Admissions is also continuing to partner with student-initiated outreach efforts; student organizations play an important role in reaching out to admitted students and welcoming them to the campus. We are also reinstituting the Taking UCSC Home program, which allows currently enrolled students to go back to their high schools or community colleges and speak first-hand about their UCSC experience. Additionally, students can schedule a campus tour through the online registration system; admitted students can reserve a spot during Spring Spotlight, and other prospective students can reserve a regular tour.

We expect over 6,000 visitors in the next couple of months, including many who will travel from outside of California, and will be curious about university life and academic opportunities. Some of our guests may ask you questions as they tour the campus, and your helpfulness (and patience) will affirm the positive qualities and character of the UCSC community. Also, if you notice individuals or groups that seem lost, please help them find their way around campus.

Finally, all campus web sites will see increased traffic in the coming months; please take a moment to consider the online presence of your department or unit and see if it allows admitted students to easily find the information they may seek.

If you have questions or see areas around campus that need attention, please contact Assistant Director Beatrice Atkinson-Myers in Admissions (beatrice@ucsc.edu or 459-2352) and she will work with the appropriate unit(s) to help create the best possible experience for visitors. For more information, a complete outline of campus spring yield events is available online.

I thank you in advance for your commitment and continued partnership in yielding the best students for fall 2014!