UC Santa Cruz expects to welcome a fall 2019 class of about 5,200 new Banana Slugs, 300 fewer than fall 2018, and offered a spot in its fall class to 28,784 first-year students and 7,141 transfer students, according to data released today by the UC Office of the President. In admitting students, the campus carefully assessed how to provide access to a high-quality and affordable UC education.
UC Santa Cruz increased the number of California students admitted from low-income families, underrepresented groups, and those who will be the first in their family to earn a 4-year degree. More than 9,500 first-generation college students from California were admitted this year, and 8,722 of the admitted students are from low-income families. The numbers are the highest they've been in three years.
The number of admitted Chicano/Latino students from California increased to 7,190 students, 667 more than the previous year. Other underrepresented groups remained steady with the campus admitting 1,096 African American students and 151 American Indian students.
The campus also continued its statewide effort to increase interest and applications from transfer students who are seeking a four-year degree. Supporting access for California community college students is one way to help diversify applicant pools and further enhance access to higher education. UCSC expects to again enroll one California transfer student for every two California first-year students and is accepting applications for winter 2020 transfer throughout July. For fall, UC Santa Cruz admitted 6,331 California transfer students, a ten percent decline over 2018, but still an 18 percent increase over 2017.
UC Santa Cruz also continued its efforts to recruit and admit students from other parts of the United States and other countries, in support of its goal to increase geographic and cultural diversity. The campus admitted 3,008 first-year students from other parts of the country, a small increase over the previous year, and 5,708 students from other countries, an 8 percent increase from 2018.
“UC Santa Cruz is excited to welcome this new cohort of first year and transfer students and proud that students are choosing to further their education at our campus,” said Chancellor Cynthia K. Larive. “UCSC is committed to admitting students with the background and potential to succeed and to providing support to help all students achieve their potential, especially those who will be the first in their family to earn a four-year degree.”
Gearing up for fall
One of the areas attracting attention from admitted students is the new major in environmental sciences. Already, the campus admitted 460 first-year students and 18 transfer students with environmental sciences as their intended major. The interdepartmental major underscores the campus commitment to sustainability and social justice and will prepare students who want to work in support of the environment. Graduates of the program will be prepared for employment in environmental consulting, industry compliance, and government agencies, as well as to seek advanced degrees in a wide range of fields.
The support for new students begins before the fall as many new students will start their studies in either the First Year Academy or the Transfer Academy, both opening on July 23. These programs help students transition into university life and succeed in their academic career. The academies give incoming students the opportunity to get ahead and start earning credits by taking summer classes; connecting with peers, faculty and staff; and building confidence utilizing campus resources.
Incoming students will also participate in a robust Welcome Week that includes college and major orientations, a festival on the East Field, tours, and much more. The week will culminate on Sept. 27 with a revival of the convocation tradition for new students combined with the investiture ceremony for Chancellor Larive. The event will be a moment to celebrate incoming students and all they have accomplished and to highlight a campus community that is ready to support them throughout the next phase of their journey.
