Student Experience

Empowering transfer students: UC Santa Cruz’s Humanities Division prepares undergraduates for the future

Transferring between universities can be stressful and disorienting, but at UC Santa Cruz, the Humanities Division works hard to ensure that transfer students are empowered, supported, and ready to make an impact.

April 23, 2025

By Dan White

Transferring between universities can be stressful and disorienting, but at UC Santa Cruz, the Humanities Division works hard to ensure that transfer students are empowered, supported, and ready to make an impact.

“With a strong focus on experiential learning, career development, and community engagement, the Humanities Division cultivates an inclusive and transformative environment for our students,” said Maya Woolfe, Assistant Director of Student Achievement.

Transfer students make up 27 percent of the Humanities Division’s student body—compared to 16 percent across the campus. Of those, 30 percent are from underrepresented groups, and 42 percent receive Pell Grants. 

These students bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives, enriching the academic community and preparing for future success.

“Being a transfer student in the Humanities Division means having access to incredible resources and a community that truly values diverse experiences,” said Kylie Rachwalski, Assistant Director of Experiential Learning.

Kylie Rachwalski meets with a student to discuss experiential learning opportunities within the Humanities Division.

Preparing for the future while making an impact 

Alanah, a junior double majoring in Critical Race & Ethnic Studies and Feminist Studies, is participating in the Humanities EXCEL program as a Community Impact Intern at United Way of Santa Cruz County, helping empower local youth through leadership programs and public health initiatives. Through this internship, Alanah is gaining hands-on experience while contributing to real-world social change.

Alanah’s work focuses on public health initiatives supporting youth of color.

“The internship challenges me to think critically about how systems of power—like race, class, gender, and colonialism—shape our communities,” Alanah said. “Too often, young people are treated as passive recipients rather than leaders. Creating space for them to reclaim power is essential to building a more just future.”

As part of the internship, Alanah contributed to allcove, a youth mental health initiative developed with Stanford’s Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing.

“This experience has given me a clearer understanding of how nonprofits operate,” Alanah said. “And being part of multi-organizational coalitions has helped me explore different career paths and connect with professionals across the sector.”

As a fellow Humanities EXCEL Community Impact Intern, Janelle, a junior majoring in Literature, is actively involved in organizing youth programs and engaging with her community. “The opportunity to work in the community while studying the Humanities has given me a deeper understanding of the impact I can have on society,” Janelle said. 

Kash Mejia is a senior majoring in Critical Race & Ethnic Studies (CRES). Mejia transferred from Lehigh University and Peralta Community College, where he studied Women and Gender Studies, Environmental Studies, and Ethnic Studies.

At UC Santa Cruz, transfer students are not just adjusting to a new campus—they’re shaping their academic journeys with unique perspectives and aspirations. 

These transfer students embody the diverse and dynamic spirit of UC Santa Cruz.

Kash, a junior double majoring in Critical Race & Ethnic Studies (CRES) and Global and Community Health, said that the department’s strong focus on solidarity and resistance drew him to UC Santa Cruz. 

“CRES is one of the biggest reasons why I decided to attend UC Santa Cruz,” Kash said. “For students of color, the time spent at a university is often a period of deep self-discovery—learning more about their own identities and becoming more aware of the systems of oppression that impact them.”

Kash transferred from Lehigh University and Peralta Community College, where he studied Women and Gender Studies, Environmental Studies, and Ethnic Studies. 

Now, he’s working toward a career centered on the needs of students of color, aiming to create accessible education and healthcare. He’s also a Social Media and Community Engagement intern at Black Surf Santa Cruz through the Humanities EXCEL program, where he celebrates BIPOC voices in ocean activities and surf history.

Jamie, a junior double majoring in Critical Race & Ethnic Studies and Sociology, transferred from De Anza College, where the Asian American and Asian Studies Department helped shape her academic path.

“I’ve always been drawn to helping others,” she said. “Sociology sparked my curiosity about human interactions, and CRES deepens my understanding of systems like colonialism and patriarchy.”

At UC Santa Cruz, Jamie is part of the Humanities EXPLORE program and contributes to the Watsonville is in the Heart project, which documents Filipino American history in the Pajaro Valley. She’s also a member of Bayanihan, a Filipino student organization, and GABRIELA Santa Cruz, where she advocates for Filipino women and broader community empowerment through education and activism. 

Leah, a senior who transferred from Santa Barbara City College with an associate degree in Journalism, chose to major in Literature to explore creative writing and poetry. “This major has given me a well-rounded understanding of literature,” she said. A former copy editor for City on a Hill Press, she now interns with The Humanities Institute’s Deep Read program, promoting Percival Everett’s James ahead of his campus visit—a perfect blend of her passion for literature and community engagement.

Alan, a junior Philosophy major, transferred from Consumnes River College, where he participated in the PUENTE program for Latinx students. 

Alan shifted his focus from business to philosophy to pursue his love of reading and classical thought. “I’ve always been fascinated by ancient Greek philosophy,” he said, citing Plato and Marcus Aurelius as key influences.

At UC Santa Cruz, he’s diving into courses on the philosophy of mind and ancient philosophy while getting involved in the Philosophy Club and Muay Thai Club to round out his experience.

Jamie Florence Dy is a junior double majoring in CRES and Sociology, who arrived at UC Santa Cruz after transferring from De Anza Community College.

Experiential learning: Connecting theory with practice

The Humanities Division places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, ensuring that transfer students don’t just gain academic knowledge but also develop skills that will help them find rewarding careers. 

The division provides access to high-impact practices such as paid internships, undergraduate research, and community-engaged learning that allow students to put their studies into action.

These paid internships are an essential part of Employing Humanities because they provide experiential learning opportunities for students who rely on self-earned income to attend UCSC, removing access barriers.

Paid internships help level the playing field by giving all students—regardless of background—access to meaningful, resume-building experiences.

These positions pay $20/hour, enabling students to pursue work aligned with their academic interests.

The Humanities EXCEL program, which offers paid internships, enables students to gain critical experience while contributing to meaningful projects that align with their academic goals. 

Beginning in Winter 2026, UC Santa Cruz will reserve seven Humanities EXCEL internships exclusively for transfer students, ensuring they have equal access to these career-advancing opportunities.

The Humanities Division understands that transfer students are often on an accelerated timeline, which is why it offers a range of career readiness programs to help students prepare for life after graduation, Maya Woolfe said. 

From the Humanities at Work workshop series to Career Skills workshops focusing on resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles, these events are tailored to support transfer students at various stages of their professional journeys.

The division has also created networking initiatives, such as the Humanities LinkedIn Group and the Humanities Professional Network, to help students connect with UC Santa Cruz alumni and industry professionals. These programs empower students to leverage their academic background in Humanities while exploring diverse career paths.

“The Humanities Division really understands that career preparation is essential,” Woolfe said. “Through workshops, one-on-one career advising, and networking, our students don’t just receive essential preparation for future careers; they also gain the confidence to take on those roles.”

The Humanities Division is also committed to making higher education accessible and equitable. 

With a strong focus on first-generation college students, students of color, and transfer students, the division’s programs support underrepresented communities. UC Santa Cruz’s History Department and CRES Department are partnering with campus initiatives like Cultivamos Excelencia, which supports transfer students from Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and targeted outreach to local community colleges. UC Santa Cruz is working to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.

“We know that transfer students face a unique set of systemic barriers, and we are here to help them navigate those barriers while also ensuring they have the opportunities they deserve,” says Dejon Barber, Assistant Manager and Program Coordinator for the Critical Race & Ethnic Studies program. “Our goal is to make sure transfer students feel welcome and empowered throughout their journey.”

Alan Acosta is a junior majoring in Philosophy who transferred to UC Santa Cruz from Consumnes River Community College.

Looking ahead

The future is bright for transfer students in the Humanities Division. 

“With continued support, tailored career resources, and a commitment to experiential learning, UC Santa Cruz is paving the way for transfer students to not only excel academically but also thrive in their careers,” Rachwalski said. 

As the division builds more career readiness programming and events, transfer students can expect even more opportunities to connect, grow, and succeed. 

“The Humanities EXCEL program has provided a transformative opportunity for me to do liberating work within the Santa Cruz community.” Alanah said. “I’m more confident that with the resources and experiences I’ve had here and at United Way, I’ll continue to make a real impact after graduation.” 

For prospective transfer students and their families, the Humanities Division offers an environment that is not only academically enriching but also dedicated to preparing students for meaningful careers that make a difference in the world.

To learn more about transfer student opportunities at UCSC’s Humanities Division, contact humadvising@ucsc.edu for more information.