Campus News
Dear Slugs: Dean of Students welcomes students to a new academic year
Dean of Students Garrett Naiman welcomes Slugs to fall quarter with ways to connect, get involved and find support on campus.
Dear Slugs,
Welcome to the 2026–27 academic year!
As the year gets underway, I hope you will make time today to connect with your fellow Banana Slugs, explore something new and discover some of the many ways to get involved at UC Santa Cruz.
One of the best places to start is Cornucopia, happening today from 3–6 p.m. on the East Upper Field. Cornucopia is UC Santa Cruz’s signature fall festival and resource fair, bringing together hundreds of student organizations, campus departments, and resources for an afternoon of music, games, giveaways, and community.
Whether you already know how you want to get involved or have no idea where to begin, I encourage you to come by. Talk with people you might not otherwise meet. Learn about a student organization that catches your attention. Explore a new interest, find a cause you care about or connect with a campus resource you did not know existed.
College is about what happens in the classroom, but it is also about the relationships you build, the communities you become part of and the experiences that help you discover more about yourself. Cornucopia is a great opportunity to explore all of that and find some of the people and places that can make UC Santa Cruz feel like your community.
And remember: You do not have to figure everything out today. Finding your place takes time, and there is no single way to experience college or to belong at UC Santa Cruz. What matters is giving yourself opportunities to connect, try something new and remain open to where those experiences might lead.
The beginning of an academic year can bring a mix of excitement, possibility and uncertainty. We are living in a complex and rapidly changing world, and balancing national and global realities with your own personal and academic lives can sometimes feel overwhelming. If your feelings change from one day to the next, be patient with yourself. It is okay if it takes a little time to find your rhythm.
You are not entering this year alone. Faculty, staff and your fellow students are here to support you. We all need help from time to time, and accessing campus resources and services is an important part of your college journey.
And if you are ever unsure where to turn, you can always start with me and my office. As your Dean of Students, I am here to advocate for you and help you get the support you need. We may not always be the right office for exactly what you need, but we will listen, help you figure out what comes next and make sure you are not left to navigate those next steps on your own.
Please do not hesitate to reach out:
Visit: Second floor of Hahn Student Services
Email: deanofstudents@ucsc.edu
Phone: 831-459-4446
I hope you have a wonderful year, and I hope to see you at Cornucopia this afternoon. There is so much to discover at UC Santa Cruz, and you have an important role to play in shaping the community we share.
In community,
Garrett Naiman
Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students
Important reminders
There’s more to explore with Slug Start
Cornucopia is one of the biggest ways to discover clubs, organizations and opportunities to get involved, but it’s only the beginning! Slug Start brings even more events, activities and ways to meet fellow Banana Slugs and connect with campus.
There’s plenty still to come this week, with even more events to follow over the next several weeks:
- Student Employment & Work-Study Fair: Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 1–3:30 p.m. | East Upper Field
- Boardwalk Frolic: Friday, Sept. 25 | 6–10 p.m. | Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Choose Your Own Slugventure (Movie Night & Silent Disco): Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7–10 p.m.
Check out last week’s edition of The Peel for the Slug Start rundown, and start adding events to your calendar. You won’t want to miss what’s ahead!
Ride smart: Essential bike safety
With more Slugs biking this time of year, including increased use of e-bikes, a few small habits can make a big difference:
- Ride responsibly: E-bikes move faster—slow down in high-traffic areas and stay aware of pedestrians
- Gear up: Helmets and lights are available through Slug Bike Life and TAPS
- Check your ride: Air, brakes, chain—every time
- Ride predictably: Use hand signals and follow traffic rules
Stay alert to phishing scams
Protect your financial information, Slugs! Phishing emails are currently targeting UCSC students with messages about “dropped classes” or “grade changes.” These are scams intended to capture your login details.
Report: Send suspicious emails to phishing@ucsc.edu
Verify: Always go directly to MyUCSC—avoid email login links
Pause: Only approve Duo requests you initiated
Navigating federal financial aid changes? Help is available!
Major changes to federal student loans and aid under H.R. 1 took effect July 1, 2026. Students are encouraged to review UC Santa Cruz’s federal financial aid updates page, which includes frequently asked questions about the new borrowing limits and rules and how they may affect you.
Have questions about your financial aid? The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office has launched WaitWell, a new check-in system designed to make getting in-person support faster and easier.
Instead of waiting in line, join the queue directly from your phone or laptop, track real-time wait times, and get a text or email notification when an advisor is ready.
How to check in for in-person support:
- Join the line: The in-person queue opens daily at 1:00 p.m. Check in via the Financial Aid Contact Us page or scan the QR code at the office upon arrival.
- Track wait times: View live queue lengths in advance to plan your visit.
- Get notified: Relax nearby—you’ll receive an alert as soon as an advisor is available.
Prefer virtual advising? Zoom appointments continue as usual. Check the Financial Aid Contact Us page for current virtual and in-person advising hours.
You Belong Here
The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service, faculty program, or community event—is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities.
To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statements or Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.