Campus News
Dear Slugs: Welcome to Fall Quarter!
Dean of Students Garrett Naiman welcomes students to fall quarter with the first installment of his newsletter for 2025-26.
Dear Slugs,
Welcome to the 2025–26 academic year! Whether you are new to campus or returning to continue your journey, I’m so glad you are here at UC Santa Cruz. The beginning of each year brings incredible energy, anticipation, and promise. I’m excited to see all that you will accomplish, and what we will build together as a campus community.
Alongside excitement, it’s natural to feel some nervousness too, especially when the world around us feels so complex and challenging. Those feelings are real, and they’re part of moving into something new. But here’s what I’ve witnessed and experienced during my time here: UC Santa Cruz is a special place where curiosity, creativity, and commitment to justice are always at the core of who this student body is. It is a place where students become their best selves while working to create the world they want to see.
To new Banana Slugs: You’re joining a vibrant, caring, and courageous campus. Your presence will make us an even more dynamic community on day one of you being here. Explore fearlessly, ask questions, get involved, and find the spaces and people who will help you thrive. Welcome to UC Santa Cruz!
To returning students: Welcome back! You return with friendships, learning, and experiences that have already contributed to this University, and new opportunities await to deepen and build upon them. You also play a key role in shaping the experience of new students. Thank you for the many ways you will help build connection and support for students beginning their journey here.
Undoubtedly, this year will bring surprises, challenges, and moments of inspiration. My advice is to stay curious, stay connected, and take care of yourself and each other. You are not alone; every day you’ll find people ready to support you, whether in the classroom, your residence hall, the resource centers, or student organizations (to name just a few spaces around campus).
My hope for this year is that we’ll find meaningful ways to listen deeply, build connections across differences, and bring our whole selves to learning and living in community with one another. I am looking forward to seeing all the ways you will shape our campus, pursue your goals, and support one another. Thank you for bringing your energy, creativity, and courage to UC Santa Cruz. I’m grateful to be in community with you.
Garrett Naiman
Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students
Upcoming Events & Opportunities to Get Connected
As you begin this year, I hope you’ll join during some or all of the events that make up Slug Start—a six-week celebration of campus life designed to help you connect, explore, and thrive at UC Santa Cruz. It all begins with Welcome Week (September 22nd – 26th), filled with opportunities to meet people, learn about campus, and build your Banana Slug pride. Check out the Welcome Week events below:
- Monday, September 22 – Cornucopia (2–6pm, East Field): One of the most exciting events of the year and the biggest gathering of new and returning Slugs! Meet and talk to many different student organizations and discover many of the most important campus resources all in one place. The energy is unmatched—there’s a buzz across the field as new and returning Slugs connect, celebrate, and get plugged in. Don’t miss this chance to find your community and jump into campus life.
- Tuesday, September 23 – New Admit Class Photo (3:15pm, East Field): Join this campus tradition, grab a free t-shirt and enjoy some ice cream.
- Wednesday, September 24 – Job Fair (10am–12:30pm, Quarry Plaza): Discover on-campus jobs that fit your schedule and interests.
- Thursday, September 25 – First Day of Classes: The Division of Student Affairs and Success will be out on campus with treats and photo ops to celebrate.
- Friday, September 26 – Boardwalk Frolic: Join fellow Slugs at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a night of fun (advance ticket purchase required).
And now that you’re a Banana Slug, come cheer on your teams—admission is free for all students!
- Saturday, October 4 – Women’s Volleyball vs. Whittier College (10am & 1:30pm, West Field House)
- Saturday, October 4 – Men’s Soccer vs. Carleton College (12:00pm, Lower East Field)
- October 13–14 – Women’s Golf Hollins Cup (1pm & 8:30am, Pasatiempo Golf Course)
- Tuesday, October 14 – Women’s Soccer vs. Dominican University of California (4:00pm, Lower East Field)
- Thursday, October 16 – Women’s Soccer vs. Menlo College (4:00pm, Lower East Field
- October 17–19 – Men’s Tennis vs. Alumni Weekend (East Field House)
Go Slugs!