Campus News
Get involved with The Peel: Your mid-quarter update is here
The Division of Student Affairs and Success shares spring quarter updates in the second edition of The Peel, a student newsletter.
Dear Slugs,
As we wrap up week 5 of spring quarter, midterms are in full swing, and the rest of the quarter is coming into view. You’ve reached the midpoint, and it’s time to keep the momentum going!
In this second edition of The Peel, we’re highlighting ways to recharge during Mental Health Awareness Month, stay engaged through Campus Elections, and have fun upcoming events like Cinema Takeover and the first-ever Go Bananas! Carnival.
Here’s what’s coming up and how to make the most of the weeks ahead.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Take time for your well-being
UC Santa Cruz’s Student Health Outreach & Promotion (SHOP) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) have put together a month-long series of events and resources to support you and celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month.
Whether you’re looking to de-stress with trauma-informed yoga, grab free boba at a spring social, or learn the secrets of financial wellness (with free Chipotle!), there is something for everyone. Explore the full schedule of events and start planning your month of self-care!
Upcoming events
April 30: Cinema Takeover
Movie night just got an upgrade. Join us April 30 (tonight!) for Santa Cruz Cinema Takeover: Double Feature Night. Shows start at 8 p.m., with tickets available at the theater entrance beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Choose between Project Hail Mary or Super Mario Galaxy and enjoy a free night out with fellow students.
Important: Bring your UCSC Student ID to receive a ticket. Seating, tickets, and limited goodie bags are first-come, first-served.
May 8: Reflections of Us Evening Bazaar
Celebrate culture and community at the 2nd annual AA/PI/SWANA Heritage Night Market. Hosted by the Asian American/Pacific Island Resource Center, this vibrant event features free food, games, live performances, and student vendors. Enjoy music by special guest RC Avenue at the Upper Quarry Amphitheater on Friday, May 8, from 5 – 9 p.m. Join us to honor AA/PI and SWANA heritage in an unforgettable evening of joy and local support.
May 15: Run Like a Slug 5k
Need a break before finals? Join the second annual Run Like a Slug 5k on May 15 at noon. Meeting at the Upper East Field, this low-stress fun run is open to all students, whether you’re a sprinter or a crawler. Enjoy a scenic campus route with music, free giveaways, and post-race snacks. Costumes and school spirit are highly encouraged—come celebrate your inner Banana Slug!
May 21: Cinema Takeover: Mandalorian & Grogu at Santa Cruz Cinema
The Force is strong with this one! Join the Center for Leadership and Involvement for a free Santa Cruz Cinema Takeover on Thursday, May 21, featuring a special screening of The Mandalorian and Grogu. Show starts at 8 p.m., with tickets available at the theater entrance beginning at 7:30 p.m A UCSC student ID is required to receive a ticket. Whether you’re a Jedi or a Bounty Hunter, grab your friends and enjoy this free movie night on the big screen. May the Force be with you!
May 30: Go Bananas! Carnival
Get ready to Go Bananas, Slugs! Join us Saturday, May 30, from 2–6 p.m. as Upper East Field turns into a full-on playground for the first-ever Go Bananas! Carnival!
This free, end-of-year celebration brings it all: a mechanical bull, bumper cars, zorb balls, a dunk tank, and a rock climbing wall, plus hair tinseling, airbrushing, and tie-dyeing. Grab free Sammy birthday treats and stickers, hit the 360 photo booth, or get sketched by the caricature artist while a live DJ keeps things moving.
Wear your best slug gear to help us turn the field yellow as we celebrate 40 years of the Banana Slug.
Looking for something else fun to do?
Explore more upcoming events and opportunities on the UCSC Events Calendar.
More ways to get involved
Campus Elections are coming up: Get ready to vote, Slugs!
Campus Elections polls will be open May 4 through May 18, giving you the opportunity to vote on student leadership and key initiatives that shape campus life. Before voting begins, take a few minutes to learn about Campus Elections, including this year’s candidates and fee measures. Your vote is your voice!
You’ve got this, Slugs!
As midterms wrap up, the final weeks of the quarter are just ahead. Whether you’re preparing for commencement or starting to think about summer, stay connected, make use of the support around you, and look out for one another.
Keep going! You’re almost there!
-Division of Student Affairs and Success
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.
The Peel is a student newsletter curated by the Division of Student Affairs and Success (DSAS).