Resources and Networking

Your Key(s) to Success!

The first step to academic success is awareness: know the resources available to you, and how to access them. If you are reading this, congratulations! You are on your way.

College Advisers vs. Major Advisers

College Advisers: Your Cowell College advisers are a great first contact for finding out more about UCSC's many academic support options. As “generalist” we are responsible for campus-wide requirements and exploring potential majors. Students are affiliated with their college advisers from admission through graduation.

Major Advisers: Your major advisers are an excellent resource for anything related to your major (course planning and major requirements, enrollment in major courses, special opportunities in the major, connecting with department faculty etc.). Transfer students typically start working with their major adviser as soon as they admit to UCSC (or as they prepare to declare by their second quarter).

Other Resources

• Services for Transfer and Re-Entry Students (STARS): academic and personal support for transfer, reentry, and readmitted students.
• Learning Support Services (LSS): free tutoring and course support for all students.
• Modified Supplemental Instruction (MSI): sections and exam reviews for rigorous courses.
• Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): academic and personal support for educationally disadvantaged students (first in family to attend college, underperforming high school, low family income). Check out the Faculty Mentor Program and the Graduate Information Program.
• Disability Resource Center (DRC): get registered with your documented learning disability and/or physical impairment, or look into assessment options for learning disabilities. Join hundreds of other UCSC students leveling the educational playing field.
• Career Center: career counselors can help you prepare and interview for jobs, find internships, and learn about your graduate school options.
• Counseling and Psychological Services: same-day crisis counseling on a walk-in basis and referrals off campus.

Get Connected with Faculty!

• You can meet with faculty from your current classes or faculty you've never met before.
• Check the syllabus for a current class, or the website for your major.
• Ask faculty to make an appointment if you can't attend their office hours.
• If you send an email with your request, make it formal and polite.
• Talk to faculty about what they studied as undergraduate and graduate students (even if you do your research beforehand).
• Are there any graduate programs they're aware of that match your interests?
• If you are interested in career information, do they have any recommendations?
• Research how to conduct an informational interview.
• Write a thank you email or letter: this is good practice for more formal interviews.

Want some practice or more pointers? Consider meeting with the Cowell Provost for more ideas on how to connect with faculty.