The Colleges - UC Santa Cruz - Student Housing Services

The Colleges: Communities of LearningUC Santa Cruz combines the resources of a worldclass public research university with a distinctiveundergraduate experience characterized by ourcollege system. Each college is a vibrant living/learning community supported by faculty and staffwho provide academic support, organize studentactivities, and sponsor events that enhance theintellectual and social life of the campus.After accepting the UC Santa Cruz offer ofadmission, all undergraduate students becomeaffiliated with one of our 10 colleges. During theadmissions acceptance process you will have anopportunity to indicate your college preferences.This guide will help you learn about what makeseach of our colleges unique.Cowell College Stevenson College Crown College Merrill College Porter CollegeFounded 1965Cowell College is thefounding college of UC SantaCruz. Its motto, The Pursuitof Truth in the Company ofFriends, represents its twincommitments to academicendeavor and supportivecommunity.Founded 1966Stevenson College’stheme, Self and Society,emphasizes the goals ofboth self-understanding andactive participation in one’scommunity to give studentsa greater understandingof themselves and theircultures, and to help themthink globally.Founded 1967Crown College’s theme,Science, Technology,and Society, explores therelationship of science andtechnology with the worldaround us, including boththe positive and negativeimpacts of technology onour environment and socialinstitutions.Founded 1968Merrill College’s theme,Cultural Identities andGlobal Consciousness, helpsstudents to understand thenature of cultural identity byexamining the relationshipsbetween societies of theworld and their struggles topreserve their cultures.Founded 1969Porter College’s theme, ArsLonga, Vita Brevis: Life is Short,Art Endures, manifests ourbelief that creativity is integralto all fields of study from artto physics to linguistics, andpromotes an environment inwhich original thought, creativeimagination, and personaland cultural differences areappreciated.2

The colleges differ in academic focus, environment, location,architecture, and programs offered. However, all 10 colleges aredynamic, engaging learning communities that offer opportunitiesfor students to help build and shape their experiences.Kresge College Oakes College College Eight College Nine College TenFounded 1971Kresge College’s theme,Power and Representation,explores the many wayswe constitute ourselves asindividuals in relation tocommunities, focusing onrepresentations of class,ethnicity, sexual orientation,gender, and race.Founded 1972Oakes College’s theme,Communicating Diversityfor a Just Society, preparesstudents to become activecitizens and future leaderscapable of communicatingacross differences to bringabout a more egalitarian andjust society.Founded 1972College Eight’s theme,Environment and Society,embodies the college’sconcern for environmentalissues within a social,political, scientific, andhumanistic context.Founded 2000College Nine’s theme,International and GlobalPerspectives, recognizesthe importance of culturalcompetency and focuses onissues such as economicglobalization, environmentaldegradation, human rights,and international and ethnicconflicts.Founded 2002College Ten’s theme, SocialJustice and Community,focuses on the inequalitiesthat exist in society, such asdiscrimination and poverty,and the role of communityinvolvement in addressingsocial injustices.3

Things to ConsiderCollege themeFocus of core course forfreshmenHousing and theme optionsSpecial activities or programsGeographic location on campusEach residential community offers a variety of theme housing options, such as RosaParks African American Theme House at Stevenson, Writers House at Kresge, and Womenin Science, Engineering & Math at College Eight. Based on academic pursuits, hobbies,individual backgrounds, and lifestyle preferences,these options complement a student’s experience inresidence. If you want to live in a specific residentialtheme, be sure to consider this when indicating yourcollege preferences. housing.ucsc.edu/themesHelpful ResourcesCampus web sitesCampus visitVirtual toursCampus catalogCurrent studentsFaculty and staffAlumniCollege FacilitiesOn the pages that follow, these icons indicate the range offacilities available at each of the colleges.ApartmentsBasketball CourtBBQ/Picnic AreaLibraryMusic Practice RoomPhoto LabCafé/Coffee ShopRacquetball CourtCRUZComputer LabDining HallGalleryRecreation/Game RoomResidence HallsVolleyball Court5

Cowell CollegeAcademic RequirementsThe Cowell College core course, Imagining Justice Past andPresent, focuses on critical reading and analytical writingbased on a syllabus of classic and modern texts dealing withissues of justice. Readings vary each year but always stresscross-cultural perspectives and human values on broadhumanistic themes.Educational Enrichmentand Extracurricular OpportunitiesR College Night, a special monthly dinner followed by aperformance or cultural program, is a founding tradition atCowell.R An active college senate allocates funding for studentprograms and provides important student feedback to thecollege administration.R The Cowell College art galleries offer paid internshipsfor students to assist with the exhibitions.R Upper-division students are encouraged to apply forgrants for research and creative projects.R Co-curricular programming in the residence halls buildsand expands on the social justice themes of the core course.R Housing themes at Cowell include: Diversity AwarenessHouse (with Social Justice), Spirituality/Faith, Substance-Free, and Wellness/Health and Outdoor Recreation.R Foreign language study has a distinct presence atCowell College.R The Cowell Press offers courses in book arts for studentsinterested in the traditional craft of printing andbook making.6

Crown CollegeAcademic RequirementsCrown’s core course, Ethical Issues in Emerging Technologies,presents several rapidly growing technologies, shows wherethose technologies are taking us, and provides reasoningskills to help evaluate the consequences to individuals andsocieties. Students focus on developing strategies that canguide them in making public policy decisions and personaldecisions concerning these technologies. The course typicallyincludes units on ethical issues arising from biotechnology,information technology, and artificial intelligence.Educational Enrichmentand Extracurricular OpportunitiesR Undergraduate Research Fellowships introduce juniorsand seniors to research at the university and encouragestudent-faculty interaction.R Students engage in educational, cultural, and socialactivities sponsored by the Student Life staff: CollegeNights, movie and game nights, arts and crafts, field trips,and guest presenters.R The Science Learning Community, Outdoor Pursuits,and Gaming residential programs encourage students tointeract with faculty, staff, and peers.R At Science/Public Affairs Tables, faculty engage withstudents over dinner to discuss their research and currentevents.R Leadership opportunities abound at Crown. Studentscan join Crown Student Senate, volunteer to be anOrientation Leader, work in a variety of jobs, or simply takeone of our Leadership classes. Crown offers students theopportunity to capitalize on their experiences and earn aLeadership Development Certificate during their time here.8

Merrill Renewal artist renderingAcademic RequirementsThe Merrill core course, Cultural Identities and GlobalConsciousness, helps students begin their academic careersat UC Santa Cruz through studying peoples’ struggles topreserve their cultural identities, as well as social changewithin and beyond the borders of the United States.Students study nationalism, imperialism, migration,globalization, cultural clashes, religious conflicts, and socialinequalities. The selected readings are engaging and diverse,including vivid memoirs, personal journeys, and powerfulhistories, culminating with a visit and discussion from oneof the year’s authors. This engaging academic experience isa student’s first step to becoming the culturally consciousglobal citizen we strive to graduate.Educational Enrichmentand Extracurricular OpportunitiesR Classroom Connection links community experience touniversity education by placing students in internships forcredit in area schools.R Merrill Student Government and Merrill ActivitiesCouncil provide students an opportunity to developleadership skills, create programs and events, and be anactive part of UC Santa Cruz student legislature.R Merrill hosts KZSC radio station, the Peace Corpsprogram, Merrill Pottery Co-op, and the Lionel CantúGLBTI resource center.R Merrill residential theme communities give students theopportunity to live with peers who share common interests.Merrill CollegePlease note: Renovations are planned at MerrillCollege during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 academicyears. For updated project information, pleasecheck housing.ucsc.edu/construction9

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Academic RequirementsThe Kresge core course, Power and Representation, examinesthe ways we constitute ourselves as individuals in relation tocommunities, focusing on representations of class, ethnicity,sexual orientation, gender, and race in several discourses:critical theory, film, art, fiction, writing, and theater.Educational Enrichmentand Extracurricular OpportunitiesR Kresge has a strong academic community that emphasizescreativity, leadership, sustainability, and community.R Kresge is home to The Writing Center, including theCreative Writing archives, and Writers House, a living/learning community for students interested in creativewriting and journalism, regardless of major.R Two new living/learning communities will start in fall2013: The Ecovillage, for students who want to activelycreate a new world based on cooperation and sustainableliving; and Harmony Hall for students interested in socialand restorative justice, Nonviolent Communication, andcivic engagement.R Kresge College is also home to the new CommonGround Center, promoting social and environmental changethrough undergraduate-focused action-education, research,advocacy, and civic engagement.R Kresge’s students actively shape their community throughparticipation in Transformative Action and Service Learningclasses, Kresge’s Student Parliament, and the KresgeMulticultural Committee.R The Kresge Garden is the site of our organic garden andfood systems classes, and is a place where students empowerthemselves to learn how to grow their own food and worktogether cooperatively.R The student-run Natural Food Co-op, Photo Co-op andMusic Co-op are all located at Kresge, and the “STARS atKresge” center provides support and services to transfer andre-entry students.Kresge College13

Oakes CollegeAcademic RequirementsCommunicating Diversity for a Just Society, the OakesCollege core course, introduces students to the majorintellectual, cultural, social, and political themes that haveshaped the college for over four decades. The core course isdesigned to help students find their voices and to join theongoing scholarly conversation that thrives at UCSC.Educational Enrichmentand Extracurricular OpportunitiesR Oakes College is committed to intellectual, academic,and personal inquiry rooted in the possibility of effectingpositive social and political change.R The theme residence program provides a place wheredifferences are not a barrier, but are an invitation to growthand understanding.R Each residence hall and apartment block was namedby students to honor inspirational figures from the arts,government, politics, literature, and public advocacy.R A lively program of dances, cultural celebrations, movies,open-mic events, and athletic competitions is open to allUC Santa Cruz students.R The Learning Center offers study space, activity space,tutors and more. A computer lab is also located here.R The Science Community, located in Biko House,is made up of science students at Oakes College. Thecommunity provides students who are interested in sciencemajors and careers an opportunity to live and learn togetherin a dynamic, intentional learning environment. Througha range of special programs, information, mentoring,collaborative study tables and an on-site graduate student“scientist in residence”, we hope to foster excellence in thesedemanding fields of study.14

Academic RequirementsThe College Eight core course, Environment and Society,deepens students’ understanding of the vital connectionbetween contemporary social organization andenvironmental change through a series of lectures, films,readings, small-group discussions, and an individualresearch project. The course enables students to developtheir academic reading skills in a seminar format.Educational Enrichmentand Extracurricular OpportunitiesR College Eight, enriched by its diversity, is an informaland inclusive community that emphasizes the importance ofindividual academic success.R Independent undergraduate research and communityservice are encouraged, and the student garden offers aquarterly internship for academic credit.R The faculty, representing a broad spectrum of majors andacademic interests, encourages students to become involvedwith the complex problems of contemporary society.R A wide variety of co-curricular activities invite students toconnect their academic work with other interests.R Our diversity and inclusion initiatives bring together students,staff, and faculty to develop high-quality educationaland celebratory events.R Housing themes at College Eight include Women inScience, Engineering & Math, Social Justice, andService Learning.College Eight15

College NineAcademic RequirementsCollege Nine’s core course, International and Global Issues,addresses the college’s focus on identifying, analyzing, andsolving issues at the international and global level whiledeveloping students’ writing, reading, oral presentation,and critical thinking skills.Educational Enrichmentand Extracurricular OpportunitiesR Global Action is an optional two-credit class thatexplores current world events and provides information onways to take action. Students can gain experience asteachers by enrolling in Teaching Global Action.R The College Nine Leadership Certificate is awardedto active student participants in a series of leadershipprograms, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.R The Service Learning Program offers opportunities tovolunteer locally: Praxis arranges local volunteer work days,and Esprit de Corps provides credit for work at a local nonprofit.The Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program allowsstudents an intensive week long experience in the SantaCruz community.R The International Living Center, in the Colleges Nineand Ten apartments, offers juniors and seniors the opportunityto live with students from all over the world.R The Practical Activism Conference is a dynamic onedaystudent-led event held every fall, featuring speakers,workshops, performances, hands-on activism activities, andvarious on and off campus organizations. This popularannual event is an excellent arena in which to develop toolsand find allies for local and global change. Students gainleadership skills and experience by joining the planninggroup the preceding spring.16

Academic RequirementsCollege Ten’s core course, Social Justice and Community,addresses the college’s commitment to understandingand promoting social justice in communities around theworld while developing students’ writing, reading, oralpresentation, and critical thinking skills.Educational Enrichmentand Extracurricular OpportunitiesR Social Justice Issues Workshop, an optional two-creditclass, examines current problems related to social injustice.Students can gain experience as teachers by enrolling inTeaching Social Justice.R The Service Learning Program offers opportunities tovolunteer locally and abroad: Praxis arranges local volunteerwork days, and Esprit de Corps provides credit for work at alocal non-profit.R The College Ten Leadership Certificate is awardedto active student participants in a series of leadershipprograms, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.R Students enjoy music, spoken word, and a relaxedenvironment at the student-run Terry Freitas Café.R The Practical Activism Conference is a dynamic onedaystudent-led event held every fall, featuring speakers,workshops, performances, hands-on activism activities,and various on and off campus organizations. Thispopular annual event is an excellent arena in which todevelop tools and find allies for local and global change.Students gain leadership skills and experience by joiningthe planning group the preceding spring.College Ten17

Housing and DiningAll undergraduate students are housed in small-scaleresidential communities, each providing an academically andsocially supportive environment offering special programsdesigned to help students transition to campus life, build astrong connection with the campus, and get the most out oftheir UCSC experience.A space in university housing is guaranteed to all newundergraduate students entering in the fall quarter whosubmit all forms and required fees by stated deadlines. Thehousing options available to you will differ depending onwhether you are a freshman or a transfer student—though allstudents have access to campus dining facilities.Freshmen are generally assigned to live in residence hallsat their college, except at Kresge College which has allapartments. Residence hall floors are typically shared by 15to 50 students and have common bathrooms and loungeareas. Apartments, typically shared by four to seven students,have common living/dining rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.For many transfer students, living on campus is an importantpart of the university experience. As a transfer student, you’llenjoy “dual-citizenship” status that enables you to participatein programs at your affiliated college and at the housingcommunity where you live. You can live at the TransferCommunity, The Village, or the University Town Center.The Transfer Community is located in the recently renovatedPorter College residence halls and situated on campus toprovide easy access to Services for Transfer and Re-EntryStudents (STARS) and the Academic Resources Center (ARC).Affiliated Residential Community HousingUC Santa Cruz offers a variety of housing options forcontinuing, transfer, re-entry, and graduate students. Eachcommunity is supported by a live-in manager and studentstaff who plan activities and assist residents.The Village is located in UCSC’s Lower Quarry on the east sideof campus in the natural setting of the Great Meadow. Eachhouse at The Village has nine single bedrooms, three bathrooms,and a kitchenette. Residents have access to a spacious communitykitchen and dining area, laundry room, and lounge.housing.ucsc.edu/villageUniversity Town Center features two- and three-person studioapartments with kitchenettes and private bathrooms, acommunity lounge with large screen TV and full kitchen forcommunity events, and a study lounge. The Town Centeris located on the corner of Pacific and Cathcart streets indowntown Santa Cruz, amidst all that downtown has to offer,including cafés, restaurants, shops, galleries, museum, movietheaters, library, and more!housing.ucsc.edu/utcFamily Student Housing offers a unique year-round livingexperience for students and their families (spouse or domesticpartner, other relative, or dependent children). Students and theirfamilies enjoy spacious two-bedroom townhomes, most includinga balcony area or small yard. Units are unfurnished and comeequipped with a full kitchen. Facilities also include a counselingcenter, play areas, and laundry rooms. UCSC Early EducationServices offers several child care programs, serving childrenranging in age from 11 months to 12 years.housing.ucsc.edu/fsh18

UC Santa Cruz DiningOur dining program is as much a part of your college life andexperiences as academics. Students use the dining halls not onlyfor meals but as a “living room” to meet friends, study, and attendcommunity-based entertainment and educational programs.The award-winning UC Santa Cruz Dining program offers virtually anytype of food you can imagine while delivering the utmost in quality,presentation, and customer satisfaction. We are a trendsetter in theindustry, with the most flexible meal plans available. Our featuredunlimited access plans create all-you-care-to-eat restaurants at yourdisposal from early morning to late night. These plans allow you toenter a dining hall as many times as you want, anytime we’re open.You never “lose a meal” or miss out on a snack, and you always getcomplete quality, selection, and value.We are nationally recognized for our organic and sustainable foodprograms. We recently claimed the top spot in PETA2’s “MostVegan-Friendly College Contest.” A wide selection of vegetarian andvegan options are available, and we work closely with the campusStudent Health Center to develop meals for those with restricteddiets. Our staff continually strives to meet your needs.Cafés and RestaurantsIn addition to the dining halls, the campus also features convenientlylocated restaurants and coffee bars. You can pick up a latte to go orsavor fine local, organic cuisine. Like all dining venues, they are opento students, faculty, and staff.dining.ucsc.edu19

Campus Housing OfficeThe Campus Housing Office is responsible for theapplication and contract records for all students living incampus residence halls and apartments, The Village, andUniversity Town Center.(831) 459-2394 housing.ucsc.eduCampus ToursCampus tours are available throughout the year, Mondaythrough Friday. Reservations are required.admissions.ucsc.edu/campustoursCollege ContactsCollege staff welcome any questions you may have.College Eight: (831) 459-2361 eight.ucsc.eduCollege Nine: (831) 459-5034 collegenine.ucsc.eduCollege Ten: (831) 459-5034 collegeten.ucsc.eduCowell College: (831) 459-2253 cowell.ucsc.eduCrown College: (831) 459-2665 crown.ucsc.eduKresge College: (831) 459-2071 kresge.ucsc.eduMerrill College: (831) 459-2144 merrill.ucsc.eduOakes College: (831) 459-2558 oakes.ucsc.eduPorter College: (831) 459-2273 porter.ucsc.eduStevenson College: (831) 459-4930 stevenson.ucsc.eduPrinted with vegetable-based inks, recyclable printing plates, and paper made froma mix of recycled fiber and virgin fiber certified as coming from renewable sources.202/13