College Advising at UC Santa Cruz

Monday, May 30th, no classes and UCSC campus offices will be closed in observation of Memorial Day.

Can you believe finals are here already???  The spring 2011 final examination schedule can be downloaded from the Fall 2011 Schedule of Classes.  Go to item 6:  “Final Examination Policies and Schedule.”  First you will see Fall 2011, scroll down and Spring 2011 will be listed.  Planning out your finals will help you to be able to prioritize your studying and allow you to feel more organized.  Remember to take care of yourself during this time with healthy food, sleep, and little breaks now and then.  Stock up on pencils, blue books and scantrons so that you will be prepared!  Good luck!

At an instructor’s discretion, an incomplete grade notation may be assigned for work that is of passing quality but incomplete by the end of spring term. The deadline to complete the work must be negotiated with the instructor and must be no later than the last day of fall quarter 2011. Incomplete grade notations are typically given for emergency reasons or unforeseen circumstances, and if the course work is not completed by the deadline, the “I” lapses to an “F” or “NP”. Because an Incomplete grade carries no credit, talk with your college academic adviser about the possible consequences on your academic standing. If an Incomplete grade is truly necessary for your situation, you must make your request with your instructor by the end of the quarter, June 9, 2011. Faculty members generally appreciate any efforts you might make to contact them well before the end of the quarter.

Whether you are in your first, second, third or fourth year at UCSC, you can be taking steps to identify meaningful career goals. Click here for a four-year planner with suggested activities for each year to clarify your career interests and begin to take steps to enter the professional world.  The Career Center offers career assessments at UCSC and links to online career assessments, major handouts that link majors to careers, and much more. Click here to see a comprehensive list of all career services available to students.

As you wrap up your 9th week of spring 2011, finals are waiting right around the corner.  In two more weeks the quarter will be over and summer break will be here!  But before you start daydreaming about the wonderful summer plans that lie ahead, make sure you are setting yourself up for success for finals.  You are on the home stretch, the final sprint to the finish line, so don’t give up now!  Here are a few tips that can help you stay focused on your finals prep:

1. Take advantage of review sessions.  Find out if your professor or TA will be holding a review before the final.  If so, do not miss it!  This will give you the inside scoop for the test and the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any confusion before the final.
2. Form a study group.  If you haven’t done so already, form a study group with some of your fellow classmates.  You can meet a couple of times between now and the final in order to prepare.  Group study can help you solidify your knowledge by allowing you to explain concepts to others, while at the same time you will learn from your group members.  Studying in a group also creates greater accountability.  You are less likely to bail on your friends, than if you have a study date with yourself!
3. Get missed notes from a classmate.  It is likely that you missed at least one class this quarter; if not, give yourself a pat on the back!  If you did have to miss any classes, now is the time to ensure you have any missing notes or handouts from those classes.  One of your classmates is likely to come through for you.
4. Skim through missed readings.  Reality is, you were not able to get all of your reading done for every class.  For the classes that seem to rely heavily on reading content for testing, go back and skim through chapters or sections that you may have missed during the quarter.  Especially those covering topics that were a big focus of discussion in class or that have appeared on previous exams.  
5. Find out what your current grade is.  Now is the time to check in with your professor or TA after class or during office hours regarding your current grade in their class.  Some may not be able to give you a hard and fast answer, but it is worth it to at least ask.  Finding out this information will allow you to set a goal for your finals.  This awareness could result in the difference of a whole letter grade.

UCSC’S Child Care Services (also known as, Early Education Services) offers the children of UCSC students several child care programs, serving children ranging in age from 14 months to 12 years. The facilities are conveniently located on campus near the West entrance near family student housing. 

Now accepting wait list applications for fall 2011!  Sign-up today!  Email at: earlyeducation@ucsc.edu or call at: (831) 459-2967.  Visit the program website for additional information: http://housing.ucsc.edu/childcare/index.html. 

The following are workshops and events offered by the UCSC Career Center throughout the remainder of the quarter:

• Friday, May 27th: Writing Effective Resumes and Cover Letters @ 11am-12:30pm

• Tuesday, June 14th: Kaplan MCAT Course @ 3pm

For more information, times and locations of these events and workshops, please visit the UCSC Career Center website at http://careers.ucsc.edu/.

The 32nd Annual Multicultural Festival is an annual event that promotes cultural awareness within and outside the UCSC community. Many different student organizations come together to share and celebrate their culture with the public. Throughout the festival there will be performances by Carne Cruda and food served that represents the diverse cultures from the UCSC campus.  “Roots, Rhyme and Rhythm: Solidarity Through Action” is the theme of this year’s festival.  The event will take place on Saturday, May 21st from 12pm-6pm at the Oakes Lower Lawn (Lower West Field).  The rain location will be the College 9/10 Multipurpose Room.  So give yourself a little break from studying to check out this amazing annual event!

If you received a grade of “I” (Incomplete) in a winter 2011 course, it is time to finish your work if you haven’t already done so!  (Not sure if you have an Incomplete? Check your winter grades on your MyUCSC now.)  Contact the instructor to clarify what is required to complete the course. You must complete the work for the course and file the “Petition for Removal of an Incomplete” before the last day of the quarter, Thursday, June 9.  (Your instructor can set an earlier deadline for work due to them.)  The petition is available online at http://reg.ucsc.edu/forms.htm; a $10 fee will post to your student business account upon filing. Complete procedures can be found in Chapter 4 of The Navigator on page 61. If you do not complete the work by the end of spring quarter, your Incomplete will lapse to a “No Pass” or an “F” depending on which grade option you selected.

Your EGT (Expected Graduation Term) can be found in your Student Advising Summary on the Student Center page of your MyUCSC portal. Clicking on the “Degree” tab will reveal your final quarter at UCSC. If you need extra time beyond your EGT to complete your degree requirements (especially if your EGT is spring 2011), it is important to see your college adviser for extra quarters as soon as possible. It is very important to have an accurate EGT, especially if you hope to receive financial aid next year!

Have you satisfied your C2 requirement? Your C2 requirement must be satisfied before the start of your 7th UCSC quarter. Writing 2 and 80B of your college core course (and Stevenson 81B) are the only UCSC courses that satisfy the C2 composition general education requirement for graduation. WRITING 2 COURSES FILL QUICKLY, so be sure to enroll at your first enrollment opportunity!

• Enrollment Procedures: You must satisfy the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR) before taking Writing 2. If you have not yet satisfied ELWR, click here for info. Not sure if you’ve satisfied ELWR? Visit your MyUCSC portal and go to your academic advisement report.  Please see your college adviser for any questions or concerns surrounding this.

UCSC awards several honors at graduation for outstanding academic achievement. These are some of the honors that UCSC undergraduates may receive upon graduation:

• University Honors
• Honors or Highest Honors in the Major
• Phi Beta Kappa

University Honors (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude) are based on a qualifying cumulative UC GPA for graduating seniors with at least 70 UC credits; the School of Engineering establishes separate GPA criteria. Click HERE to see qualifying GPA’s for University Honors. Most major departments, for excellent work in the major program, award honors or high honors in the major. Undergraduates with an overall excellent record that includes a second language are nominated by their college for PHI BETA KAPPA.  This prestigious organization has recognized scholastic achievement since 1776.  If you are invited to Phi Beta Kappa, we strongly encourage you to accept this honor!  For more information, see https://www.pbk.org.  To learn more about honors at UCSC, see http://honors.ucsc.edu/honorsprg.html & http://reg.ucsc.edu/faqs/honors.htm.

Many of you have been inquiring about taking classes over the summer at your local community college and how to determine if they will count for GE requirements or simply be transferable for credit.  For those of you that started before fall 2010, the website assist.org will be your best friend!  This website will let you know what classes will count for GE’s and be transferable at California Community Colleges.  However, if you are a first-year student who started in fall 2010 and are subject to the new GE requirements, it’s important to know that the new GEs are generally not available on assist.org.  But you can still utilize assist.org to look for courses for your intended major and for general transferability of courses (credit for electives).  Your college advisers are happy to answer any questions or concerns regarding this. 

Summer will be here before we know it!  What do your summer plans entail?  Are you traveling, taking summer classes, or working?  If you are looking to earn a little extra money over the summer, now is the time to start trying to secure employment.  Here are some tips to help you get summer job:

1. No previous work experience, no problem.  If you haven’t held a paying job, think about other experiences you might have that an employer would value.  Make a list of volunteer work, student organizations you are involved in, and activities you partake in.  All of these areas help you build leadership skills and the ability to work as a member of a team, which is what most employers are looking for.
2. Maintain an open availability.  If you are looking for a job in the service industry, then you will need to be able to work evenings and weekends.  It is summer and you ideally want to be free to hang out with your friends on weekends and evenings, but the reality is you will not get hired if you aren’t flexible.  Most employers will allow you to request particular weekends off if you have an event or something special you need to be off for.
3. The early bird catches the worm.  You are not the only college student out there looking for a summer job, so the sooner you get out there and start pounding the pavement the better!
4. First impressions.  Look your best when you go out looking for a job and maintain a professional presence.  The first impression you give a prospect employer can go a long way, so exude confidence through eye contact and a solid handshake, and you will be sure to leave a positive impression on your potential new boss.
5. Apply in person.  If you are looking for a retail or serving gig, applying in person with a professional resume is key. Many retail and restaurant managers don’t have time to sift through online applications.  If they see a bright, responsible college student walk through the door and shake their hand, they are liable to hire or at least set up an interview on the spot!

The Chicana/o Latina/o Life Resource Center, otherwise known as El Centro to students, faculty, and staff, was established in 1995 in response to the educational needs of Chicana/o and Latina/o students at UCSC.  The center serves as a hub of organized activity and resources that support student transition, retention, graduation and academic success. 

El Centro offers workshops and an extensive calendar of yearlong programming available for students.  Their efforts promote cultural affirmation, social justice values, and community service.  Students that attend El Centro’s activities gain insight into cultural dynamics, social and political processes, and the historical significance of the contributions that Chicana/os and Latina/os have made to the U.S. and the global community. 

Through collaborative efforts with campus partners, El Centro organizes activities that encourage student intellectual growth, leadership development, preparation for graduate/professional school and career options.  For more information, please visit the El Centro website at: http://www2.ucsc.edu/raza/.

The following are workshops and events offered by the UCSC Career Center throughout the remainder of the quarter:

• Friday, May 27th: Writing Effective Resumes and Cover Letters @ 11am-12:30pm

• Tuesday, June 14th: Kaplan MCAT Course @ 3pm

For more information, times and locations of these events and workshops, please visit the UCSC Career Center website at http://careers.ucsc.edu/.

Do you want to teach Math and Science?  Then consider an internship in Fall 2011 with Cal Teach!  The program has a priority application deadline of Friday, May 13th for Fall 2011 placement, with late applications being accepted as space in the program permits.

California Teach is a University of California systemwide program for undergraduate science, math, and engineering majors on all UC campuses. The program’s goal is to dramatically increase the number of science, mathematics and engineering majors who pursue careers in secondary science and mathematics teaching. The program is building and enhancing pathways for UC science, math, and engineering majors to prepare for teaching careers.

Interested in applying? Follow this link: http://calteach.ucsc.edu/internships/apply.html.

The final math placement exam of the spring 2011 quarter is Saturday, May 14th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the J. Baskin Engineering Auditorium 101.  You do not need to pre-register for the exam, but spaces are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so arrive early.  If you are planning on enrolling in a MATH course, then you need to take the exam if you haven’t done so already, unless you have met the course prerequisite at UCSC or have a qualifying AP, AB, or BC exam score. You may only take the exam TWO times during your academic career, so keep this in mind.  The next exam after this one won’t take place until Monday, September 19th.  For more information, please visit the following website: http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/advising/exams/mpe.html.

It is time to enroll for fall 2011 starting Monday, May 16th!!  Check your MyUCSC student portal for your enrollment appointment.  Enroll in classes as close to your enrollment time as possible to ensure that you have the best chance in securing the courses you want for next quarter.  It is a good idea to have back up classes picked in case you are unable to get into all of your top choice courses.  If you need some assistance with picking your classes for fall 2011, then please see your college adviser for guidance. 

Are you accessing the complete Schedule of Classes? In addition to the course listings for the quarter, important information is contained in the online text pages of the Schedule of Classes at http://reg.ucsc.edu/soc.htm.  You will find important announcements, info on placement exams, final exam schedules, course descriptions of classes, and enrollment conditions for interview only courses.  You’ll also find the complete academic calendar, a schedule planner, general information on enrolling and fees, and department contact information. And you can download a PDF of the complete Schedule of Classes.  Check it out!