About

College Nine was established in 2000 with the theme of International & Global Perspectives. Faculty, staff and students work closely with one another to create an inclusive college community that provides many different opportunities for involvement and leadership! From our concerts and conferences, to our barbeques and battles of the buildings, we build community all year long!

Celebrating International and Global Perspectives: A World of Possibilities

College Nine opened in Fall of 2000 welcoming our first class of upper-division students, including new transfer students and continuing UCSC students who came to us from other colleges. College Nine has worked hard to successfully develop a strong community, build meaningful traditions, and emphasize our theme through co-curricular programming.

College Nine’s theme of International and Global Perspectives recognizes the importance of cultural competency in the 21st century. The College Nine community offers students a range of opportunities to explore these issues and to develop skills as dynamic leaders.

One of the unique features of College Nine is its direct affiliation with the Division of Social Sciences. Through this affiliation we build strong alliances with faculty and research institutes concerned with the functioning of human society, and the enhancement of the human condition. Although the social sciences have a special connection to College Nine, our students come from all majors, including those in the humanities, arts, natural sciences and engineering. Our goal is to foster a common interest in becoming a global citizen.

Check out highlights of College Nine and then browse through our website to learn more about the different programs and opportunities we have to offer! 

College Nights

College Nights are monthly themed events that include entertainment, community and a delicious meal. Whether it be celebrating the Olympics, exploring the Italian culture or ending the year with an Outdoor Talent Night Barbeque, College Nights definitely bring our College Nine community together! Learn more about the Activities Offices and how to get involved. 

Themed Floors

Themed Floors are a housing option for students that are wanting to engage further with the theme of College Nine, International and Global Perspectives. The iFloor is a mix of International first-year students and U.S. first-year students, all who apply to live within this intentional, intercultural community located in the College Nine Residence Halls. Explore the iFloor and other housing options within Residential Life!

Classes 

Classes offered through College Nine provide students with hands-on learning opportunities to engage in discourse around Global Themes. Students have the opportunity to explore their interests through classes like the Community Garden, a hands-on experience focusing on building community and ecological systems. In classes like CLNI85: Global Action, students can apply to be the class instructor – a unique teaching opportunity! Learn more about leadership opportunities with the CoCurricular Programs Office and Community Garden!

Connecting with Faculty 

College Nine offers opportunities for students to connect closer with Faculty and their current research. Many of the college’s affiliated faculty actively engage with our community through programming and events. One way in which this happens is through the Food for Thought: Quarterly Faculty Speaker Series, where students can learn more about current research and ways to get involved. 

Participate in Alternative Spring Break

The Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program provides an opportunity for College Nine students to spend their spring break working and learning in either our local community or outside Santa Cruz. In the past our students have traveled to Mexico and New Orleans to partner with local organizations. Students return home with new insight and an enthusiasm for creating change.

Graduate with Distinction 

One of the primary goals of College Nine is to help our students actively engage in the college community and build leadership skills that reflect our theme of international & global perspectives. Students who take on leadership roles throughout various programs can be eligible to the International & Global Perspectives Leadership Certificate upon graduation. To encourage outstanding achievement, academically qualified students will also be recognized at graduation with College Nine Distinction. To learn more about the College Nine pathways to distinction, visit the Academic Department site for College Nine. 

College Nine’s Partnership with the Division of Social Sciences

One of the relatively unique features of College Nine is that its academic administration is affiliated with the Division of Social Sciences. Students of all majors can benefit from College Nine’s partnership with the UCSC Social Sciences Division. In a comprehensive analysis of more than 200 top public universities, social sciences at UC Santa Cruz ranked first in the nation in research quality. Thus, College Nine students will have opportunities to explore international and global issues with distinguished faculty from a range of disciplines including Anthropology, Community Studies, Economics, Education, Environmental Studies, Latin American and Latino Studies, Politics, Psychology, and Sociology. Special opportunities for students will include assisting faculty in their research for course credit. Also, students will be able to meet with faculty in small group events as part of College Nine student programs.