Welcome Week
Welcome Week at College Nine!
Welcome Week 2025 begins with Frosh Move-In on Thursday, September 18th and Friday, September 19th. There are a number of interesting, fun, and required events, videos and presentations starting as soon as move-in is over and running through the First Day of Classes on Thursday, September 25th.
We’ll be adding all of our Welcome Week events to our Events Calendar.
New students will have a customized set of Welcome Week programs shared to their UCSC email’s Google Calendar, so keep an eye out for that in September!
View details on campus-wide Welcome Week programming and special office hours.
Thursday, September 18
Family Lounge
10:00am – 4:00pm
The Namaste Lounge
Take a quick break and enjoy a snack or two at our family lounge!
We’ll have a couple of our friendly student staff on hand to answer questions – or help find folks who can answer your questions.
Provost Drop-In (Thursday Session)
With the Provost for College Nine and John Lewis College
1:30pm – 2:30pm
The Namaste Lounge
Our Provost Kim Lau will be stopping by the Family Lounge for an informal Q&A! There will also be a Provost Drop-In on Friday.
Studio Ghibli Movie Night
9:00pm – 11:00pm
The Multipurpose Room
Join us for a screening of Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle! Unwind and feel the magic of Studio Ghibli while enjoying snacks and paper crafts. (While supplies last!)
Friday, September 19
Family Lounge
10:00am – 4:00pm
The Namaste Lounge
Take a quick break and enjoy a snack or two at our family lounge!
We’ll have a couple of our friendly student staff on hand to answer questions – or help find folks who can answer your questions.
Provost Drop-In (Friday Session)
With the Provost for College Nine and John Lewis College
1:30pm – 2:30pm
The Namaste Lounge
Our Provost Kim Lau will be stopping by the Family Lounge for an informal Q&A! There will also be a Provost Drop-In on Thursday.
Community Meetings with your RA
Various Times, between 5:30pm and 8:30pm, check with your RA
Various Locations, check with your RA
This session is required for all new Frosh who live on campus.
Join your RA and new neighbors for your College Nine community meeting! We’ll cover important living rules, get to know each other, and kick off the year with some fun. Attendance is required – watch for details from your RA about when and where to meet.
Game Around the Globe
10:00pm – 12:00am
The Namaste Lounge and the Rec. Lounge
Join us in exploring board games from cultures around the world! You can experience new things or feel the comfort of nostalgia; connect, laugh, and challenge each other.
Saturday, September 20
Procession to the Convocation
12:00pm – 12:30pm
Meet your RA in your College’s Quad
This session is required for all new Frosh who live on campus.
We’re all walking down to the Convocation together! Head down to the Quarry with your RA – we’re asking folks to sit in designated areas with their floors, buildings, and colleges.
College Nine and John R. Lewis Convocation (It’s a Celebration!)
12:30pm – 3:30pm
The Quarry Amphitheater
This session is required for all new Frosh.
With this convocation and celebration, we will open the new academic year and welcome new students into the College Nine and John R. Lewis College community. The convocation will also introduce opportunities for students to be engaged members of our community. Join your classmates, staff, and faculty as we learn how to organize locally to transform your community and become global citizens for a world that we all want. There will be music, snacks, activities, a colleges’ club fair, and prizes!
(The Scavenger Slugs scavenger hunt will also launch at the Convocation!)
ILC Community Meal
4:00pm – 6:00pm
The ILC Quad
This session is required for all residents of the International Living Center (ILC).
Join your RAs at the ILC Quad at 4pm after Convocation for the International Living Center Community Meeting! Meet your RA and neighbors, review important living guidelines, and start the year together with a warm welcome. Attendance is required– see your RA for full details and look for an RA in the Quarry with a big banner sign to find where to go!
Karaoke
10:00pm – 12:00am
The Multipurpose Room
Come join us onstage or in the stage Or in the audience for karaoke night! Meet us at the outside stage located at the college nine and John r lewis dining hall
Sunday, September 21
College Nine Core Course First Meeting
10:00am – 11:30am
Classroom Unit 2
Required for all College Nine Frosh. This is the first session of the College Nine Core Course.
Family Send-Off
11:30am – 1:30pm
East Field
Before families head home and students dive into their new adventure, join us for a casual lunch to celebrate the start of this exciting journey. This is a chance to enjoy a final meal together, connect with other families, and say your “see-you-soons” in a warm, welcoming environment. Let’s toast to a great year ahead!
Field Day
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Social Sciences Lawn and C9 Quad
Join us for an afternoon of fun with a bounce house, mini games, and more!
Dear Future Me
7:00pm – 9:00pm
The Multipurpose Room
Craft a visual and written snapshot of your goals and dreams with hot chocolate!
Monday, September 22
College Nine Frosh Virtual Advising Presentation
9:00am – 10:00am
Registration Link: https://ucsc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r2WxarBtRTSICoZRC5XShA
This advising presentation is mandatory for all New Frosh College Nine Affiliates. In this presentation, you will have the opportunity to learn more about degree requirements, academic planning, academic policies, enrichment opportunities, and tips for a successful transition to UC Santa Cruz.
Important note: Due to security and safety reasons, students must register and be logged into their UCSC Zoom Account to enter the Zoom room. If you have any questions regarding the presentation, please email ninejrladvising@ucsc.edu
College Nine and John R. Lewis College Transfer Student Advising Presentation
11:30am – 12:30pm
Registration Link: https://ucsc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nDv_ipW2RKmF3pjPJsh_yw
This advising presentation is mandatory for all New Transfer College Nine and John R. Lewis College Affiliates. In this presentation, you will have the opportunity to learn more about degree requirements, academic planning, academic policies, enrichment opportunities, and tips for a successful transition to UC Santa Cruz.
Important note: Due to security and safety reasons, students must be logged into their UCSC Zoom Account to enter the Zoom room. If you have any questions regarding the presentation, please email ninejrladvising@ucsc.edu.
Major Presentations and Departmental Orientations
Various times between 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Various Locations / Zoom
Many departments/majors hold Department Orientations. View the major presentations page for time details, and to find the Zoom link to access the session. (If you have any time conflicts, questions or concerns contact the advisor directly.)
Cornucopia
2:00pm – 6:00pm
East Field
CORNUCOPIA: (1) An abundant supply of goods or things of a specified kind. (2) A group or gathering of slugs. (3) The largest UC Santa Cruz student event of the year for Banana Slugs to learn about ways to connect with campus.
Cornucopia is the ultimate opportunity to experience the many ways you can be active and involved in student life at UC Santa Cruz. Visit with hundreds of campus organizations and talk to representatives from all over campus! Almost every facet of student life is present at this event including ethnic resource centers, student health and wellness services, academic resource offices, environmental and sustainability groups, student media, fraternities and sororities, and more.
Join us to learn how to get involved at UCSC! Visit recreation.ucsc.edu for more information.
Slug Talks
8:00pm – 10:00pm
The Rec. Lounge
Think you know what college will be like? Think again. Join us for a special event where students share real stories about navigating campus life. Hear honest truths and valuable lessons about how your college journey could unfold differently than you imagine.
Tuesday, September 23
Natural Reserve Hike
10:30am – 12:00pm
Social Sciences Lawn
Ready to kick off the new quarter with some time in nature? Join us for the Welcome Week Hike at the UCSC Campus Natural Reserve! A perfect chance to explore the beauty of campus, meet new friends, and start your year feeling refreshed.
Dress in layers, wear comfy shoes, and bring water!
College Nine and John R. Lewis Advising Optional Drop-in Advising at Dorms
1:30pm – 3:30pm
College Nine Quad
Come by the dorms to ask quick questions about enrollment in your first quarter to a College Nine and John R. Lewis Advisor! If you are interested in exploring more long term 4-year planning, please schedule an appointment with us through Slug Success.
Class Picture
3:15pm – 4:00pm
East Field
Join us on the East Field to receive your class shirt and participate in the annual new Slug class picture! All newly admitted Slugs are invited to join us!!
Seeds of Undocuallyship
4:00pm – 6:00pm
The Social Sciences Lawn
Come learn how to support undocumented community members while decorating ceramic pots and planting succulents and seeds. Take home resources to share with your peers, plus a cute plant to decorate your dorm with!
Kpop Dance the Night Away
9:00pm – 11:00pm
The Namaste Lounge and Rec. Lounge
Attention all K-pop fans! Want to meet other slugs with the same bias as you? Join us for photocard decorating, song trivia, and more! Bring your photocards and find people to trade with, and if you’re going to a K-pop concert soon you can make new concert buddies. We’ll also be raffling away albums including Stray Kids, TXT, TWICE and more, so make sure to show up!
Wednesday, September 24
Work-Study & Student Employment Fair
10:00am – 12:30pm
Quarry Plaza
Looking for an on-campus and/or work-study role? Network with on-campus departments actively searching for new student employees, including a key focus on employers offering work-study positions. Students from all class levels and disciplines are encouraged to attend. Student registration in Handshake: https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/5fe18567-487b-4bee-a61a-46625b278951/student_preview
International Student Welcome
8:00pm – 10:00pm
Multipurpose Room (MPR)
On behalf of Global Engagement and College Nine/John R. Lewis College, we cordially invite you to join us for our International Student Welcome. We are excited to start the new academic year off with this large gathering of new and familiar faces in our international community. Light refreshments will be served. We hope that you will be able to join us!
Thursday, September 25
First Day of Classes!!!!
Friday, September 26
Boardwalk Frolic
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Admission Ticket includes:
- Unlimited Rides (18 rides will be open)
- Free Arcade Play in Casino Arcade, Neptune’s Kingdom, and Funland Arcade (not including redemption games)
- Free Mini Golf, Lazer Tag, Fright Walk, and Laser Maze
- $10 MyBoardwalk Card valid for food and/or midway games (UCSC ID Card required)
- Free Parking and Bike Valet
Shuttles will start taking students down to the boardwalk at 5pm from campus. Shuttles will be running back to campus continuously, so folks can head back as early as they want. The last shuttle will leave the boardwalk no later than 11pm.
$20 for new students (frosh and transfer students). Last 5 digits of your Student ID will be required at Checkout, only one ticket per SID.
$30 for first 2000 returning students. Price increases to $40 after the first 2000 tickets have been sold.
No sales after 9pm on 9/26. No refunds. This is an alcohol and drug free event – intoxicated guests will be escorted off the Boardwalk. There will be bag checks at the entrance. No backpacks, weapons, or pepper spray allowed. No outside food, beverage, or water bottles.
For questions, please contact: dsas@ucsc.edu.
Friday, October 10
African American Resource and Cultural Center Welcome Black BBQ!
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Stevenson Knoll
The African American Resource and Cultural Center (AARCC) is excited to host its annual Welcome Black fall event! The purpose of this event is to build community, while sharing food, having fun, and playing games. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome.
For more information, please email autumn@ucsc.edu.
Women’s Center Welcome Fall Ball
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT)
Location TBD
The Women’s Center would like to welcome new and returning students, staff and faculty to our annual Fall Ball.
For more information, please call 831-459-2072 or email women@ucsc.edu.
Saturday, October 11
QTBIPOC Orientation
10:00am – 5:00pm
Location TBD
The Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center welcomes new incoming First-Year and Transfer students as well as returning students to our annual QTBIPOC Orientation. This yearly event is meant to support students navigating the intersections of race, ethnicity, sexuality, and gender by building community and support systems. During the orientation, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and connect with campus resources and services, connect with other students, participate in student-led workshops, and participate in different affinity/identity space.
For accessibility needs or questions please contact queer@ucsc.edu or call us at (831) 459-2468.
LA BIENVENIDA Chicane Latine Fall Student Welcome
1:00pm – 4:30pm
Quarry Amphitheater
The purpose of this event is to introduce and connect new and continuing students to El Centro, a variety of Chicane & Latine student-led organizations, campus resources and departments on campus. Free food, community building, music, and student performances are part of the evening’s fun! All students, staff, and faculty are welcome. Sponsored by El Centro: Chicanx Latinx Resource Center.
For more information and accessibility related needs, email elcentro@ucsc.edu.
Monday, October 13
American Indian Resource Center Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (PT)
Location TBD
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day of UCSC: New, Returning and Transfer Students! We provide support to Native American/Indigenous Graduate and Undergraduate students on campus and welcome all students who are interested in learning more about Indigenous cultures of the Americas.
For more information please check our website at airc.ucsc.edu and social media accounts @aircucsc, or email airc@ucsc.edu or call us at (831) 459-2881.
Saturday, October 18
American Indian Resource Center & PoCSC Fall Fest
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (PT)
UCSC Farm
At the beginning of every Fall quarter, the AIRC/PoCSC hosts a welcome event giving new and continuing American Indian/Indigenous students, staff, and faculty the opportunity to engage with each other. This year, our Fall Harvest Welcome event will be held at our beautiful campus FARM. We will introduce the AIRC/PoCSC staff, enjoy High Noon Indigenous tea and treats, learn more about our campus sustainability efforts, and enjoy storytelling with special guests. Everyone is welcome!
For more information, please email: airc@ucsc.edu.
Trans & Queer Fall Mixer
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (PT)
Location TBD
🌈 The Trans & Queer Fall Mixer is UCSC’s annual welcome event for new and returning students. Join us to learn more about the Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center and to connect with the rainbow community at UCSC and in Santa Cruz. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about resources, make new friends, and enjoy music and drag! Our hope is that you will have the opportunity to interact and socialize with other QTs.
For questions and/or accessibility needs please contact queer@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-2468.
Sunday, October 19
People of Color Sustainability Collective: PoCSC Fall Garden Tour
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (PT)
Location TBD
Join us for a tour of the many gardens and green spaces our UCSC campus holds. Learn about our many beautiful green spaces that many of our slugs work to learn about gardening and agriculture. We will be starting our tour at 11 a.m. at Stevenson Garden and will end at Oakes garden. Our second after party event “Slugs in the Sun” will begin at 1 p.m. at Oakes lower lawn where we will be having our after tour party of food and games.
Wednesday, October 25
Global Learning Opportunities Fair
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Quarry Plaza
Join UCSC Global Learning in the Quarry Plaza from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. for our biggest event of the year: The Global Learning Opportunities Fair!
Meet global learning staff and alumni, explore different study abroad and away programs, learn about funding options, pick up some global learning swag, and learn about the many Global Learning opportunities available to you as a UCSC student! Sign up for updates and reminders here!