Get to Know our Community Values
Slug Life
At UC Santa Cruz, being part of the campus community means more than attending classes—it means showing up for one another with respect, care, and accountability. On this page, you’ll find programs and principles that reflect what it means to be a Banana Slug, including our Principles of Community, You Belong Here campaign, and trainings that promote well-being, equity, and safety—like AlcoholEdu, Sexual Harassment Prevention, and our DEI module. These are key steps in building a stronger, more connected campus for everyone.
You Belong Here
At UC Santa Cruz, every student is an important part of our diverse and vibrant community. The You Belong Here initiative celebrates inclusion, belonging, and support—creating a campus environment where all students feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to succeed. Explore resources and programs designed to help you connect, grow, and thrive throughout your time here.
UCSC Principles of Community
Our Principles of Community reflect UC Santa Cruz’s commitment to fostering a campus built on respect, inclusion, and collaboration. These core values guide how we interact with one another, promote equity, and create a safe, supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Learn how these shared commitments shape our community and inspire us to build a culture of care and accountability every day.
We Are Slugs
UC Santa Cruz welcomes a diverse community of Banana Slugs, each contributing to our vibrant campus. To support a safe and inclusive environment, all incoming first-year and transfer students must complete We Are Slugs—a series of four interactive online courses through the required Orientation Course. These cover alcohol use, relationship violence, sexual assault, stalking, hazing, anti-discrimination, and inclusive practices. The program equips students with tools to make informed choices, build respectful relationships, and foster a supportive community.
