Fall Admits
Get ready with the fall online orientation course
The online Orientation course is your essential guide to starting college at UC Santa Cruz. As a fall admit, you’ll complete this required course in Canvas before your first quarter begins. It covers everything from enrollment and campus resources to tips for navigating academics and student life—helping you feel prepared, confident, and supported from day one.
Orientation course for credit
All new first-year and transfer students starting in fall are automatically enrolled in the one-credit Orientation Course in Canvas. You’ll see the course listed in your MyUCSC portal as:
- Introduction to University Life at UC Santa Cruz (for first-years)
- Introduction to Transfer Life and Learning (for transfer students)
The course is graded Pass/No Pass. To receive credit, you must fully complete all course components—including quizzes, discussions, and assignments—by each deadline during the summer. Your final grade and academic credit will appear on your official UC Santa Cruz transcript.
Important: Students who do not complete the Orientation Course will receive a No Pass and cannot retake the course.
Access the course in Canvas
Each part of the orientation course opens on a different date throughout the summer. Start each part as soon as it becomes available and complete it before the posted deadline.
If you have trouble accessing the course or have questions, email: orientation@ucsc.edu
Note for fall admits: To receive your enrollment appointment, you must complete Parts 1 and 2 of the orientation course and submit your official transcripts to Admissions.
Orientation course dates and requirements
The orientation course is required and completed online. To receive your enrollment appointment and earn one academic credit, you must:
- Complete Parts 1 and 2 of the orientation course. Note: Part 1 must be completed before you can access Part 2.
- Submit your official transcripts and test scores (if applicable) to the Admissions Office.
All new students are expected to participate fully, meet all deadlines, and earn a passing grade.
The course is accessed through Canvas.
Are you new to Canvas? Learn how to use Canvas.
Orientation Course timeline 2025
| Part | Topic | Available | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Getting Started | June 25 | July 6 |
| Part 2 | Advising & Enrollment | July 7 | July 16 |
| Part 3 | Understanding my University | August 10 | August 25 |
Orientation course fee and payment
Orientation course tuition
The $279 Orientation Course fee will be charged to your student account in the MyUCSC portal as a Summer Session course fee and is due in August.
- Students may be eligible for financial aid to help cover the cost.
- If you qualify for the Orientation Grant, the full $279 will appear as a credit on your student account.
Payment
Once the fee is posted, you will receive an email from Student Business Services with your billing information. Follow the instructions in that notice to make your payment.
Visiting Student Orientation
Welcome, visiting students—whether you’re here through Education Abroad Program, exchange, or another program!
Beginning in April through September, you’ll receive email updates detailing campus resources and how to prepare. Your online Visiting Student Orientation is available in Canvas starting July 7. Completing this course ensures you’re ready to enroll in fall classes through your MyUCSC student portal.
International Student Orientation
Start your UCSC journey with the guidance and support you need. In addition to the required Fall Online Orientation Course, International Student Orientation is a required in-person program for new international students. It’s designed to help you transition to life at UC Santa Cruz—academically, culturally, and personally. You’ll get support with immigration requirements, class enrollment, campus resources, and adjusting to your new environment.
Fall 2025 International Student Orientation Date: September 18
Students must plan to arrive in Santa Cruz before orientation begins.