UCSC Resources


In addition to the services provided by the DRC, the UCSC Resources page offers a plethora of additional support and resources available both on campus and within the community. The page provides students with a variety of tips, contacts, and valuable information to enhance their experience at UCSC. From academic guidance and career development opportunities to campus organizations and community resources, the UCSC Resources page aims to connect students with the support networks and information necessary to thrive during their time at the university. By exploring these resources, students can maximize their UCSC journey and access the tools needed to excel academically, professionally, and personally.

Academic Resource Center (ARC)

Academic Resource Center (ARC): is a collaborative of offices that encourage academic success, including Learning Support Services and Educational Opportunities Program.

Academic Advising

If you haven’t already, introduce yourself to your college’s Academic Adviser. Your Academic Adviser is available to assist you with educational concerns and academic planning.

Athletics and Recreation

Taking care of your body is an important part of managing stress and maintaining physical and emotional health. Check out the Athletics and Recreation, Wellness Center, as well as the numerous PE classes offered each quarter.

Basic Needs

College can be a challenging time; access to affordable and healthy food, stable housing, and comprehensive mental health resources should not be an additional stressor. The Basic Needs office serves as an online hub for information on food, housing, health & wellness, and financial security resources, both on-campus at UCSC and off-campus in the greater Santa Cruz community.

Campus Advocacy Resources and Education (CARE)

The Campus Advocacy Resources and Education (CARE) program provides support, advocacy, resources and violence prevention education to the UC Santa Cruz community. We respond to the needs of students, staff, faculty and non-affiliates impacted by stalking, dating/domestic violence and sexual assault by providing free and confidential advocacy and support. CARE also works collaboratively with students, faculty and staff to educate the campus community about the vital role that each of us has in preventing violence and creating social justice locally and globally.

Career Center

The Career Center can help you discover your job interests and compatibilities, provide career advising, connect you with employment and internship opportunities, explain how to apply to graduate school and more

College Residential Staff

All UC Santa Cruz undergraduate students, whether they live on campus or not, are affiliated with one of 10 residential colleges. Each college provides academic support, organizes student activities, and sponsors events that enhance the intellectual and social life of the campus in addition to housing students in small-scale residential communities.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides individual, group, family and couples counseling. Counselors see students with a wide variety of concerns— from depression and anxiety to academic stress, as well as Psychiatric Services

The Cove

The Cove’s goal is to create a safe space for students to share experiences, ask questions, discuss concerns, dispel myths, and learn about addiction recovery. All students and staff are welcome to attend and participate, whether you have personally struggled with addiction, are affected by a loved one’s addiction, are academically/professionally interested in addiction and recovery, or just want to learn and be a better ally. Check out the Cove’s flyer here.

Community Safety Officers (CSOs) Program

The Community Safety Officers (CSO) Program (UCSC) work in conjunction with the UC Police, UC Fire and the administration of university residential communities (both on- and off-campus) to ensure a safe and secure living environment for all residents. CSOs are trained in emergency response, first aid, CPR, and disaster response, and they carry radios linked to University Police Dispatch. Teamwork is a highly valued skill in our program and our CSOs work in teams to provide consistent service across campus and in all residential communities.

Disability Van

The Disability Van Service (DVS) is a shared-ride service that provides on–campus wheelchair lift–equipped transportation for those unable to use the regular Campus Transit system. Disability Van Service is available to employees, students and visitors with temporary or permanent mobility impairments. No fare is required to use the Disability Van Service; however, current medical documentation and advance reservations are necessary.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Time Management Guide

EOP’s Time Management Guide can help one develop control over their time and learn how to use their time efficiently.

Identity Resource Centers
Health Center

The Cowell Student Health Center provides on-campus health care.

Keep Learning’s Focus and Time Management Strategies

Keep Learning’s Focus and Time Management Strategies has great tips on how to focus and manage time.

Laptop Checkout Kiosk Service for UCSC Students (for free)

UC Santa Cruz students with a CruzID can check out Dell Windows laptop computers or chargers from the self-service laptop kiosks located at both McHenry Library and the Science & Engineering Library for 12 hours free! After the initial 12-hour period, a usage fee of $2 per hour will apply.

Learning Support Services (LSS)

The Learning Support Services (LSS) is the place to go if you need tutoring for a class.

The Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center

The Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center at UC Santa Cruz exists to provide an open, safe, inclusive, intercultural space, promoting education about all genders and sexualities, and empowering self-exploration of these identities. 

Office of Emergency Management, Emergency Procedures for Persons with Disabilities

The Office of Emergency Management, Emergency Procedures for Persons with Disabilities has great tips and resources for in order to help persons with disabilities prepare for emergencies.

Slug Support

The UCSC Slug Support Program was created to promote early intervention with students of concern to prevent culminating problems from escalating into a crisis. The goal of the Slug Support Program is to identify students of concern and develop an action plan focusing on retention through provision of support and resources.

Slug Mentor Network

The Slug Mentor Network program enhances the student experience by linking them one-on-one with a peer mentor. Students are paired with someone invested in their success — a person ready to listen, inspire, help navigate challenges, and recognize opportunities. Students will learn what to expect in school, how to approach challenges and gain career advice. At the same time, mentors will build their networks and develop skills to become better professionals and leaders.

Services for Transfer and Re-entry Students (STARS)

Services for Transfer and Re-entry Students (STARS) provides the extra academic and personal support for transfer, re-entry and readmitted students to benefit fully from their education at UCSC whether they are full-or part-time.

Student Union Assembly (SUA)

The Student Union Assembly (SUA) Office is a non-partisan, confidential, office of advocates/caseworkers that assist students in need. They address both micro and macro level issues in student life to create a more cohesive, fair, and equitable campus environment.

Student Organization Advising and Resources (SOAR)

Student Organization Advising and Resources (SOAR): are you looking for peer support and a social connection? Get plugged into one of the numerous on-campus student organizations and clubs.

Student Health and Outreach Promotion (SHOP)

Student Health and Outreach Promotion (SHOP) supports the mission of Student Health Services by fostering healthier lifestyle choices to reduce health risk factors, improve overall wellness and maintain a productive, active and successful student body.

Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS)

Transportation and Parking Services: see especially Disabled and Medical Parking and Disability Van Service.

The Womxn’s Center

The Womxn’s Center affirms the dignity and diversity of all womxn. The center continues and challenges feminist traditions by creating community space for all womxn and their allies to achieve individual and social change. The Womxn’s Center provides space, staff, and resources to encourage womxn’s involvement in all aspects of university life and to establish and deepen connections with the Santa Cruz community and beyond.

Scholarships and Internships

This is a list of organizations who have, in the past, offered scholarships for college students with disabilities. This is for your general information only. You will need to contact the organizations yourself to determine when and if future scholarships will be offered. Also, be sure to talk to your Financial Aid advisor about other scholarship or aid possibilities.

Scholarships

Employment/Internship

Research Opportunities

Scholarships

AHEAD

Scholarships for college students with disabilities who have demonstrated leadership, service and academic achievement.
www.ahead.org 
520-621-3274

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf

Scholarships for deaf college students who use residual hearing/speech as a primary mode of communication.
www.agbell.org 
202-337-5220 (V/TTY)

American Council of the Blind

Scholarships for blind students.
www.acb.org  
www.blindstudents.org 
202-467-5081

Challenged Athletes Foundation

Challenged Athletes Foundation has scholarships for sports equipment for athletes with disabilities.

Children’s Hearing Institute

Music scholarship award for students with significant hearing loss.
www.evelyn.co.uk 
212-605-3794

Disabled Veterans Scholarship

The Feldman Law Firm, PLLC has announced that it will be offering two annual scholarships for disabled veterans. The scholarships focus on providing tuition assistance to disabled veterans who wish to continue their education. 
http://www.afphoenixcriminalattorney.com/disabled-veterans-scholarship

Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Awards

Awards from the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic for blind college seniors in recognition of extraordinary leadership, scholarship, enterprise and service to others.
https://learningally.org/NAA
1-800-327-5287

Scholarships for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

RJT Criminal Defense is pleased to announce that it will be offering two scholarships annually* for veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each of the scholarships will provide $1,000 toward tuition to attend an educational program chosen by the recipient.
http://www.sandiegocriminallawyerrt.com/scholarships-for-veterans-with-ptsd/

Shire ADHD Scholarship Program

“Shire, a global specialty biopharmaceutical company, has expanded its ADHD Scholarship Program. The program is for individuals in the United States diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who are pursuing higher education at a college, vocational school or technical school.”
http://www.shireadhdscholarship.com/

Student Training & Education in Public Service (STEPS)

“STEPS fully supports anyone who chooses to make a career out of making a difference.” They have various scholarships for students with disabilities and allies.

https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/financial-aid/students-with-disabilities-scholarships-resources/

VSA Arts

Art competitions for young artists with disabilities around the United States, resulting in $60,000 in awards for 15 finalists.

http://education.kennedy-center.org/education/vsa/
voa@vsarts.org
202-628-2800

Employment/Internships

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

Internship opportunities for college students with disabilities (past internships have included Mitsubishi and Microsoft with stipends and free housing).
http://aapd.com/what-we-do/employment/internship-program/ 
1-800-840-8844 (V/TTY)

Californians for Disability Rights

Training for college students to take over the helm of disability advocacy.

http://www.disabilityrights-cdr.org
916-447-2237
800-838-9237
1722 J St., Suite 2
Sacramento, CA 95814

AAAS Project on Science, Technology and Disability

Professional internship opportunities for students with disabilities in science, engineering, math, and computer science.

https://www.aaas.org/programs/entry-point 
202-326-6649 (V/TTY)

LEAP (Leadership Enrichment Adventure Program)

A leadership program for college students with hearing loss who use spoken language to communicate. This program is designed to help participants develop skills in leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, etc 

www.agbell.org 
202-337-5220 (V)
202-337-5221 (TTY)

LEAP (Limited Examination and Appointment Program)

An employment program for qualified individuals with a disability.
www.spb.ca.gov 
https://www.dor.ca.gov

National Industries for the Blind

Fellowship for Leadership Development- Two year, professional, salaried program for individuals who are blind that combines on-the-job experience with formal management training.
www.nib.org 
703-578-8343

Ticket to Work

Program’s goal is to increase opportunities and choices for Social Security beneficiaries to find employment, vocational rehabilitation and other support services.
www.yourtickettowork.com 
1-866-968-7842 (V)
1-866-833-2967 (TTY)

Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars

50 competitive scholarship awards for college students with disabilities interested in working in the executive, judicial or legislative branches of the federal government during a semester.
www.twc.edu
202-457-0046 (V/TTY)

Workforce Recruitment Program

Program designed to provide summer and permanent job opportunities in the federal government and the private sector for college students with disabilities.

wrp.gov
202-376-6200
1331 F. Street, NW, Third Floor
Washington, D.C. 20004-1107

Last modified: Apr 11, 2024