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Academic Advising
Students may seek advice from their major department, as well as the college in which they are enrolled. Students may meet with professional advisors, peer advisors or faculty to ask questions, verify their progress, explore new opportunities, seek a solution to a problem or discuss career options. Each quarter's Schedule of Classes includes a directory of department locations. Whether declared or not, students are encouraged to visit departmental advisors with questions regarding particular majors.
Admissions
The Office of Admissions is responsible for admitting undergraduate applicants to UCSB. The Admissions Office processes nearly 70,000 applications a year. Department efforts are focused upon increasing the academic quality and diversity of the entering class while maintaining the required enrollment level. The Office of Admissions promotes postsecondary education; encourages applications from historically underserved populations and schools; provides admission information to high school and community college counselors, teachers and administrators; provides admission advice to prospective freshman and transfer students; reviews and evaluates applications; develops recruitment strategies and events for admitted students; and reviews coursework for transfer credit. The Admissions Office also prepares New Student Profiles, which provide an outline of progress in fulfilling academic requirements at UCSB and summarize scores from standardized assessment tests and acceptable college-level courses completed prior to enrollment at UCSB. Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-12noon, 1pm-4pm; Cheadle Hall 1210; 893-2881.
A.S. Publications Service
The Publications Service offers subscriptions to lecture notes for academic courses. The classes covered by this service vary each quarter. A current course list is posted outside the Publications Service office. Notes are usually taken by graduate students and serve as a supplement to, not a substitute for, class attendance. Notes for individual lectures can be purchased as well. Hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; A.S. Building in the UCen; 893-4471. Publications Service also provides low-cost classroom readers and study materials for students. In addition, copy services are available to campus and student groups seeking to publish any manuscript over 30 pages in length.
Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS)
I wish I had known how helpful the workshops and services of CLAS were, and that I'd do better in my courses as a result of them.
Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS) helps students increase their mastery of course material through course-specific tutoring and academic skills development. CLAS provides group tutorials in many math, science and statistics courses, as well as academic skills workshops in reading, test-taking and study skills. Drop-in one-on-one tutorials are available in many subjects. Check out our web page (www.clas.ucsb.edu) for more information about our writing services, tutorials and workshops or call (805) 893-4248.
Career Services
Career Services offers students an opportunity to relate their interests, values, and skills to majors and careers that meet their needs and desires. Career counselors assist students in choosing a major, deciding their career options, applying to graduate school, writing a resume, interview techniques, and job-search strategies. We offer drop-in counseling, individual appointments, workshops and classes. Career and graduate school information is also available in our Career Resources Room, equipped with print and on-line resources on choosing a major, internship, careers and graduate and professional school applications. Hours: Mon.-Fri: 8:30 am-4:30 pm (see our Web page for holiday hours:
www.career.ucsb.edu); Building 599; 893-4411.
GauchoLink
Every student registered at UCSB should also be registered with GauchoLink. This portal takes you into the universe of jobs and internships offered to UCSB students. It is also Career Services' main tool for communicating with students. Any student interested in being notified about career fairs, internship opportunities, or graduate programs visit UCSB in search of qualified candidates to apply, should be registered with GauchoLink.
Career Assessment Program
Unsure about which major or career is the best choice? There is a robust testing program in which students can assess their interests, values, personalities, and preferences for majors and employment.
Career Planning Classes
INT 64. For students seeking to choose a major, consider taking INT 64. It is held each summer in the second summer session, and is an applied course with the express purpose of helping first and second year students determine a major.
ED 164. Open to all students, but primarily focused on juniors and seniors, this course is designed to help students solidify their career or graduation school plans. Ask about the weekend retreat option offered winter and spring quarters.
Internship Program
The Internship Program of Career Services offers career-related, part-time local and summer national and international internship positions to juniors and seniors of all majors. Some positions are paid, but most are volunteer; the reward is in the valuable experience. For more information visit
www.career.ucsb.edu/students/internships/index.html.
Graduate School Application Process
Students applying to graduate school can set up a reference letter file to facilitate the application process.
Career Fairs and Campus Interviews
Any student within a year of graduating should be accessing employers through Career Fairs and the On-Campus Interview Program. Over 100 employers come to UCSB every year and all are seeking UCSB students for full-time employment. For more information, visit
www.career.ucsb.edu/students/job_search/index.html.
College of Creative Studies (CCS)
CCS is dedicated to allowing motivated students to become producers rather than consumers of knowledge in their chosen field. In each of the eight emphases (Art, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Literature, Mathematics, Music (composition) and Physics) it is expected that the student both take courses at an advanced level and create new knowledge, either via academic research or painting, sculpting, writing, composing or the equivalent. The general education requirements in the College are flexible; CCS students work closely with their faculty advisors, who are responsible for approving their schedules each quarter and eventually certifying them for graduation.
Both the size and the structure of the College foster close interaction between students and faculty. The grading system in the College is Pass/No Record; students receive variable unit credit. CCS students receive letter grades in courses taken from other UCSB colleges. Students must submit an additional application in order to pursue an emphasis in CCS, but most Creative Studies courses are open to all students at UCSB. For further information, including a list of current courses: www.ccs.ucsb.edu. College office hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm; Bldg. 494; 893-4146.
College of Engineering
The College of Engineering offers the Bachelor of Science degree and advanced degrees in Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Advanced degree programs are also available in Materials. Programs emphasize a thorough background in mathematics, physical sciences and engineering; class work is strongly reinforced by laboratories in which students become familiar with the application of theory. For further information, visit the College office or read the College of Engineering Announcement. Engineering I Room 1006; 893-2809.
College of Engineering Honors Program
Academically outstanding freshmen in the College of Engineering will be invited to join the College Honors Program, which offers a number of opportunities for educational enrichment. Some of the benefits of membership include graduate library privileges, priority registration for continuing students, and the opportunity to become involved in independent and team research activities with faculty and graduate students. For more information or admission requirements, call the Undergraduate Office, 893-2809.
College of Letters and Science
Serving over 16,000 students, the College of Letters and Science offers four different degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Science) and nearly 80 distinct majors. The UCSB General Catalog lists the majors that lead to the different degree options. Students may consult peer, professional or faculty advisors for assistance in planning their studies. Some topics addressed in a typical advising session include degree requirements, choice of major, preparation for a professional goal and academic status. The College hosts a program for students who have not yet declared a major. College office hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm; Cheadle Hall 1117; 893-3201 or 893-2038.
College of Letters and Science Honors Program
High-achieving students in the College of Letters and Science are invited to join the College Honors Program, which offers many opportunities for educational enrichment. Some of the benefits of membership include the opportunity to work closely with peers and professors in small honors sections, graduate library privileges, special advising services, preferential enrollment in classes for continuing students, use of the honors study center and access to independent and team research activities. For more information or entrance requirements, check out the Honors Program web site at www.honors.LTSC.ucsb.edu or stop by the College office, 1117 Cheadle Hall; 893-3109.
Computing Facilities
The primary computing facility available to undergraduates is Instructional Computing (IC). IC consists of the Open Access Lab, the Web Lab and seven Instructional Labs, including four PC labs and two Mac labs.
- The Open Access Lab is located in Phelps Hall 1529 and is open to all UCSB undergraduates. Over 40 Macintosh and PC computers provide students with Microsoft Office, access to the World Wide Web and email. Laser printing is available for $0.15/page black & white and $0.45/color.
- The Web Lab is located in Kerr Hall 2160 and provides free access to the World Wide Web and email. However, there are no word processing facilities.
- The Instructional Labs, in Phelps Hall, are reserved for students enrolled in courses that have reserved computer time for the completion of coursework. Over 4,500 students use the Instructional Labs each quarter. All labs have trained consultants on duty. Orientations in most software applications are offered the first week of each quarter. Workshops are offered on a first come-first-served basis throughout the year to introduce new users to computers and new applications. Schedules for workshops are available in the IC office, Phelps 1521; 893-3002; website: www.ic.ucsb.edu.
In addition, there are some computing facilities available to certain UCSB student populations. The following list highlights several of these facilities. Students should also check with their academic department to find out if computers are available for use by students in the major.
- Anacapa Residence Hall Computing Facility: open to residents of university-owned residence halls only; 893-2364.
- College of Creative Studies Computer Room: open 24 hrs., CCS students only; 893-2364.
- Engineering Computing Initiative Lab (ECI): open to College of Engineering students only; 893-3221.
- Fontainebleu Computer Room: open 9am-10pm, Fontainebleu residents only; 968-0351.
- Francisco Torres Computer Room: open 24 hrs., F.T. residents only; 968-0711.
- Life Sciences Computing Facility: open to undergraduates if they are enrolled in a class that is taught in the facility; Noble Hall 2241; 893-4228.
- NetStations: provide students with access to a variety of student records and services; over 60 NetStations are located around campus (see p. 14 of this handbook).
- New Media Center: open to students with classes in the NMC only; Kerr 2160; 893-3963.
- Social Science Computing Facility (SSCF): open to faculty and students in the Social Science Division of the College of Letters & Science; Ellison Hall 2626; 893-2349.
- San Nicolas Residence Hall Computing Facility: open to residents of university-owned residence halls only; 893-2469.
- The SRB Computer Lab, in the Student Resource Building (SRB), provides open-access computing and is available for all enrolled students. Microsoft Office, internet access, printing and other applications will be available in this lab. Check with the lab for posted hours of operation.
Disabled Students Program (DSP)
DSP coordinates services for disabled students and assists students with permanent and temporary disabilities. DSP provides readers, notetakers, interpreters, referrals, registration assistance and supplemental orientation to eligible students. An adaptive equipment inventory is available for students' use. SAASB 1201; 893-2668.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
I wish I had known to read this handbook before beginning classes and to keep it as a resource for my college career.
The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is committed to providing a support and information base that validates each student's experience and nurtures a sense of participation, belonging, and empowerment. Our goal is to deliver programs and activities that enable a smooth transition and acculturation to the university environment. Counselors and staff provide a support network of excellence that validates and mentors each student as a contributing member to a pluralistic society at UCSB and beyond graduation. The Educational Opportunity Program is about serving students in a holistic manner-- realizing that academic and social environments are integral to the success of students.
In co-sponsorship with other departments, counselors work with students individually and through group settings to address broader student issues. EOP coordinates the following major programs designed to assist students in their transition to the university environment.
EOP Counseling Support Services assists students in clarifying their academic, career, financial, and personal concerns. Students are referred to other departmental professionals when necessary. Counselors are assigned a caseload and work with students individually or in workshops designed to address student issues throughout the year. The following are examples of group programming topics: academic advising, relationship concerns, transfer/re-entry transition issues, and graduate school and career preparation. These activities are often co-sponsored with other departments. In addition, staff may serve as campus-required advisors to one or more student organizations or pre-professional interest groups.
Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) is a two-week summer residential program that provides incoming EOP freshmen with an in-depth orientation to university services. All students enroll in writing and math courses taught by faculty and graduate students. In addition to academic courses, students participate in a transitions skills course that teaches critical thinking, time management, and study skills. STEP is coordinated with services provided from Campus Learning Assistance Services, the College of Letters and Science, Counseling and Career Services, Math Achievement Program, Orientation, and the Writing Program.
Peer Advisor Program is comprised of currently enrolled UCSB students, who are trained to help new frosh, transfer, and re-entry students adapt both academically and socially to the University setting. Peers are familiar with campus life, student group involvement, and other support services available to all students. A team, comprised of a peer advisor and counselor, is assigned a caseload of new students by alphabetical order similar to the advisors in the College of Letters and Science and the residence halls.
Cultural Services encourages students to engage in activities that serve to enrich their academic experience and increase their awareness by gaining an understanding and appreciation for their own culture(s) and perspectives that may differ from other students on campus. EOP has established cultural centers to educate, promote, and encourage the interaction and dialogue among the diverse ethnic groups. EOP assists the campus by working with academic and student service departments to create and maintain a supportive and inviting cultural learning environment for all students.
For more information, contact the administrative office in Building 434, 893-3235, email: EOP@sa.ucsb.edu; or website: www.sa.ucsb.edu/eop.
Honor Societies & Academic Unions
Honor societies such as Alpha Lambda Delta (freshman honor society), Mortar Board (senior honor society), and Golden Key (junior and senior honor society) meet regularly and provide members with a chance to interact with faculty, the community and other students. Several individual departments also have honor societies and academic unions for their majors, which often sponsor social and academic events. Inquire in department and college offices or at the Office of Student Life; SAASB 2201; 893-4550. You can also visit our website at: www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl.
International Students and Scholars
In this office, professional advisors assist international students and faculty with immigration and cultural adjustment, as well as financial, academic and other personal matters. Everything possible is done to help persons from other countries while they are pursuing academic studies and research on this campus. Located at SRB third floor; 893-2929.
Isla Vista Bookstore
This is a complete off campus college bookstore. It carries UCSB textbooks (new and used), study guides, outlines, calculators, and many other necessities. It also offers a variety of UCSB apparel. Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30pm and Sat, 11am-5pm; extended hours at the beginning of each quarter; 6553 Pardall Road, Isla Vista; 968-3600. You can also visit the website at www.ivbooks.com.
Library
The UCSB Libraries house over 2.8 million volumes of books, periodicals, and government publications. Through the Libraries' website, you can access online catalogs, databases of articles and books, and other scholarly sources. We offer orientations during Discovery Days and you can also take a class for 1 unit of credit, Interdisciplinary Studies 1.
Areas in the Libraries offering materials in specific subjects include the Sciences and Engineering Library, the Map and Imagery Lab, the Curriculum Lab, the East Asian Library, the Ethnic and Gender Studies Library, and Special Collections all of which are located in the Davidson Library. The Arts Library, which contains the Art and Music collections, is located in the Music Building.
Services in the Libraries include wireless access for your laptop, copy machines, printers, and services for students with special needs.
Materials on reserve for classes are at the Circulation and Reserve desk and online through E-RES. A wired, 24-hour study area is near the main entrance to the Library. http://www.library.ucsb.edu
Phi Beta Kappa
Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest honorary society, was founded in 1776 to "recognize and encourage scholarship, friendship and cultural interests." Election of new members takes place every April by a faculty committee, based on overall UC GPA and a program of study emphasizing breadth of intellectual curiosity. For information contact Mary Jacob, email: jacob-m@sa.ucsb.edu
Registrar
The Office of the Registrar is the home of the official student academic records. They produce the academic transcripts and verifications of enrollment. They provide the GOLD system, on the web, as a tool for students to update their addresses, register for classes and view their academic records. This office publishes the General Catalog and the quarterly Schedule of Classes. These publications may be purchased at the UCSB Bookstore, but the information contained in them is also available through GOLD or other web sites (www.catalog.ucsb.edu, www.registrar.ucsb.edu). Contact the Office of the Registrar to receive assistance with registration and records-related activities. An office email and phone directory is available at the Registrar's web site. The Office of the Registrar is located in SAASB 1105.
Reserve Officer Training Corps (UCSB Army ROTC)
The UCSB ROTC curriculum includes two, three and four year programs leading to a commission in the United States Army. The Military Science Department offers comprehensive military history courses, as well as hands-on management and leadership training. Training is also offered in land navigation and rifle marksmanship. We offer 2, 3, and 4 year scholarships to qualified applicants. Check out our Web site: www.milsci.ucsb.edu, call 893-ARMY (2769) for information, or visit the Military Science Department, Building 451.
Student Mentor Team
The Division of Student Affairs has developed an innovative program for supporting student success at UCSB. The Student Mentor Team provides all currently enrolled students with increased support to aid in their academic, social, and personal success. A team of professional staff serve as mentors/advocates to serve each class level (freshmen through graduate students) with a variety of services. Students receive monthly emails and electronic newsletters that feature services, events, and advice relevant to their class level. Students also have the opportunity to ask questions or seek advice, via email, or to schedule one-on-one appointments where they receive personal coaching and assistance with any questions or concerns they have. For more information, visit www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl/smt or Dr. Britt Andreatta, the Director of First-Year Programs and Leadership Education in the Office of Student Life, (805) 893-8290.
Summer Sessions
Summer Sessions offers over 750 lower and upper division courses for full academic credit in areas ranging from anthropology to zoology. Fees are lower than in the regular quarter and the class sizes are smaller, so it's a great way to get ahead in your program. Summer Session offers two six-week sessions and nine- and ten-week programs in several foreign languages. There is also a special program for in-coming freshmen, Freshmen Summer Start, which runs during the second six week session of summer. This program gives freshmen an opportunity to get on the "inside track" of UCSB. For more information, see the Summer Sessions Catalog, which includes all details or visit the Summer Sessions web site at: www.summer.ucsb.edu. SAASB 2214; 893-2047.
UCSB Bookstore
In addition to textbooks, the Bookstore offers art, school and office supplies, clothing, computers and software/supplies, cards, gifts and a large selection of general books and a film processing service. The Bookstore has extended hours during the first week of classes each quarter. Regular hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5:30pm; Sat, 11am-4pm (closed Sun); UCen main floor; 893-3271, www.bookstore.ucsb.edu or www.ucsbstuff.com.
UC Center in Sacramento
The University of California Center in Sacramento (UCCS) Program is a residential program that combines an internship with research. In addition, students have the opportunity to observe public policy processes firsthand in the state's capital. Admission to the UCCS Program is open to upper-division undergraduates from all majors. A cumulative UCSB GPA of at least 3.0 is required at time of application. Students maintain full-time enrollment at UCSB while working in a structured internship with an agency or organization of their choice in Sacramento. For more information visit the UCCS web page at http://uccs.universityofcalifornia.edu/. On campus, contact the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) staff by email at urca@ltsc.ucsb.edu. Printed material is available at 2105 North Hall.
UCSB Washington Center Program
Students looking for a challenging way to earn course credit while working at an internship of their choice should check out the UCSB Washington Center Program (UCDC). Open to upper-division students from all majors, the UCDC program is offered each quarter during the academic year and in the summer. Students should have attained upper-division status at the time of admission to UCDC and must be earning units towards graduation while participating in the program. A cumulative UCSB GPA of 2.8 (minimum) is required at time of application. The President's Washington Scholarship is available for financially needy students who meet the program and scholarship criteria. To get more information, visit the UCDC web page at www.ltsc.ucsb.edu/urca. On campus, contact the UCDC Peer Advisors at 893-3090 or by email at ucdc@ltsc.ucsb.edu. Printed material is available at 2110 North Hall.
UCSB Extension
UCSB Extension is the continuing education division of UCSB, and offers certificate programs, courses, and seminars for personal and professional development on a year-round basis in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern, and San Luis Obispo counties. Courses are open to the general public, including UCSB students. Extension is supported by student fees and receives no state funds. The Concurrent Enrollment Program is a cooperative arrangement between the campus and Extension that enables qualified individuals to enroll in undergraduate and graduate courses on a space available basis without being formally admitted to UCSB. Concurrent enrollment is ideal for those who are considering returning to school, preparing to enter UCSB, seeking to complete a few units to graduate, or desiring to take specific UCSB courses for professional reasons. Upon petition, units earned may be used by matriculated UCSB students to satisfy degree requirements; however, grades are not included in the GPA and course work does not fulfill academic residency requirements. Participation in concurrent enrollment does not constitute admission to UCSB. Course credits are recorded at Extension. For more information, contact Extension at 6950 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117; phone: (805) 893-4200; fax: 893-4943; or on the web at www.extension.ucsb.edu.
Veteran's Educational Benefits
Students who are veterans, or dependents of disabled or deceased veterans, may receive certain educational benefits. Contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance with the application(s) and enrollment verification necessary to receive these benefits. SAASB 1105; 893-8905; or visit our website at: www.registrar.ucsb.edu
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