Navigating UC Santa Cruz: A Guide to Hahn Student Services and Campus Resources
The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) offers a wealth of resources to support its nearly 20,000 students. From academic advising to health services and basic needs support, understanding where to find assistance is crucial for student success. This guide provides an overview of key resources, particularly those connected to the Hahn Student Services building, and other vital services available to UCSC students.
Hahn Student Services: A Central Hub
The Hahn Student Services building is a central point for many essential services at UC Santa Cruz. Conveniently located near the bookstore, it houses several key offices:
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is located in the Hahn Student Services building. This office assists students with the financial aspects of attending UCSC, including applying for financial aid, understanding scholarship opportunities, and managing student loans.
Student Business Services
All accounts and billing matters are handled through Student Business Services, also situated in the Hahn Student Services building near the bookstore. Students can visit this office for assistance with tuition payments, fee inquiries, and other financial transactions.
CARE (Campus Advocacy, Resources, & Education)
CARE provides confidential support and advocacy for students impacted by sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. CARE will be closed from Dec. 22 to Jan. 4. Address: Hahn Student Services 400 Hahn Rd.
Read also: Student Accessibility Services at USF
Academic Support and Resources
While the Hahn Student Services building focuses on administrative and financial matters, academic support is primarily handled through each student's affiliated college.
College/Academic Offices
Each college at UCSC provides a range of academic resources, including:
- One-on-one consultations with academic advisors: Advisors can help students navigate course selection, understand degree requirements, and develop academic plans.
- Academic appeals: Colleges provide a process for students to appeal academic decisions.
- Major exploration: Advisors offer consultations to help students choose a major and understand the application process.
- Graduation information: Colleges provide guidance on the graduation process, ensuring students meet all requirements.
- Core course support: Colleges offer assistance with the core course curriculum.
MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement)
MESA is an academic learning community that offers advancement and professional development opportunities to students from groups which remain underrepresented in engineering. MESA facilitates the success of a diverse population of engineering students through a continuum of services that support the needs of educationally disadvantaged students. MESA encourages students to attend conferences and events that promote professional development for underrepresented groups. Referral to learning assessment regarding information processing difficulties.
Housing and Residential Life
UCSC offers a variety of housing options, and several offices provide support related to on-campus living.
Campus Housing Office
For general information about housing, including billing, meal plans, important dates, policies and contracts, and room rates, the UCSC-wide Campus Housing Office is a valuable resource.
Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing
Crown College Housing Coordinator
For information specific to Crown College housing, students can contact the Crown College Housing Coordinator.
College Office Coordinator and Student Office Assistants
Located in the Merrill Plaza, below the old Viva’s Restaurant, the College Office Coordinator or Student Office Assistants can answer many questions or direct students to the appropriate resources.
Housing and Basic Needs Support
They offer consultation services for students who need housing or access to basic needs during winter curtailment. They currently only accept non-emergency cases through an intake form, which can take up to 3-5 business days for processing. They are accessible only by phone until Dec. 22 to Jan 4. Online services will still be available.
Health and Well-being Resources
UCSC prioritizes the health and well-being of its students, providing a range of on- and off-campus resources.
Cowell Student Health Center
The Cowell Student Health Center offers a variety of medical services, including general check-ups, immunizations, and a pharmacy. Between Dec. 22 to Jan. 2, the Cowell Student Health Center and all UCSC Student Health Center other related resources will be closed.
Read also: Investigating the Death at Purdue
Student Health Outreach & Promotion (SHOP)
SHOP provides a variety of services concerning harm reduction, sexual health, and general well-being. SHOP is closed from Dec. 22 to Jan. 4, but students can still access free health care supplies at one of the three Healthcare kiosks on campus. Address: 409 Porter-Kresge Rd.
24/7 Crisis Support at CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services)
The crisis line offers support for students suffering distressing situations. Students can call the line and select option “3” to speak with an on-call crisis counselor. Phone Number: (831) 459-2628.
Dominican Hospital Emergency Room
A hospital that is open 24/7 with an accessible Emergency Room. This location is recommended by the Cowell Student Health Center for students to go to if the health center is not accessible. Address: 1555 Soquel Dr. Santa Cruz, CA 95065 Phone Number: (831) 462-7700
Basic Needs Resources
UCSC recognizes that students may face challenges in meeting their basic needs, such as food and housing. The university and the surrounding community offer several resources to address these needs.
On-Campus Food Pantry
The indoor food pantry will be open until Dec. 19. They plan to update the availability of their outdoor food pantry during winter break through their Instagram. The outdoor pantry is currently closed and will reopen come winter quarter. Address: 633 Crown Rd.
Adjusted Dining Hall and Basic Needs Stores Schedule
On Dec. 12, dining hall locations and basic needs stores on campus will be on an adjusted schedule. Following Jan. 13 to Jan. 1, other basic needs stores such as Porter Market, Merrill Market, and Slug Stop will be closed until Jan 4.
Off-Campus Food Resources
Accessible food resources available off-campus include food pantries, food banks, and other donation-based initiatives. Some options include:
- Food Not Bombs Santa Cruz: Offers free vegan meals every Sunday on location. No proof of residency necessary, everyone is welcome! Address: 210 High St. A post with further information is available on their Instagram.
- Grey Bears: Provides food and other services to seniors. The only information required is a name and a zip code. Address: 440 Frederick St.
- Second Harvest Food Bank: Distributes food to various locations throughout Santa Cruz County. No proof of residency is required. Since hours vary, it is best to call ahead before visiting. Address: 1817 Soquel Ave.
- United Way 211: Recommends calling the number listed below for more specific consultation services and information about available resources on a case-by-case basis. Monday through Friday. Address in Capitola: 4450 Capitola Rd.
Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center
They offer a number of services including, but not limited to, a housing and employment program, a food pantry, and family support services. This center also has a 24/7 crisis response through their domestic violence hotline. The entrance to the Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center, located at 303 Walnut Ave.
Resources for Parents and Guardians
The University has created a page specifically for parents and guardians.
A Thriving Environment
With its jaw-dropping coastline, towering redwood forests, and cosmopolitan vibe, UC Santa Cruz offers a lifestyle that’s tough to beat. Here, nearly 20,000 students choose from 70 majors, across the arts, humanities, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, and engineering. UC Santa Cruz is also renowned for the quality of its research. From building ultra-efficient solar cells to developing personalized treatment for cancer patients, UC Santa Cruz’s research gets results-and recognition too. In 2019, UC Santa Cruz was honored with election to the 65-member Association of American Universities, one of the most prestigious honors in higher education.
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