UNDERGRADUATE ADVISEMENT -envsinfo@gmail.com
ISB 4th Floor

PEER ADVISORS

The ENVS department offers a Peer Advising Program that consists of junior and senior ENVS majors who are trained to advise students on major requirements, declaration of major, academic planning, course selection and are able to answer a variety of questions related to the ENVS undergraduate program. Peer Advisors speak from their own experience and are an excellent resource for students trying to tailor the major to their interests and how to get the most out of their time at UCSC.  Some peer advisors are transfer students, so they are familiar with transfer student concerns.  Peer advisors are available during walk-in advising hours posted on our advising schedule on this page.

STAFF ADVISOR
In addition to the Peer Advisors, the staff advisor, Maria Ruby mruby@ucsc.edu is available.   Maria will assist students seeking approvals/signatures on various University forms such as for Veterans, EAP, Part-Time program, and academic planning.  Please plan on dropping off your paperwork and it will usually be processed within 48 hours and ready for pick up then. 

FACULTY ADVISORS
Environmental Studies faculty are the best advisers with whom to discuss your academic program, including how to prepare for graduate school and beyond. It is wise, however, to discuss these matters with several people. The faculty adviser who signs your declaration of major form should be selected based on your area of interest. You are free to meet with any of the faculty for advising. You are expected to meet with an adviser as often as needed but at least once a year to update your study plan. If you are considering a senior internship or thesis, it is essential to get an early start in developing your ideas with a faculty adviser. Here is a bit more information in a Q & A grid from the ENVS faculty.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Does Bioe 20c substitute for ENVS 24?

Bioe 20c is intended for ENVS/BIO combined students or double majors.  Single majors can take it as a substitute for ENVS 24.

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• Does Chem 1A substitute for ENVS 23?

Chem 1A is intended for ENVS/BIO or ENVS/Earth combined majors or double majors. Single majors can take it as a substitute for ENVS 23.

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• How do I set up an advising appointment?

You can meet with an advisor during Walk-In advising times. If you can not make any available walk-in times, or if there are none available, email the undergraduate advisor.

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• What can I do with a degree in environmental studies?

Although your prospects for a job are enhanced by graduate training, many of our undergraduates have gone directly into relevant careers. Whether you want to go to graduate school or find a job, the basic rule is to take the initiative and do your homework. Research jobs and schools, and speak with the staff at the UCSC Career Center. Talk with people, especially environmental studies faculty. Do an internship. Explore the options. Click here to see positions held by some of our alumni.

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• Can I get credit for courses I took outside UCSC?

Provided your transferred coursework is accepted at UCSC, you will, at the least, receive credits toward the 180-unit minimum required for graduation. If your transferred courses are lower division (e.g., all community college courses) they may satisfy prerequisite or general education requirements; they will not satisfy upper division major requirements. See the Assist website for transfer guides.
If your transferred courses are upper division and relevant to environmental studies and you are doing a full major (rather than combined) you may petition for up to two substitutions toward the seven required electives. Please note that you are allowed a maximum of two substitutions including all sources (EAP, or pre-approved substitutions).
Once the course is included in your UCSC student record you will need to petition for the substitution (unless the course is on the pre-approved list). The petition form is available here. The petition must include a justification and must be accompanied by a copy of:

1. The course syllabus. 2. Your current UCSC student course history (from "More Links" in your student portal), including any transferred credits. 3.  All course materials (exams, papers, assignments).

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• Do I have to take environmental studies courses for letter grades?  What about Pass/No Pass?

No. You do need to keep track of the percentage of all courses you take for pass/no pass grading and be sure to not exceed the 25% maximum. However, students wishing to pursue the combined major with biology need to take ALL courses for a letter grad.  You can check your percentage of pass/no pass courses on your student center, student advising summary, statistics tab.

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• What's an independent study and/or how do I set one up?

An independent study is a two- or five-unit lower or upper division course designed by you and a faculty sponsor. It could be lab, field or library research or an activity. Independent studies or Internships (5 units) will apply to the single major as one of the upper division electives. This is only for single majors, not combined.
The steps to enroll are:

1. Meet with your faculty sponsor to discuss the plan.
2. Fill out the form with your sponsor, sign it and obtain the enrollment course number from the sponsor.

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• How do I complete the Senior Comp Requirement?

Please read the Senior Comprehensive Requirement page.

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• What's the best way to get a letter of recommendation from the faculty?

See "How to Ask Faculty for a Letter of Recommendation"

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• I'm planning to graduate at the end of next quarter; what do I need to do?

Check with your college to make sure your general education, college, University and unit requirements will be complete. Please review the Academic Advisement Report on your portal before meeting with your college. Apply to Graduate, in your Student Center, online.  You do not need to notify the ENVS office separately but it is a good idea to come in the quarter prior to graduation to go over your student record and make sure you will be finished with all major requirements.

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• Where can I get help with my classes?

You should meet with your instructor during their posted office hours, and if your class has a Teaching Assistant, make time to meet with them during their office hours, as well. The campus also has tutors available in the Learning Support Services office.