Advising and FAQs Home  Undergraduate Program Advising and FAQs
Advising
Fall 2009 Advising Walk-in Hours:
Mondays - 11:00am - 2:00pm
Wednesdays - 8:00am - 12:00pm
Thursdays - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Fridays - 11:00am - 2:00pm
The key to making the most of your educational opportunities is advising, and it is your responsibility
to seek the proper advice. The advising system at Santa Cruz is extensive, so use it to your advantage.
Below are some resources available to you.
General academic guidance |
Career information |
ENVS Department policies and procedures |
ENVS internships and field studies |
Particular ENVS courses |
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Environmental Studies students |
College academic preceptors |
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Peer advisers and faculty advisers |
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FACULTY ADVISERS
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.
STAFF ADVISERS
Environmental Studies Department Office staff can advise you about major prerequisites and upper
division requirements, major declaration, enrollment issues, transfer credit, EAP planning and other
procedural questions. The Environmental Studies Internship Office has extensive information about
local, regional and international internship placements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
How do I set up an advising appointment?
What can I do with a degree in environmental studies?
Can I get credit for courses I took outside UCSC?
Do I have to take environmental studies courses for letter grades?
What's an independent study and/or how do I set one up?
How do I complete the Senior Comp Requirement?
What's the best way to get a letter of recommendation from the faculty?
I'm planning to graduate at the end of next quarter; what do I need to do?
How do I set up an advising appointment?
You can meet with the undergraduate advisor during Walk-In Advising times.
If you can not make any available walk-in times, email the undergraduate advisor.
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. Talk with people,
especially environmental studies faculty. Do an internship. Explore the options. Click here to see
positions held by some of our alumni.
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
Do I have to take environmental studies courses for letter grades?
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 grade
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 such as student teaching. Independent studies do not count toward major requirements unless you successfully petition in
writing upon completion of the work. (Exceptions: ENVS 195 and 183B count toward the senior exit
requirement.)
The steps to enroll are:
- Pick up the required form from the cases outside the Department Office,
405 ISB
- Fill out the form
- Meet with your faculty sponsor and have her/him sign it
- Take
the form back to the Department Office for approval and to get a course number for enrollment
How do I complete the Senior Comp Requirement?
Please read the Senior Comprehensive Requirement page in the Undergraduate Student Handbook.
What's the best way to get a letter of recommendation from the faculty?
See "How to Ask Faculty for a Letter of Recommendation"
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 and unit requirements will be complete.
Contact the Department office and ask for a grad check on your major requirements. Contact the
Registrar for "Announcement of Candidacy for Graduation" within the first three weeks of the quarter in
which you plan to graduate.
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