FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How can I get a course syllabus?
A: One of the best features of the UCSC Summer Session website is the posting of course syllabi prior to the beginning of the course. If a syllabus is available online, you will be able to review course materials needed and reading requirements to better prepare you for the class. If you attend another university, these can also help with transfer articulation of credit between our schools. Most course syllabi are available on our web site's course list. Those courses with syllabi available are so noted next to the course title.
Q: How many credits is each course worth?
A: Most courses are worth five quarter credits each, unless noted otherwise in the course listing or in "Class Search". Five quarter credits is equivalent to three and a third semester credits. Each semester-based college interprets the "three and a third credits" differently, so check with your home Registrar to find out how.
Q: How many courses may I enroll in?
A: Due to the intense nature of Summer Session (ten week courses are taught in five weeks), students typically take only one or two classes per 5-week session. Students are allowed to enroll in a maximum of 15 units per session (30 units over the entire summer), but should consider carefully whether doing so will be a manageable workload for them. Summer Session classes have the same instructor/student contact requirements as in the Fall/Winter/Spring. This means that 5-, 7-, and 8-week classes in the summer will meet more frequently for longer periods of time. The reading and homework you will be assigned outside the classroom will be similar to that assigned during a 10-week session. If you need to take more than 15 units, ask your academic advisor to email cbecking@ucsc.edu stating their approval.
Q: How can I register in a Session Two course, when I'm taking the prerequisite in Session One?
A: As soon as you are enrolled in the Session One course, contact our office and we will issue you a permission code to enroll in the Session Two course.
Q: I'm having problems with my.ucsc.edu - who should I contact?
A: For problems regarding your UserID and Password, signing in, or broken links, contact the Help Desk at 459-HELP (4357) or email help@ucsc.edu; otherwise contact the Summer Session Office (459-2524, summers@ucsc.edu).
Q: What are lower- and upper-division courses?
A: Lower-division courses (numbered 1-99) are designed for freshman and sophomore year students. Upper-division courses (numbered 100-199) are designed for junior and senior students.
Q: Are there enrollment limits on classes?
A: Some courses will indicate ''enrollment limited'''' at the end of the course description. However, even if there is no limit listed, classroom size may limit enrollment, so it is best to enroll for classes as soon as you know what you would like to take.
Q: Can I get on a waiting list if a course is full?
A: Waiting lists are not used during Summer Session. If a course is full and you wish to enroll in it, be sure to monitor the enrollment regularly. Once you see a spot open up, enroll immediately to claim it.
Q: What if I have to miss the first class meeting?
A: Due to its intensive nature, attendance is critical in Summer Session and missed classes may affect your performance and/or grade. Some instructors may not allow you to remain enrolled, so contact the instructor as soon as possible to let her or him know of your situation. If you decide not to attend a class you must drop it by the deadline; you will not be dropped automatically for non-attendance.
Q: Is it possible to audit summer classes?
A: No, auditing is not allowed during Summer Session and there is no "add by petition" in the summer either.
Q: Is financial aid available for the Summer Session?
A: If you are a continuing student at any UC, you may be eligible to receive financial aid for Summer Session. Please see the financial aid page for details.
Q: Will I get a schedule of my classes mailed to me?
A: No. However, once you have enrolled, you may view your class schedule anytime at my.ucsc.edu . Instructions on how to access it are available on How to Use my.ucsc.edu. Be sure to check back right before the start of the session in the event a class location has been changed.
Q: I am a student with a disability and need accommodations in the classroom. How can I get assistance?
A: UCSC Summer Session is committed to accommodating students with disabilities and welcomes their attendance at UCSC. Please see Disability-Related Services for details on the services we can provide.
Q: What is the grading system at UCSC?
A: Please see Grades for a full explanation of our grading system.
Q: When are finals held during Summer Session?
A: Finals usually take place during the last scheduled class meeting. There is no separate week for finals. Please see the instructor for specifics, however.
Q: I am not a UCSC student. Will the credits that I earn at UCSC transfer to my home campus?
A: All credits transfer within the UC system unless the class duplicates work previously completed. Outside UC, your home campus Registrar will need to evaluate possible transfer credits, so contact their office before you enroll in our courses.
Q: How soon are transcripts available and how do I obtain them?
A: Please see Grades & Transcripts for information.