Meet Your Advisers 

We are your Porter Advisers: Sarah Shane-Vasquez, Bob Giges, Janelyn Amaya, and Kristyn Crouse. Our mission is to support you in pursuing and achieving your academic goals. We'll do our best to enhance your educational experience and empower you to make the most of your time at UCSC. Porter advisers are available to:

• Provide you with guidance to help you map out your academic plans and to qualify for your intended major.
• Help you understand General Education and University requirements for graduation.
• Help you identify and develop personal, educational and career goals.
• Assist you in identifying additional campus resources to enhance your academic career.

The college system is designed to create smaller living and learning communities within the larger university campus. Students affiliate with a college through graduation and beyond. We hope to meet with each one of you on a regular basis.

Academic advisers are available to assist you in deciding on a major, to help you maneuver through the system, or to discuss nearly any academic concern. We are also available to assist you with major exploration, course selection, and academic planning, often on a drop-in basis. So, please, come to us when you need help, inspiration, or just a sounding board. We are here for you!

Staff Advisers

Sarah Shane-Vasquez, Lead Academic Preceptor

Hi, I'm Sarah Shane-Vasquez (she/her/hers) and I'm the lead preceptor for both Porter and Kresge Colleges.  I oversee the Kresge and Porter Advising Offices and support students from orientation to graduation -  and beyond! As an advisor, I help students navigate the University’s policies and procedures, set and achieve academic goals, overcome obstacles to their success, and find a sense of belonging and purpose at UCSC.

Bob Giges, Academic Preceptor

Hi, my name is Bob Giges, and I’m one of the academic advisers at Porter College. I’m also a former UCSC transfer student with both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Santa Cruz.  I’m happy to help with any and all academic advising issues as you discover, define, and navigate your way through your UCSC journey. I especially welcome students who are unsure about which major to pursue at UCSC. Stop by or make an appointment so we can talk about your academic plans. 

(I also teach acting improvisation courses for the College and would be happy to talk improv as well.)  

 Janelyn A. Magaña, Academic Adviser

Hello! My name is Janelyn Magaña and I am an Academic Adviser for Porter College. I am a proud UC Santa Cruz alum and first-generation college graduate. I'm excited to support your academic advising needs, navigate the university, and encourage you to use all the resources offered to you here at UCSC! 

Kristyn Crouse, Academic Advisor

Hi, I'm Kristyn Crouse. I'm one of the Academic Advisors at Porter College. I love advising students; it brings me joy to watch and support you through this journey. Come to us with your questions. We're great "air-traffic controllers," so if you don't know who to ask, we're a great first stop. I especially enjoy helping students find a major that leverages their strengths and unique talents to support their future goals. I'm looking forward to working with you!

Peer Advisers

Bonifacio Miranda, Peer Adviser

My name is Bonifacio Miranda (He/Him/His), but you can call me Bono. Transfer to UCSC currently a senior in Computational Mathematics. I'm excited to help and advise all incoming students to the resources and the possibilities at UCSC.

Finlay Sherris Watt, Peer Adviser

Hello! My name is Finlay Sherris Watt (he/him) and I’m a 2nd-year Environmental Studies major here at Porter. I’m super excited to help answer any questions you may have about academics, social life, extracurriculars, or anything else you can think of. Advisors are always here to help so feel free to reach out any time!

Lilian Mijares, Peer Adviser

Hi! My name is Lily (she/her) and I'm a 3rd-year Intensive Psychology major. I'm looking forward to helping y'all out with academic advice, college resource information, and more! I am always happy to help! :)

Aileen Gordiano, Peer Adviser

Hello, all! My name is Aileen Gordiano (she/her) and I am a second-year cognitive science major. I look forward to helping you with any questions you may have here at UCSC. Don't be afraid to reach out! :)