Connect with Faculty

As a transfer student, you could be challenged to build faculty relationships at UCSC: you have some catching up to do! These pointers are designed to help you maximize your faculty connections quickly.

• Know your faculty office hours.
  • You can meet with faculty from your current classes or faculty you've never met before.
  • Check the syllabus for a current class, or the website for your major.
  • Not sure how to proceed?  Follow the tips in How to Talk to Faculty.
• Ask faculty to make an appointment if you can't attend their office hours.
  • If you send an email with your request, make it formal and polite.
• Talk to faculty about what they studied as undergraduate and graduate students (even if you do your research beforehand).
  • Are there any graduate programs they're aware of that match your interests?
  • If you are interested in career information, do they have any recommendations?
• Research how to conduct an informational interview.
• Write a thank you email or letter: this is good practice for more formal interviews.

If you hit a dead end with a faculty member (your interests don't match, or you don't make a connection), feel free to ask if they can suggest any other references for you. And try not to be discouraged. There is always a next time if you make it happen.

Want some practice or more pointers? Consider meeting with the Porter provost for more ideas on how to connect with faculty.

Provost Sean Keilen is happy to meet with students who would like to discuss academic-related issues at Porter College, propose new initiatives, or provide feedback. To make an appointment with the provost contact the Provost Assistant at  (831) 459-2564 or by email sjbeach@ucsc.edu.

The Provost Office is located within the Porter College Office, in D Building, Room 104.