Enrolling in Fall Classes

Step 1. Compile your recommended classes

If you haven't already, make a list of required and/or recommended classes.

• What classes are recommended or required for your intended major(s)?   (See Step 2, Prepare to Qualify for Your Major)
• What might be your elective areas of interest, or other backup options for possible majors/minors?  (Refer to Finding Open Classes for some ideas on "backups")

Step 2. Plan for a full-time schedule

15 credits (or three 5-credit classes) is considered a full-time course load. For your first quarter, your schedule will most likely look like this:

• 
Class 1: Class for your major
  Class 2: Class for your major

  Class 3: Elective class of interest, or GE class



Because the quarter system and UCSC's academic rigor can be an adjustment for many transfer students, we recommend that you take no more than two upper division courses your first quarter.

Step 3. Search for classes

- Go to your student portal: my.ucsc.edu and navigate to the class search.

- Begin searching for classes. You can refine your search by using the pull-down lists, and will get better results by constraining your search in multiple ways. For your first quarter, make sure you do the following:

• Start by searching for “All Classes” (rather than just “Open Classes”). Some classes look closed in June and early July, but open up spaces for new students over the Summer.
• Know the difference between "Lower Division" and "Upper Division" courses. Lower division courses are numbered 1-99, upper divisions are in the 100-199 range, graduate courses are numbered 200 and above. To limit your class search to lower-division options, for example, under "Class Number", select "less than or equal to", and type "99". 
• If you want to search for General Education classes, you can select a GE code and see options for that code. Make sure you look for GEs that apply to you, fall 2009 requirements (refer to your AAR Academic Advisement Report in your Student Center or the Navigator) for a list of the GEs that apply to you.
• Click on the classes you are interested in and read the class description. Look at the dates and times they meet. Check for Enrollment Requirements. Many classes have prerequisites, or require placement exams -- if you have not satisfied the prerequisite requirements by the time you are enrolling, you will not be able to enroll in the course.  For prerequsite problems for major classes, contact your major adviser.

Step 4. Make a plan, identify back up classes, and use your shopping cart

• Start mapping out a possible schedule for yourself using the Schedule Planner (pdf). Map out several potential options for your classes. Remember that some classes also have "Discussion Sections" which are either mandatory or optional. You will need to enroll into mandatory discussion sections so plan them in your class schedue.
• Backup classes are essential -- you might not be able to get your very first pick of classes in your first quarter. You should have at least ten (10) possible classes to enroll in. We recommend three options for core course sections, and at least seven other classes of interest for major preparation or exploration, GEs, etc.)
• Beginning mid-July, you can add the courses you are interested in to your “shopping cart” on the my.ucsc.edu portal. This will make enrolling at your appointment time a much faster (and smoother) process.

5. Prepare for Orientation - and Enroll!

• Once you have at least ten courses in your cart, print out your shopping cart list OR write down the class ID (ANTH 80A–17), 5-digit Class # (12345), days/time for lecture (MWF 9:30–10:40), days/times for discussion sections or labs (M 7–9pm).
• If you attend summer orientation, you will be able to enroll at your orientation session in the afternoon. Enrollment appointments for new students who do not attend summer orientation will be viewable on: my.ucsc.edu in July.
• To Enroll: Review the Enrollment video tutorials for help. Then go to your my.ucsc.edu student portal and enroll in your classes. If you are unable to enroll in classes you need for your major, contact your department/major adviser as soon as possible. Be sure to print out a copy of your final schedule (to make sure you successfully enrolled).
  • You may continue to make changes to your enrollments through the beginning of the quarter (till the add/drop deadline) on a space-available basis. Since courses often fill quickly, it is important that you enroll as soon as possible.
  • You must attend the first class session of all classes in which you are enrolled. Students who do not attend the first class session can be administratively dropped if other students are trying to secure a space in the class. (Warning: do not assume you will be dropped if you do not attend the first class session; you are responsible for monitoring your enrollment.)
  • If your plans change and you choose not to attend UCSC, it’s crucial that you contact the Admissions Office and/or your college before the quarter begins. Once the quarter begins you could become responsible for registration fees if you do not attend and do not notify the university of your plans to withdraw.

Next Steps

Learn about resources

Still Have Questions?

Review  UCSC's New Student Advising Guide:

Contact Porter Advising for any questions at porteradviser@ucsc.edu or call 831-459-2273.

Return to Porter New Transfer Student Guide