Welcome Parents and Families

Family Day 2024 Postcard image

Welcome to our community---the independent, creative and vibrant Porter College. We know that choosing UCSC and our college is a crucially important decision for you and your student. We are honored by that decision, and we thank you for your trust. We count on you to help make us a better community for your student's experience. Your participation and feedback are truly appreciated. This site has been designed to provide you with information to help you to stay informed and connected with the Porter experience. It contains relevant campus and college links, advice and resources on student development, frequently asked questions, and updates from various offices.

Family Day 2024   

Join us on Saturday Feb. 3, 2024 for our joint Porter and Kresge Colleges Family Day, meet Sammy the Slug!

Schedule for the morning:

  • 9:00 - 10:00 am - Reception at the Kresge Academic Building Plaza*, hosted by the Porter College Provost Sean Keilen and Kresge College Provost Mayanthi Fernando. Refreshments provided.
  • 10:00am - 10:35am  Session 1: Student Leader Panel (Rm. 3105)
  • 10:35am - 10:55am  Break
  • 11:00am - 11:30am   Session 2:  Student Life and Housing (Rm. 3105)

Crafting activities, facilitated by the Porter and Kresge Programs Offices, will be held in adjacent classrooms (Rm. 3301 and Rm. 3101) from 10:00am - 11:30am. Activities may include button making, coloring (Kresge and Porter specific pages), faux stain glass and tote bag decorating.

 

Drop by Room 3201 to learn more about Porter and Kresge Colleges’ CORE courses, view student projects, and connect with the two Provosts.

 

NOTE:  All rooms are accessed from the main (entrance level) floor.


On-Campus dining options for Family Day:

  • Where?
    • Rachel Carson / Oakes Dining Dining Hall (New! Opened Sept. '23)
    • College 9 / John R. Lewis Dining Hall
    • Cowell / Stevenson Dining Hall
  • Special Family Day Pricing:
    • All diners 12 and over will pay the student price of $12.23+tax/person
    • Kids ages 3-11 will cost $7+tax/ person
    • And those under 3 years of age will eat for FREE
  • Cash is not and will not be accepted at the dining halls, Student may use their meal plan for their guests.
  • Check today's menu options here!

Parking: 

Registration open through Monday Jan. 30, 2024

  • Registration Closed

Accommodation options if you / your family will be staying for the weekend.  Consider these enticing choices:

If you are making a weekend of it, we have a number of suggested activities and destinations HERE that you might like to make the most of your visit to Santa Cruz.

 

FYI / General Updates:

  • *Due to the expected number of attendees, the reception has been moved to a larger location at Kresge College, the Plaza at the Kresge Academic Building. The Kresge Academic Building Plaza is directly adjacent to the bridge connecting Kresge to the Core West Parking Structure
  • There will be a student panel to discuss different areas of student life and academic success, as well as a Housing specific Q&A with staff at Porter and Kresge colleges. Concurrently, crafting activities will be held in adjacent rooms.
  • Parking: Free parking for Family Day is available at the Core West Parking Structure (free on weekends). We would recommend parking at Core West. Core West is about a 5 minute walk from Kresge College, and about a 10 minute walk from Porter College.
    • Core West Parking Structure is directly across the pedestrian bridge from the Kresge Academic Building.
  • Weather: The forecast predicts rain on Friday, and on Sunday, but luckily, the forecast is predicted to be dry for our Family Day programs on Saturday. In an abundance of caution, we advise you to please pack a raincoat or an umbrella, and wear appropriate shoes for the weather and terrain. In the event of rain, we will move all of our programs indoors, into the Kresge Academic Building. In that case, please be advised it may become a bit more cramped inside. The event will proceed, rain or shine.
  • Parking is also available at Porter College Lots 124 and 125 for $5.45 (via Park Mobile). Please refer to this parking map to help you determine the best lot to park in for your needs. Please note most lots will require Park Mobile (mobile app) payment for parking. 
  • On the College webpages, please feel free to browse our curated collection of activities and eateries in Santa Cruz, and the surrounding area, that may be of interest to you and your family during your visit.

Question?  Contact us at Porter_activities@ucsc.edu