You Belong Here
At UC Santa Cruz, student success is at the heart of everything we do. The Division of Student Affairs and Success (DSAS) is here to help you thrive—academically, personally, and professionally. The work we do is built on the belief that we all share responsibility in creating the supportive, inclusive, and vibrant community we want to see.
We know that living in community can be challenging, and we’re committed to creating spaces, programs, and opportunities that support all of our students.
Explore this page to connect with the programs, services, and people who are committed to your success.
Tools for learning and growth
Discover some of the learning and development opportunities that empower students to contribute to a culture of care at UCSC, and explore the DSAS resource directory for more:
Bystander and
de-escalation training
- Student groups and organizations can request bystander intervention education through CARE (Center for Advocacy, Resources, and Empowerment).
- Free Training offered through Right to Be, an independent, nonprofit organization that works to end harassment in all its forms.
Constructive dialogue training
The Division of Student Affairs and Success has partnered with the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) to offer Perspectives, a self-paced online program that builds skills for engaging across differences with empathy and curiosity.
Through a series of short modules, participants learn to:
- Understand how values and beliefs are formed
- Practice key dialogue skills like listening, sharing stories, and finding common ground
- Strengthen their ability to navigate difficult conversations
Free and open to all UCSC students, faculty, and staff through June 2026 (log in with your CruzID and Gold password).
Get started: Student training | Faculty training | Staff training
Mental health and wellness resources
- Student organizations can use the Mental Health Toolkit to help promote mental health resources for their members.
- The CAPS Peer Education Program (PEP) offers workshops, tabling events, and more.
- Individual wellness coaching appointments are available with On the Margins and Black Girl Doctor, independent organizations that offer services to UC Santa Cruz students.
Connection in action
Discover how our resource centers, inviting campus spaces, and dedicated faculty and staff work together to create a vibrant network of support and shared experiences.
Connecting through campus spaces
Campus Living Rooms: Our campus offers a variety of study, social, and gathering spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to focus, a collaborative area for group work, or a relaxed environment to unwind with friends, there are spaces for everyone.
Discover the Campus Labyrinth: Moving through the labyrinth can help quiet the mind, relieve stress, encourage reflection, offer enjoyment, and aid in resolving conflict.
Our Resource Centers
UCSC’s Resource Centers offer a wide range of events that bring our community together, helping to foster meaningful connections and cultivate a sense of belonging. Whether cultural celebrations, social gatherings, or moments of shared joy, these experiences strengthen our vibrant UCSC community.
Check the Resource Centers’ Events Calendar for a complete listing of upcoming events, and subscribe to Resource Center Newsletters to stay up-to-date on events, spaces, and activities.
Supporting our faculty and staff as they support students
Navigating Student Relationships with Compassion: Throughout 2024-25, On The Margins has offered monthly professional development workshops aimed to empower faculty and staff to navigate student relationships with compassion and awareness of unconscious biases. On the Margins also offers individual coaching appointments for UCSC staff.
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is offering a number of training and workshop opportunities for staff and faculty. Read the campus announcement for more details.
Many of the initiatives listed on this page are funded by Equity in Mental Health Funding or the UCOP Anti-Bias and Anti-Bigotry Funding.
You Belong Here
The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service, faculty program, or community event—is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities.
To learn more, please visit:
UC Nondiscrimination Statement | Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters
