Student Development and Engagement
4,418
Unique students served at Redwood Free Market
102,718
Student attendance at Student Organizations, Media, Cultural Arts (SOMeCA) events
569
Students who received meal swipes, direct awards and/or grocery cards through Slug Support
Student Development and Engagement (SDE) encompasses a range of essential services and programs, including Basic Needs, Slug Support, the Dean of Students Office, Orientation, Student Conduct and Conflict Education, Student Organizations, Media, Cultural Arts (SOMeCA), and the Student Union Assembly (SUA). In addition, SDE is home to KZSC, UCSC’s student-run radio station, and the Quarry Amphitheater.
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Redwood Free Market
The Redwood Free Market, located at the Rachel Carson College Cafe, is a choice-based no-limits pantry helping to support student success and destigmatize food insecurity. The market offers free produce and dry goods, CalFresh application assistance, weekly meal kits, and runs the Diaper Assistance Program for UCSC parenting students with children currently in diapers.
Our Departments
Basic Needs
The Basic Needs team helps connect UCSC students with food, housing, health & wellness, and financial security resources, both on- and off-campus.
Dean of Students Office
The Dean of Students Office provides a wide range of services, programs and experiences for UCSC students.
KZSC Radio
KZSC is UCSC’s student-run, noncommercial, educational, community radio station. KZSC serves the campus and the larger listening audience with news, public affairs, music, entertainment and spoken word programming.
Orientation
The Orientation Office at UCSC supports new students through an online Orientation Course that guides them in navigating campus, preparing for class enrollment, and connecting with peers. Current students serve as Orientation Leaders, trained in leadership and teamwork through the University’s Experiential Leadership program.
Quarry Amphitheater
The historic Quarry Amphitheater located at the heart of the UCSC campus has a deep history of hosting legendary artists, activists, and authors. With a maximum capacity of 2600, it’s one of the largest outdoor venues in Santa Cruz.
Slug Support
The goal of Slug Support is to identify students navigating challenging situations and assist them in resolving their concerns. Referrals to Slug Support can be made by the student and/or someone in the UCSC community.
Student Conduct and Conflict Education
The Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Education is responsible for the adjudication of nonacademic student and student organization misconduct for UCSC.
Student Organizations, Media, Cultural Arts (SOMeCA)
SOMeCA serves as a hub for many aspects of student involvement on campus, including registered student organizations, student media, and cultural arts and diversity.
Student Union Assembly (SUA)
The Student Union Assembly (SUA) serves as the officially recognized undergraduate student government at UCSC. The SUA provides resources that span legislation, advocacy, funding, and more.
Leadership
Garrett Naiman, Ed.D. (he/him)
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Development and Engagement and Dean of Students
Garrett Naiman started as dean of students and associate vice chancellor for student development and engagement in September 2018. As associate vice chancellor and dean of students at UC Santa Cruz, Garrett and his team play a leading role in creating and maintaining a healthy, inclusive, and responsive campus environment through services, programs, and innovative co-curricular activities that encourage a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff.
Prior to coming to UC Santa Cruz, Garrett served as the executive director and chief of staff of UC Berkeley’s Center for Educational Partnerships, promoting equity and inclusion on campus. Garrett has been interested in working for educational equity and access ever since he was an undergraduate at UC Santa Barbara. He graduated from UCSB in 2000 with a degree in cultural anthropology and religious studies. Garrett went on to earn an M.Ed. in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont. He also holds a doctoral degree in international and multicultural education from the University of San Francisco.
Meet Our Deans and Directors
Travis S. Becker (They/Him)
Associate Dean of Students for Leadership & Engagement
Mariah Lyons (She/Her)
Assistant Dean of Students for Student Support Programs
Sayo Fujioka (She/Her)
Director, SOMeCA
Rosa Plaza
Director, Orientation