Community and Connections

Although moving to a new place and attending a new university can be scary, you are not alone and there are others that might be feeling the same way. Building community and connections with others either within your department, at the university as well as off-campus is vital to fostering a sense of belonging. 

Below, we’ve included a list of resources and groups that you can reach out to that are specific for graduate students.

• Graduate Student Commons (GSC)
  This program led by graduate students offers both a place for graduate students to work and meet with others but also a place to hold tailored workshops and social events specifically for graduate students.  
  • GradLab
    Offers funding for graduate students who want to hold events, develop programs, and support organizations. Applications for funding are available at the beginning of each quarter.

• Graduate Student Association
  Is a UC systemwide policy and advisory association with elected officers and representatives that seek to address the needs of graduate students around topics such as housing, funding, and child care. You can get involved to advocate for graduate students.
• First Generation Initiative Graduate Student Committee
  Provides some programming overseen by a volunteer committee focused on planning events specifically for first-generation graduate students. If you are interested in being a part of this committee, email us at firstgen@ucsc.edu for some more information.
• WoC CommUNITY Group
  Aims to bring together graduate students who self-identify as women of color and to foster inter-departmental solidarity and belonging. If you’re interested in learning more about the group and attending events such as writing groups or socials, email ucscwoccommunity@gmail.com.
• WiSE
  A graduate student run organization that aims to advance women in STEM fields. They hold a variety of events including science talks, coffee hour, and other workshops.
• GEODES
  This graduate student run organization’s goals are to foster community in the Earth & Planetary Sciences department, raise awareness of limited minority participation in the field and provide professional development opportunities. 
• The Resource Centers
  Provide opportunities for graduate students who identify with different cultural or ethnic groups and communities to meet others, share experiences, get involved, and attend workshops, and tailored events.
  • African American Resource and Cultural Center
  • American Indian Resource Center
  • Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center
  • Lionel Cantú Queer Center 
  • El Centro: Chicanx Latinx Resource Center
  • Women’s Center
• Providing spiritual or religious communities on-campus. 
• First-generation graduate students might also want to seek community outside of school.
  Examples could be community groups, women's center downtown, mental health resources.
  Here is a link to local community organizations: https://localwiki.org/santacruz/Community_Organizations