Banana Slug Day 2026 has passed. Thank you to our many guests and families for making this a successful event! Please check this website in late winter/early spring 2027 for information on Banana Slug Day 2027.

Welcome Session
8:30 - 9:00 a.m., Quarry Amphitheater (Sammy Slug performance from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m.)
Join speakers Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management Timetra Hampton and Student Union Assembly Chair Rigo Ventura to hear their thoughts on what makes UC Santa Cruz special and to set the tone for a day full of adventures!

Divisional Welcomes
Find out more about academics at UCSC! Representatives from the four academic divisions and the Jack Baskin School of Engineering will welcome you to campus and help you learn more about our vibrant academic life.

Tu Comunidad at UCSC
10:00 - 10:45 a.m., 2:00 - 2:45 p.m., Classroom Unit 2
Choosing a college is a collective journey that includes students, familia, and communities. Join El Centro to learn about the resources, leadership opportunities, and holistic support available to students, and explore what comunidad can look like for you at UC Santa Cruz. Hear real consejos from current students about finding community, navigating the transition to college, balancing academics, caring for your well-being, and staying connected to family and culture.

Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Banana Slug
11:00 - 11:45 a.m., Physical Sciences Building Room 110
Join the Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center for a presentation and conversation to better understand the changing world of LGBTQIA2S+ identities. We will explore different ways to support queer and trans students given the changing political and social realities we are experiencing at this time. We will also share resources to help families affirm and celebrate sexual and gender diversities.

Apoyando a tu "Banana Slug" LGBTQIA+
1:00 - 1:45 p.m., Physical Sciences Building Room 110
Únase al Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center para una presentación y conversación con el fin de comprender mejor el mundo de las identidades LGBTQIA2S+.  Exploraremos diferentes formas de apoyar a estudiantes cuir y trans dada las realidades políticas y sociales de este momento.  También compartiremos recursos para ayudar a las familias a afirmar y celebrar la diversidad sexual y de género.

Global Learning Information Sessions: “Going Global”
11:00 - 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 - 2:15 p.m., Thimann Lecture Hall 001
UCSC offers a variety of international and domestic programs that allow our students to fulfill degree requirements while they broaden their perspectives and involvement with the world, their academic focus and professional goals. Learn about the programs available and the ways Global Learning helps support students through the process, including academics, financial aid as well as health and safety.

UCSC Next Steps, Presented by Orientation
9:00 - 4:00 p.m. (45-minute sessions, hourly, break from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.), Media Theater M110
Get into the Banana Slug spirit by joining the staff of Orientation! Learn what happens next after you accept your admissions offer at UCSC, and how this team supports students in transitioning to the university.

Summer Edge
9:00 - 4:00 p.m. (45-minute sessions, hourly, break from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.), Natural Sciences Annex 101
Join us to learn about UCSC's early start program, Summer Edge, and the benefits of starting in summer. Whether you're interested in getting a head start in a proposed major, taking care of prerequisites or General Education (GE) requirements or exploring a subject or major, there are flexible options to meet every goal. Enjoy moving to campus early with the Edge Residential Experience and get live-in support from student Peer Mentors, or take online classes from the comfort of home. Whichever option you choose, you'll be making progress towards your degree before the busy rush of fall.

Student Voice, Student Power, Student Action: A Workshop by the Student Union Assembly
3:00 - 4:00 p.m., 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Classroom Unit 1
Our workshop will empower you to get involved in student advocacy and programs, and is a great way to get informed about the ways your student government can work to support your needs and uplift your voice!

Undergraduate Research Poster Session
12:00 - 3:00 p.m., Science & Engineering Library
Hosted by Physical & Biological Sciences. This exhibit features the work of students who have completed research projects in the last year. Students will be on hand to explain their work and meet with families.

Career Success
11:00 - 11:45 a.m., 1:00 - 1:45 p.m., Classroom 2
Our Career Succss team is ready to help you succeed! Find out more about our many services, including jobs and internships (both before and after graduation), job fairs where recruiters come to campus to find you, career coaching, preparation for medical school, law school, and much more!

Career Services at Baskin Engineering
1:00 p.m. -1:45 p.m., Engineering 2, Room 180
Join Career Engagement Specialist Erin Busch, who will share Baskin's career readiness supports, industry partnerships, and other resources.

Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Opportunities
2:00 - 2:30 p.m., Physical Sciences Building, Room 110
Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Opportunities for UCSC Undergraduate Students, Presented by Professor Raja Guhathakurta.

Quantum Information Science/Optics Open Lab
1:30 - 3:00 p.m., Natural Sciences 2, Room 221
Meet Physics Research Professor George Brown and view the Quantum Information Science/Optics lab.