Frequently Asked Questions

Does Extension have a bookstore?

Who can enroll in extension classes?
UCSC Extension offers open enrollment, and students may take one course or an entire certificate. Enrolling in a course is a simple process based on students preferences and needs; however, some courses have prerequisites that provide a foundation for a complete learning experience. Enrollment in Extension courses does not constitute admission to the University of California. For further information on enrolling, please see the Registration Policies page.

How do I enroll?
ON THE INTERNET:

New Students: Select the course in which you wish to enroll. From the course description, click the "Add to Cart" button below the course section information. Continue shopping if you wish to add more classes.

Once you are ready to start the enrollment transaction, click "Check Out" which will bring you to My Cart. Fill in our secure online registration form and submit it. You will immediately receive a confirmation of enrollment that includes your student number. A password will be e-mailed to you so when you come back to the site, you can access your student records. This is your only receipt. Directions for printing the form are included in the confirmation.

If you have any questions about your enrollment, you can contact student services at (800) 660-8639.

Please see our Registration Policies page for further information about admission, refund and transfer policies.

Returning Students: Please log in using the button in the top navigation bar on the home page. Enter your student number and password, then select the course in which you wish to enroll. From the course description, click the "Add to Cart" button below the course section information. Continue shopping if you wish to add more classes.

The registration form will automatically be populated for you. Submit the form. You will immediately receive a confirmation of enrollment. This is your only receipt. Directions for printing the form are included in the confirmation.

If you have any questions about your enrollment, you can contact student services at (800) 660-8639.

Please see our Registration Policies page for further information about admission, refund and transfer policies.

BY PHONE: Call (800) 660-UNEX (8639) inside California; (831) 427-6600 outside California. Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

BY FAX: Send completed application with credit card information or company P.O. or company check request to (831) 421-0344. If using company P.O. or check request, make sure that company name, address and phone number are provided.

BY MAIL: Use the application on print catalog inside back cover. Be sure to enclose a check, or all necessary credit card information, and send to: University of California Extension, ATTN: Registration, 1101 Pacific Ave., Suite 200, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-7507.

IN PERSON: Drop by any of our University Extension sites. In Santa Cruz: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Do I have to pay for the entire Certificate Program before I can enroll in a course?
No, courses are paid for on an individual basis. Prepayment for courses is required.

Can I audit a course?
UCSC Extension does not allow auditing. If you have questions about a course, please contact one of our program representatives.

What is your refund policy?
A $40 processing fee will be withheld for each course section withdrawal on all refund transactions. All refund requests made by students must be received online or in writing at least seven calendar days before a class begins. If we do not receive the request in that time period, no refund will be made.

Only course tuition fees are refundable. Registration fees, certificate and award application fees and special requests are non-refundable. Some UCSC Extension programs require more advanced notice for refunds and a larger amount is forfeited when a refund is granted.

All refunds are issued only via check or put on account toward future enrollments.

All refunds granted by UCSC Extension due to cancellation or discontinuation will be made in full. Special programs often require deposits. It is the responsibility of the student to comply with the financial obligations, deadlines and refund policies established and published for these programs.

Refund requests are honored only when submitted in person, or by using our Online Withdrawal Request Form (Login to the student portal then click on Course Management. Under I have registered for these courses, click on the withdraw buttons to the right of the class title), by mail or fax (using the PDF Refund Request form). Please mail the form to 1101 Pacific Ave., Suite 200, Santa Cruz CA 95060-7507, or fax to (831) 421-0344.

For questions concerning Refunds, please phone (831) 427-6674.

What is your transfer policy?
A $25 processing fee may be charged for a transaction involving a student-initiated transfer from one course to another. All transfer requests must be received on-line or in writing at least seven calendar days prior to the start of the class from which you are transferring. If we do not receive the request in that time period, no transfer will be made. Transfer requests are honored only when submitted in person, or by using our Online Transfer Request Form (login to the student portal then click on Course Management. Under I have registered for these courses, click on the transfer buttons to the right of the class title), by mail (using the PDF Transfer Request form). Please mail to 1101 Pacific Ave., Suite 200, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-7507, or fax (831) 421-0344.

Note: Some programs have special transfer policies that require advance notification greater than seven calendar days and may require an additional transfer fee. It is the responsibility of the student to comply with the financial obligations, deadlines and transfer policies established and published for these programs.

For questions concerning Transfers, please phone (831) 427-6674.

Can I get credit toward a certificate at Extension for a course I've taken at another institution?
Indivdual departments have different policies on allowing a substitution. Please contact one of our program representatives if you want more information on a department's course substiution policy.

If I'm taking classes at UCSC Extension, can I enroll in classes at UCSC without formal admission to the University?
During the fall, winter and spring quarters, qualified students may enroll in regular UCSC campus courses, on a space-available basis, and with the approval of the instructor. For further information and to get an application, instructor approval form and information packet, see Concurrent Enrollment or call (800) 660-UNEX (8639) inside California, or (831) 427-6600 from outside California.

You can also write to us at:
University of California Extension
1101 Pacific Ave., Suite 200
Santa Cruz, CA 95060-7507

I'm an international student - how can I enroll? Are there extra fees?
For information on international student enrollment, please click here.

I never received an enrollment confirmation. Who can I contact?
If you have not received enrollment confirmation 1 week after you have enrolled, please contact registration at (800) 660-UNEX (8639). Outside California, please call (861) 427-6600.

I've lost my receipt. How can I get another one?
You can access your student record by logging into the student portal on the Web site or, contact registration at (800) 660-UNEX (8639). Outside California, please call (861) 427-6600.

Do you offer financial aid?
Through special arrangements with Citibank and Wells Fargo, UCSC Extension offers financial assistance to individuals enrolled in our programs. For more information, please click here.

If you have been laid off from your job, you may qualify for state-funded training. Through our local Workforce Investment Boards, there may be public funds to support your enrollment fees at UCSC Extension. Click here for more information on Workforce Investment Boards.

Can I use financial aid to pay for course fees?
Yes. Financial aid checks are made out directly to the borrower.

My class just ended. How soon will I get my grades?
Generally, grade reports are mailed to the student two to four weeks after the class ends, although it can take up to six weeks. If you have not received a grade and it has been more that six weeks since the class has ended, please contact one of our program representatives.

How can I get a transcript of my grades?
Click here for information on transcripts.

When should I apply for my certificate/professional achievement award?
You can apply at any time. Early applicants should contact their program representative upon completion of their final course.

How long will it take to process my certificate once I apply?
Contact your program representative for more information on processing your certificate.

What is a certificate? What is an award program?
Certificates were created specifically for career development. A certificate is a university-level program that offers academic credit, but does not lead to a degree. By meeting the academic standards of the University of California, UCSC Extension Certificates are highly valued by employers and prized by the professionals who earn them. Certificates are designed for:

Working professionals who already have a degree but want to ensure their skills and knowledge are current
Professionals who have work experience in their chosen field but do not have a related degree
Individuals who want to transition from one field to another

Award programs are developed for a quick infusion of information, award programs provide highly focused study of a single subject.

How does a certificate/award benefit me? By meeting the academic standards of the University of California, UCSC Extension certificates and awards are highly valued by employers and are prized by the professionals who earn them. Certificates and awards provide:

A formal record of achievement that can be presented to an employer
Practical information immediately applicable on the job
Opportunities for networking with peers and professionals in the field

For further information on Certificates, please see Certificate Question and Answers.

What type of computer lab environments does Extension offer?
Click here for information on our labs.

Does Extension have a bookstore?
For your convenience, textbooks for the majority of courses in all departments can now be purchased through amazon.com. To make a purchase, click on any of our "Textbooks" links at the bottom of each course description.