Take UC Santa Cruz courses while completing your high school diploma

High school students can take university-level courses through Open Campus. This is a flexible way to explore academic interests, gain college experience, and get ahead while still in high school.

Open Campus allows students to enroll in UC Santa Cruz courses without going through the traditional admissions process. With the appropriate approvals, students can take courses alongside UCSC students and experience college-level learning.

Before enrolling, check with your school counselor. Confirm that taking a college-level course will not affect your high school requirements or college admissions.

Enrollment requirements

To enroll, the following requirements must be met:

  • Course prerequisites must be met, if applicable
  • The instructor must approve the enrollment
  • A parent or legal guardian must agree and sign the enrollment form
  • The student’s high school must approve and a representative must sign the enrollment form

Why Open Campus?

🎓 Take university-level courses early

High school students can enroll in UC Santa Cruz courses through Open Campus and take classes alongside UCSC students before graduating.

📚 Explore academic interests

Students can take courses in different subject areas to explore potential majors and better understand their academic interests. Look at our featured courses page to see what's offered this quarter!

🧠 Build confidence for college

Taking college-level courses helps students become familiar with university expectations and develop the skills needed for future coursework.

🗓 Flexible learning options

Courses are available in formats that can fit alongside your high school schedule, making it easier to balance coursework with school and other commitments.

📈 Earn UC Santa Cruz credit

Take credit-bearing UC Santa Cruz courses and begin building your college transcript. This can help students complete prerequisites, satisfy GE requirements, and prepare for future major requirements.

 

Privacy of student records

Parents/guardians, and individuals who are not the applicant/student: Any student who enrolls through UCSC Silicon Valley (even minors) has the right to privacy of their student record under FERPA. UCSC Silicon Valley will not be able to release student information including schedule, status of their course request, or payment information. Visit FERPA (Student Records) for more information.

 

Group of students studying and discussing in outdoor setting

Enrollment FAQs

  1. Search for the course

    Search the course you are interested in to confirm it will be offered during the quarter you plan to enroll. You will need all of the course information listed to apply.

    We recommend reaching out to the instructor before submitting your application. While not required, it can be helpful to introduce yourself, explain your background and confirm that the course is a good fit.

  2. Register and pay application fee

    Register for section UCSC.1000 and pay a one-time application fee. If you are a returning Open Campus student, please email opencampus@ucsc.edu and we will register you for the next session.

  3. Get authorization from your high school representative

  4. Get authorization from your parent or legal guardian

  5. Submit Open Campus form

    Submit a completed Open Campus form and pay your tuition by the deadlines indicated in the fee schedule.

    Open Campus Form

Here’s what to expect after you submit your enrollment form:

  1. Email confirmation
    After you submit your enrollment form, you'll receive a confirmation email from the Open Campus team.

  2. Enrollment form verification
    The Open Campus team will review your form to make sure all information is accurate. If anything needs correction, they’ll contact you.

  3. Instructor approval
    Open Campus staff will reach out to the course instructor for approval. If the instructor denies your request, you'll be notified. If approved, your enrollment will move forward.

  4. Prerequisite check
    The instructor may request an unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. The Open Campus team will let you know if this is needed. Your enrollment won't proceed until the transcript is submitted and reviewed.

  5. Canvas access
    Once approved, you’ll be added to the course on Canvas.

  6. Final enrollment and payment
    You’ll get an email once you’re officially enrolled. Note: Open Campus courses are managed through your UCSC Extension portal—not your MyUCSC portal. All payments must be made in the Extension portal before the deadline. If you miss the payment deadline, you’ll be dropped from the course.

  7. Final grades and transcripts
    At the end of the quarter, your instructor will submit your grade. You can request transcripts as needed once grades are available.