Planning to take a class to complete your undergraduate degree?

A flexible path to finish your degree

If you started college but never finished, Open Campus offers a straightforward way to finish up your degree at UC Santa Cruz without going through the traditional admissions process.

Open Campus is designed for adult learners, working professionals, and anyone who previously attended college and wants to restart their academic journey with minimal barriers.

Instead of navigating a lengthy application process, students can simply select and enroll in the UC Santa Cruz courses they need.  Once they receive approval through UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, they can move forward at a pace that fits their schedule.

You are a returning student if ... 

you were previously admitted to UCSC and did not complete your degree, including if:

  • You withdrew.
  • You took a leave of absence (LOA) and did not return.
  • You are/were barred or disqualified.

Why Open Campus?

⚡ Start immediately without applying

Open Campus removes the traditional admissions hurdle. Returning students can enroll directly in available courses and begin making progress toward their academic goals.

🎯 Focus on the courses you need

Students often return to college with credits already completed. Open Campus makes it possible to enroll in specific courses that help fill remaining degree requirements.

📅 Flexible scheduling

Courses are designed to accommodate busy lives. Many are offered in formats that work well for working professionals and adult learners balancing jobs, families, and other responsibilities.

📈 Rebuild academic momentum

Returning to school can feel overwhelming. Open Campus allows students to start with one or two courses, rebuild confidence, and reestablish study habits before committing to a full program.

🎓 A pathway back to degree completion

For many students, Open Campus serves as the first step toward formally completing a bachelor’s degree. After taking courses and clarifying academic goals, students can work with advisors to determine the best pathway forward.

 

Aerial image of students crossing wooden bridge in forest

Enrollment FAQs

  • Outstanding campus debt

    All campus debts must be paid in full before applying. Failing to report outstanding balances may lead to application denial.

  • Academic standing

    You must be in good academic standing. If you’re on academic warning, probation, or have a hold, you must include written approval from your college with your Open Campus application.

  • Senior residency

    Courses taken through Open Campus count toward the senior residency requirement.

  • Current student status

    If you are currently enrolled at UCSC and plan to withdraw or take a leave to enroll through Open Campus, you must follow the Withdrawal/Leave of Absence policy and the Refund Schedule. You may still be responsible for part or all of your UCSC registration fees.

  • Credit limit: 7-unit maximum

    You can take a maximum of 7 credits per quarter through Open Campus. To request more, email opencampus@ucsc.edu.

  • Graduate-level courses (200 and above)

    These require approval from the dean of Graduate Studies.

  • Instructor approval required

    Instructors may ask to see your unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. Note: UCSC students have priority enrollment. If you withdraw from UCSC to take a course through Open Campus, you may lose your seat in the class. Talk to the instructor and your advisor first before deciding to withdraw or take a leave.

  • Final course for graduation

    If this course is your last requirement to graduate, you’ll need your advisor’s approval as part of the application process.

  1. Reach out to your advisor

    If you need assistance deciding which courses to take to fulfill your graduation requirements, please work closely with your department advisor. Open Campus staff cannot advise on which courses to take.

    You should also confirm how many courses or units you can take through Open Campus, as your advisor may have a limit on transferable units. Open Campus is intended for completing remaining requirements, not a full degree.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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. Advisor/dean approval (if required)
    If needed, the Open Campus team will contact your advisor for approval. For graduate-level courses, approval from the Dean of Graduate Studies may also be required. If enrollment is denied at this stage, you’ll be notified. Otherwise, your enrollment will continue.

  6. Holds check
    Your UCSC account will be checked for any holds. Holds that block enrollment at UCSC will also block Open Campus enrollment. If a hold was placed by your advisor, they can approve your enrollment directly with the Open Campus team to bypass it.

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

  8. 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.

  9. Final grades and transcripts
    At the end of the quarter, your instructor will submit your grade. Once the Open Campus team receives it, an official transcript will be sent to the main campus to count the course toward your graduation. You can also request additional transcripts if needed