Continue learning with UC Santa Cruz

Are you a UCSC alum who misses being in the lecture hall? Open Campus offers a way to return to the classroom without enrolling in another degree program.

You can enroll in courses to strengthen your academic background, complete prerequisites for graduate programs or gain experience in a new area of interest. It’s also an opportunity to return to the classroom, revisit campus or take a course you didn’t have the chance to explore before and reconnect with the Banana Slug community.

 

A group of students jumping in a line on a grassy field with Sammy the mascot

Why Open Campus?

🎓 Return to the classroom

Enroll in a UC Santa Cruz course without enrolling in another degree program.

🔄 Explore a new direction

Discover a different field or revisit subjects that interest you. View our featured courses page for a sample of available offerings.

🌲 Reconnect with the UC Santa Cruz community

Spend time on campus again and be part of the Banana Slug community.

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

  7. 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.

  8. 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.