College Nine
College Nine
(831) 459-5034
c9jrl@ucsc.edu
https://collegenine.ucsc.edu
Academic Emphasis
College Nine’s theme of International and Global Perspectives emphasizes the causes and consequences of our increasingly interconnected world. We challenge students to grapple with complex, controversial, and multi-scalar issues, for which there exist vastly differing opinions about the nature of problems and how to solve them. Becoming a global citizen requires critical thinking, cultural awareness, and effective communication, all skills our training provides to our students. Our academic and co-curricular programs analyze economic and cultural globalization, immigration, environmental crises, ethnic conflicts, genocide, and human rights, among other issues. Students interested in these issues are invited to join the College Nine community.
Orientation
All new frosh and transfer students who start fall quarter are required to enroll in one of two online orientation courses. Frosh will enroll in CLNI 1A, College Nine 1A: Introduction to University Life and Learning. Transfer students will enroll in KRSG 1T, Kresge 1T: Introduction to Research Universities and the Liberal Arts. CLNI 1A and KRSG 1T integrate introductions to academic skills with the online Slug Orientation process and help prepare students for their studies at College Nine and throughout UC Santa Cruz.
CLNI 1A Introduction to University Life and Learning (1 credit)
Offered online in summer quarter
KRSG 1T Introduction to Research Universities and the Liberal Arts (1 credit)
Offered online in summer quarter
Core Course
CLNI 1: Academic Literacy and Ethos: International and Global Perspectives
First-year students examine current issues pertinent to the college’s intellectual theme. This course challenges students to address what it means to be a global citizen, in recognition of our growing interconnections and interdependencies, and the fact that certain intractable problems cannot be addressed without large-scale collective action. Topics include issues such as globalization, inequities in wealth and poverty across the world, human rights, climate change, and social movements. The seminar teaches foundational concepts for intellectual exploration and personal development within an academic community—analysis, critical thinking, metacognition, engagement with others across difference, and self-efficacy. The instructors work closely with each student throughout the quarter.
All students admitted as frosh are required to complete the core course. Students admitted as transfer students with sophomore standing or above (45 or more credits in transfer) are exempt from the core course requirement.
Other Academic Programs
Optional programs are available to involve College Nine students in academic and co-curricular activities beyond the first-quarter course. They are designed to promote students’ academic achievement and success by connecting them with faculty mentors and helping them pursue leadership experiences.
Global Action
Co-Curricular Programs Office – College Nine
coco@ucsc.edu
Global Action is a 2-credit, student-facilitated course in winter quarter that explores current global issues and fulfills the PR General Education requirement. Students learn about current international and global issues through interactive exercises, small-group discussions, and faculty presentations. At the end of the quarter, students develop an action plan to raise awareness about one or more of these concerns and take practical steps to create positive change in the world.
Students can apply to be a CLNI 85 facilitator and earn 5 credits (that also fulfill the PR General Education requirement) in late fall quarter. To take CLNI 85, students can add the class during enrollment.
Practical Activism: Tools for Local and Global Change
Practical Activism Conference
coco@ucsc.edu
The annual Practical Activism Conference is a daylong, student-led event featuring keynote speakers, multiple workshops, tabling by on- and off-campus organizations, performances, and a variety of hands-on activism activities. Students gain valuable leadership and organizing skills through developing and planning this exceptional program, which involves collaboration among faculty, staff, and the local community.
Education Abroad
UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)
globallearning@ucsc.edu
The UC Education Abroad Program places students at a university in another country for one or more quarters. Studying abroad can be a valuable way to expand one’s understanding of the world. Given the international focus at College Nine, students are encouraged (but not required) to develop a second language or to study abroad.
Community Garden Club
Garden Club
9gardenclub10@gmail.com
Our community garden is located at College Nine and John R. Lewis College across from the Terry Freitas Cafe. We are open everyday from sunrise to sunset.
Our club is a student-initiated project with a goal of building and maintaining a thriving organic garden. Our club meets twice a week, and we welcome people to come join us for various gardening activities, including planting seeds, watering, harvesting, composting, promoting sustainability, spreading awareness, and creating a sense of community.
College Nine Pathways to Distinction
College Nine offers qualified students with a pathway for graduating with College Nine Distinction. This recognition is intended to serve as an incentive for students to pursue activities (research, course work, service, leadership, internships, etc.) related to the theme of international and global perspectives that are especially relevant for their success in college and beyond. Eligibility for the distinction is determined by grade point average, relevant coursework, participation in experiential learning, and a series of reflection questions. Co-curricular staff evaluate students’ applications.
College Advising
Nine & John R. Lewis Advising Colleges
ninejrladvising@ucsc.edu
Located on the second floor of Social Sciences 1, our team of dedicated, knowledgeable and caring advisors are here to guide students throughout their journey at UC Santa Cruz, from being admitted to the university through graduation. Our approach is collaborative and student-centered, assisting undergraduates with identifying and exploring their academic interests and capacities, and providing advice as to how to make the most of their time at UCSC. Our advisors answer questions about navigating the policies and life at UC Santa Cruz, course scheduling and selection, degree and general education requirements, qualifying for a major, educational support and opportunities, and much more. Close partnerships with units across campus mean that if we do not know the answer to a question, we usually know someone who does.