John R Lewis College
John R. Lewis College
c9jrl@ucsc
https://johnrlewis.ucsc.edu
Academic Emphasis
John R. Lewis College’s theme of Social Justice and Community addresses a range of social problems and their impacts on society. Understanding the contemporary United States, for instance, requires social and historical frameworks that address concepts like racialized and gendered social hierarchies, the construction of marginalization and difference, the impacts of class differences, and many manifestations of unequal power relationships. A flourishing society that progresses toward social and environmental justice depends on informed, critical, and empathetic people willing to make the efforts necessary to create social change. At John R. Lewis College, we strive toward the goals of analyzing, embodying, and implementing ideas that help our students become knowledgeable and critical social actors who recognize and practice the principle that all people possess equal intrinsic worth. Our academic and co-curricular programs consider the injustices that many people confront in their lives alongside possible policies for overcoming social, political, and economic inequalities. In addition, the college provides students with opportunities to make their own positive contributions to social change through community involvement and/or scholarly research.
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 JRLC 1A, John R. Lewis College 1A: Introduction to University Life and Learning. Transfer students will enroll in KRSG 1T, Kresge 1T: Introduction to Research Universities and the Liberal Arts. JRLC 1A and KRSG 1T integrate introductions to academic skills with the online Slug Orientation process, and begin student preparation for their studies at John R Lewis College and throughout UC Santa Cruz.
JRLC 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
JRLC 1: Academic Literacy and Ethos: Social Justice and Community
First-year students examine current issues pertinent to the college’s intellectual theme. The core curriculum explores the causes and consequences of social injustice in several ways. Students examine the roots of prejudice, discrimination, and violence directed toward groups based on their ethnicity, skin color, gender, sexual orientation, religious practices, or political views. They also consider the causes and consequences of economic inequality both within the United States and around the world. In addition to articulation with the college theme, the core 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 John R Lewis College students in academic and co-curricular activities beyond the first-quarter core course. They are designed to promote students’ academic achievement and success by connecting them with faculty mentors and helping them pursue leadership experiences and experiential learning opportunities.
Rumi’s Field
Rumi's Field is the college’s Nonviolent Communication Living-Learning Community. It operates in the spirit of cooperation, compassion, and goodwill. Students living in the community participate in a course each fall to explore the relevance of nonviolence to the pursuit of social justice.
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.
Community Garden Club
Community 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.
Good Trouble Academy Distinction
Students are able to complete the Good Trouble Academy Distinction program, which is a John R. Lewis College distinction conferred at graduation. The Good Trouble Academy Distinction is awarded upon successful completion of three quarters (approximately 15 credits) of research experiences, coursework, service and leadership, and/or writing intensive courses focused on social justice and community themes together with the Good Trouble Academy reflection modules offered through Canvas. Applicable John R Lewis College courses, service opportunities, and research opportunities with faculty can fulfill the criteria for distinction. This recognition is intended to serve as an incentive for students to pursue activities related to the theme of social justice and community that help them succeed in college and beyond.
College Advising
Nine and John R. Lewis Advising
ninejrladvising@ucsc.edu
Located on the second floor of Social Sciences 1, our team of dedicated, knowledgeable and caring advisors is here to guide students throughout their journey at UC Santa Cruz, from admission 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.