Course FAQs
Answers to your questions about Summer courses
Discover answers to commonly asked questions about the UCSC Summer Session on our comprehensive FAQs page. Whether you’re curious about course offerings, session types, or other course info, our FAQs page provides the essential information you need to plan your summer studies effectively.
How can I find courses by department, GE requirements, number of credits, etc.?
Use the filters on the courses page to sort courses by department, General Education (GE) requirements, or number of credits (this is helpful if you need a 2 or 3 credit course). You can also search for a course name.
How can I tell when my in-person or online courses meet?
In Person Classes
Students are expected to attend class at the Days & Times listed. All times are in the Pacific Time Zone (PT). Instructors cannot accommodate for missed lectures or labs due to vacation, work, etc.
Online Classes
If Days & Times are listed, students are expected to attend class online at those times. All times are in the Pacific Time Zone (PT). This is also referred to as a Synchronous Online class.
If Days & Times are blank, it means students can often complete the online portions of the course (readings, lectures, and quizzes) at any time. This is also referred to as a Asynchronous Online class.
Regardless of the type of class (synchronous online or asynchronous online), most classes have weekly deadlines for assignments. Occasionally, exams are scheduled when students have more flexibility (e.g., early in the morning, late at night, etc., or on weekends).
How do I access an online course?
Most online classes are hosted on Canvas, except MATH 19A, 19B, 23A, 23B, which are hosted at /login.uconline.edu.
You do not need to sign up for a Canvas account. Just log in with your CruzID and Gold password at canvas.ucsc.edu. Most instructors do not “open” their Canvas courses until the first day of class.
If you add or drop a class, it can take 24-48 hours for the course to be added or removed from your Canvas account – it’s not immediate.
If you add a class after the start of the quarter, you are automatically added to Canvas, and there is a link to Canvas in your MyUCSC portal. Once you are in Canvas, you will receive any notifications that the instructor sends out, and you will see the course on your Canvas dashboard.
Your instructor will guide you on what, if any, textbooks or supplies you will need for your class. They will email you at your @ucsc.edu email only.
We recommend using your Chrome or Firefox browser (Safari tends to have the most issues).
Additional reference: Canvas Getting Started Student Guide
Do I need a UCSC email to take a Summer Session course?
Yes. All students must set up and check a ucsc.edu email. All email correspondence from your instructors and the university is sent to your UCSC email. To access, click the “Sign in with Google” button here – https://its.ucsc.edu/google/gmail.html, for your sign-in email, use insertyourCruzIDhere@ucsc.edu, and for your password, use the Gold password.
What are the computer requirements to take an online Summer Session course?
You need access to a computer (desk or laptop) and a reliable internet connection for the duration of the course. You need a web camera and microphone (most laptops have them built-in). Many courses have online instructor office hours, so having a camera and microphone will help you connect with instructors. For most courses, no advanced technology or additional software is needed.
Many online courses rely on YouTube and Google for videos and other course materials. If you are taking an online course in a country that blocks YouTube or Google, you can install and use the university’s VPN (virtual private network), which allows you to use the internet as if you were on UCSC’s campus. Follow the steps here – https://its.ucsc.edu/vpn/index.html
How can I search for Summer courses on pisa.ucsc.edu?
Visit Class Search to see course dates & times (be sure the term is “2024 Summer Quarter”)
How long are Summer courses and how many credits?
Most courses are 5 credits. Students should expect a minimum of 35 hours of class meeting time. UCSC Academic Advising recommends 2 hours of studying for every 1 hour of class time.
Can I enroll in Summer courses if I’m going on vacation or have another scheduled absence?
No accommodations can be made for vacations, work, or ending your UC Santa Cruz course early, so be mindful of dates before enrolling.
When is Summer Session finals week?
There is not an additional “finals week.” Instructors schedule the final on the last meeting block of the session.
What information is included in the Class Notes section?
Read each class’s “Class Notes” section for summer-specific instructions. Review of some prerequisites and restrictions are waived in certain classes for different populations.
How can I find course information from past Summer courses?
All past summer classes found on Class Search (in the term, be sure to select the specific Summer Quarter)
Summer dates and deadlines
Stay on top of key academic dates.
Course FAQs
Got questions? Be sure to check out our handy FAQs with answers about Summer session courses.
Add, drop, or withdraw
Get answers to your questions about adding, dropping, refunds, and deadline exceptions.
Specialized Programs & Pathways
Independent and field studies
Earn credit for research, creative projects, or hands-on fieldwork with faculty guidance. Explore enrollment steps, costs, and opportunities.
Humanizing Technology Certificate Program
A Humanities Division program designed for early-career Engineering students—open to all during Summer Session.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Pathway
Take three engaging courses to build essential job skills and get the support needed to launch your own entrepreneurial venture.
Three-Year Pathways
Graduate faster with a structured plan! Make the most of Summer Session to earn your degree in just three years in some of UC Santa Cruz’s most popular majors.