Advising Office FAQs

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How can I get my VA Benefits form signed?

Beginning Spring 2020 the process for verifying VA benefits has changed. The VA office has informed us that they are instead asking students to directly submit their unverified VA forms to vets_benefits@ucsc.edu. The VA office will then email the forms directly to the student’s major/minor and college advisers for verification of coursework.


What if I have questions about the Baskin Engineering graduation ceremony?

Please check the commencement website for updates.


Who can help me make an Academic Plan?

There are multiple reasons why it’s important that you’re able to create your own academic plan. For one, course offerings are subject to change year to year, and you’ll need to know how to adjust your academic plan accordingly. Along a similar vein, being able to create your own academic plan will help you feel more prepared when faced with unexpected events such as failing a course or needing to take a leave of absence. Here are some resources to help you create your academic plan:

Baskin Engineering Course Schedule: https://courses.engineering.ucsc.edu

Course Prerequisites: https://catalog.ucsc.edu/Current/General-Catalog/Courses

Curriculum Charts: View Curriculum Charts

UCSC Summer Courses: https://summer.ucsc.edu/

If you would like some guidance on your plan we recommend going to our Peer Advisor Google Chat hours.


I need a signed academic plan from my major adviser for my Readmission application. How can I do this?

Please send an email to bsoeadvising@ucsc.edu with the subject line, “Readmission Plan Request – YOUR STUDENT ID.” The body of the email should include your name, your student ID number, the major that you’re hoping to readmit to, and the quarter that you are planning to readmit to. We will respond to you with information about your next steps.


How do I enroll in an Individual Studies?

Individual Studies Petition Form

1. Work with a faculty sponsor to determine the details (credits, time of work, hours, etc.) of your Individual Studies. These details should be reflected on your Individual Studies Petition.

2. Your faculty sponsor has the option of either signing your petition and emailing it back to you or they can email the form directly to bsoeadvising@ucsc.edu. If they email it back to you, please email the form to bsoeadvising@ucsc.edu.

3. If you are pursuing a Senior Thesis Individual Study (e.g CSE – 195), the Undergraduate Director for your major will also need to sign the form. You do not need your Undergraduate Director’s signature if you are completing general research (e.g CSE – 198) or a Field Study (e.g CSE – 193). The Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Robotics majors require an additional Senior Thesis Form (PDF).

4. You will receive instructions detailing how to enroll in your Individual Studies after your petition has been emailed to: bsoeadvising@ucsc.edu.

Please note: this information is intended for students pursuing Individual Studies coursework sponsored by Baskin Engineering. If your credits will not be sponsored by Baskin Engineering, please consult the department with whom you are pursuing Individual Studies coursework.

View more detailed information about Baskin Engineering Individual Studies.



The class I need to enroll in next quarter is full. How can I get into the course?

We understand that it’s frustrating when you don’t get into a course you’re passionate about taking or need in order to graduate on time. However, if you’re willing to go the extra mile to get into the class, there is still a chance that you can enroll. Put yourself on the waitlist as soon as it opens during 2nd pass enrollment. Make sure to use the “If enrolled drop,” function, so that if you get in off the waitlist, the enrollment system will automatically swap the desired class with one of your backup courses. Find instructions on how to add yourself to the waitlist, and review an informational video.


The waitlist for a course I want to take is extremely long. Will more space be added?

In most cases the answer is no. However, it’s always a good idea to waitlist in case the department can open up more spaces in the class. Make sure that you are enrolled in a backup class in case you are unable to get into the course that you are waitlisted for. Make sure to use the “If enrolled drop,” function, so that if you get in off the waitlist, the enrollment system will automatically swap the desired class with one of your backup courses. Find instructions on how to add yourself to the waitlist, and review an informational video.


I’m struggling to enroll in and/or drop one of my classes (switch sections, waitlist, error message, etc.). What should I do?

Please refer to the Registrar’s FAQ page! This page includes enrollment related information.

If you would like support in walking through your enrollment issues with someone, please reach out to our peer advisors during their Google Chat hours as they can assist you!

Last modified: Apr 23, 2024