BE advising will be closed December 20th – January 1st.
The Peer Advisor Program is an integral part of the Baskin School of Engineering Undergraduate Student Affairs Unit. Peer advisors are indispensable in providing front-line support services and information, answering major-related questions, and making referrals to campus services and resources.
Chat with a peer advisor
Peer advisor chat hours
M–F 9:30–11:30 a.m.
and M-F 2:00-4:00 p.m.
How to chat
Add (+) bsoepa@ucsc.edu to your Google Hangouts, using your UCSC email
Meet with a peer advisor
Our peer advisors can assist students over summer during chat hours which can be found in the right hand column. We will resume in person hours once classes start in the fall.
The Undergraduate Advising office will be closed on university holidays.
Hours are subject to change and will be updated on this page as needed.
What can I speak to a peer advisor about?
- Academic plans
- Schedule adjustments
- Questions about major qualification criteria
- Enrollment troubleshooting
- Questions about petitions such as: course substitution petitions or waiver or exception to policy
- Change of major concentration or curriculum catalog year
Meet our peer advisors
Arslan Aliev
Major: Applied Mathematics major
Hi! My name is Arslan (he/him) and I’m a third-year Applied Mathematics major from Los Angeles, California. Coming in as a first-generation college student, I understand how tricky and frustrating the enrollment process can be and my goal as a peer advisor is to hopefully relieve you of some of that stress. Outside of school, I love the beach, reading, climbing, and hiking. Please reach out to me with any questions!
Igor Bessa
Major: Computer Science: Computer Game Design major
Hi slugs! My name is Igor (he/him) and I’m a fourth year CS Game Design major with a minor in Computer Science. I decided to be a peer advisor because I know firsthand how hard it can be to navigate school related issues and I wanted to do my part in helping other students work out their problems. I spend a lot of my free time watching TV and movies, playing video games, and reading novels and comics. Whenever I can, I enjoy exploring UCSC and the rest of Santa Cruz to find fun and interesting places to hang out or relax.
Aditi Bhat
Major: Biomolecular Engineering & Bioinformatics major (Biomolecular concentration)
Hi there! My name is Aditi (she/her) and I’m a third-year biomolecular engineering major from San Francisco, California. I decided to become a peer advisor because the transition to college can be an overwhelming experience for anyone, and I hope to alleviate some of that stress by providing helpful guidance. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, finding new boba places, writing, and creating new playlists. I look forward to being your peer advisor this year!
Navneet Cheema
Major: Computer Science major
Hello! My name is Navneet Cheema (she/her/hers). I’m from Sacramento, California and in my fourth year as a Computer Science major. I became a BE Peer Advisor so I could help students become acquainted with college/the major they’ve chosen and offer any advice that I am able to! I am also a Student Volunteer at the DSI in S&E Library but in my free time I really enjoy reading, watching movies, and drawing as well!
Gladys Garcia
Major: Computer Science major
Hi everyone! My name is Gladys Garcia, my pronouns are she/her and I’m currently a 3rd year computer science major from East L.A, California. I’m a first gen college student which is why I wanted to become a peer advisor because I know that college can be difficult, especially as a first gen student who is figuring out how to navigate college. Some involvement I have around campus is being part of the BEES program and MEP. During my free time I enjoy going to concerts as well as learning new recipes.
Kai Juarez-Jimenez
Major: Computer Engineering major (Digital Hardware concentration) – Electrical Engineering minor
hi! my name is kai (they/them pronouns) and i am a 4th year computer engineering major with an ee minor from a small town called wasco (middle of nowhere). i decided to become a peer advisor because as a first-gen stem student i know what it feels like to be lost and not know what the next steps toward your future are and would like to provide the support and guidance needed to students. in my free time, i like to draw, read, watch anime, get tattoos, and just be silly! 🙂
Alan Lai
Major: Computer Science major
Hello! My name is Alan (he/him), and I’m a third-year Computer Science major from the Bay Area! I wanted to be a peer advisor because, when I first got to UCSC, I felt stressed and overwhelmed with the educational and academic aspects. Peer advisors really helped me out by guiding me in the right direction and giving me a sense of assurance by answering all my questions, so I want to return the favor and help out my peers in the same way. Outside of school, I enjoy hanging out with friends, getting good eats, and going to the beach. I can’t wait to meet everyone and help in any way I can!
Seeya Pillai
Major: Computer Science: Computer Game Design major – Statistics minor
Hi everyone! My name is Seeya (she/her) and I’m a third year Computer Science Game Design Major with a minor in Statistics from San Ramon, CA. I became a BE Peer Advisor because I’m interested in providing help to my peers as they navigate through their academics to help ensure everyone has an inclusive and supportive experience. I’m also part of Gamma Phi Beta and the President of UCSC Human Computer Interaction Club. In my free time, I enjoy working out and reading!
Jonah Schenberg
Major: Technology and Information Management major – Economics minor
My name is Jonah Schenberg(He/Him) and I’m from San Luis Obispo. I’m a third-year Technology Information Management major with a minor in Economics. I became a peer advisor because I utilized peer advising a lot in the past, and I wanted to do my part in helping students build a positive, structured college experience. In my free time, I like to play soccer and piano, go to the gym, and cook.
Trisha Sriram
Major: Computer Science major
Hi, I’m Trisha (she/her) and I’m a fourth-year Computer Science major from the Bay Area. I wanted to be a peer advisor because I know with how crazy it is to navigate college, it’s essential to have someone guide you through it. On campus, I’m an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi, and I love to play the drums and weight-lift in my free time. A fun fact about me is that I have an identical twin sister (she goes to college in Illinois though). I am very excited to be part of the team this year, and look forward to meeting you!
Liz Villa
Major: Robotics Engineering major – Electrical Engineering minor
Hello! My name is Ana Elizabeth Villa, but I go by Liz and use she/her pronouns. I am a 4th-year Robotics Engineering Major with a Minor in Electrical Engineering. I am from Baldwin Park, Los Angeles, California, and decided to be a peer advisor for Baskin Engineering because college is challenging to navigate, and depending on your situation, it might take a little longer to get a handle on things. I felt that I offered a unique perspective that could benefit others in their college process. One fact about me is that I love to collect pins, LEGO mini-figures, and Hot Wheels cars.
Cecilia Villanueva
Major: Electrical Engineering (Electronics & Optics Concentration) major
Hello! I’m Cecilia Villanueva (she/her), a third year Electrical Engineering major with a focus on electronics and optics. I am from Ventura County, all the way down in SoCal. What made me want to become a Peer Advisor, was all of my own unsolved questions as a freshman. As a PA, I want to help incoming students navigate the university and support them as previous advisors supported me! When I’m not in class, you’ll find me at a library or walking around town!
Tyler Vo
Major: Computer Engineering (Digital Hardware Concentration) – Bioelectronics and Biophotonics minor
Hi! I’m Tyler Vo (he/him) and I am a third-year Computer Engineering Major (Digital Hardware concentration) with a minor in Bioelectronics and Biophotonics from Hawthorne, CA. I decided to become a peer advisor because I want to help navigate fellow students through their educational journey and share the insights I’ve gained from my own experiences. In my free time, I love to solve puzzles whether they are Rubik’s cubes or jigsaw puzzles but I also love to run and I’m a student-athlete for UCSC’s Track and Field team! I hope to be a supportive resource for everyone and I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Zaden Yet
Major: Biomolecular Engineering & Bioinformatics major (Biomolecular concentration)
Hi! My name is Zaden Yet(he/him). I am a fourth-year Biomolecular Engineering major from Union City, California in the East Bay. Navigating through enrollment and making sure you’re on the right track can be stressful so I’m happy to say that I can be of help in any way I can! I want to welcome everyone to stop by the office and say hello! I can be found anywhere whether it be on a walk around campus, the gym, or any of the libraries. I enjoy many different activities like surfing, bowling, cutting hair, or simply hanging out with my friends or doggies.