Advising and Orientation

The earlier you declare your major in your academic career the better you will be able to plan your courses and the fulfillment of the requirements. If you declare your major early you will receive more guidance, useful advice and close follow up.

The department provides extensive orientation for the Spanish Studies major. It is very important you plan the prerequisite and requisite courses in the appropriate sequence so as to complete your studies in the expected time. 

Orientation is provided in the following ways: quarterly large-group informational sessions, and small group or individual meetings with a faculty and/or staff adviser.

Quarterly Informational Sessions 
Orientation meetings are scheduled at the beginning of each academic year and announced on the departmental web page.

If you are interested in pursuing the Spanish Studies major, have read all the information provided, attended an orientation session, and still have questions about it, do not hesitate to schedule a meeting with Associate Professor, Amanda Smith for an appointment or undergraduate adviser, Janet Morales. The sooner your questions are answered, the better position you will be in to complete the major on time. Advising hours with undergraduate advisor, Janet Morales, are via Zoom or in-person. Please email (languages@ucsc.edu) for an appointment. There is no advising on Fridays.

Advising at UCSC
The main purpose of undergraduate academic advising is to guide students in clarifying and achieving their educational goals and in developing the most appropriate and efficient plan to achieve them.

Small-group and individual advising sessions are particularly useful because they give students an opportunity to meet the SPST staff and academic advisors and director, ask the questions they may have, receive additional information, clarification and guidance, and formulate a plan of study early enough in their career to fulfill their long term educational goals. Students are encouraged to sign-up for these sessions to receive the proper assistance with course selection, major planning, and required paper work. Routine progress check-ins are encouraged and advisable.

Additional information on advising can be viewed at the Undergraduate Advising Center website.