Frosh, Friends, and Family: Welcome to the Sciences
2025-07-10 12:00, 2025-07-17 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
This webinar welcomes incoming science students and families to the Sciences. Meet the Science Excellence team and learn about key summer events, advising support, and resources to prepare for a strong start. We’ll also discuss science majors and how families can support students during the transition. Register here to receive a Zoom link!

Job Search Strategies for New Grads
2025-07-10 14:00 | CA
So you've graduated and now it's time to look for a job, we can help!
Whether you're just starting your search or looking to improve your strategy, this workshop will walk you through how to:

Craft resumes and cover letters that reflect your skills and potential
Use LinkedIn to uncover opportunities and potential mentors
Develop networking skills

You’ll come away with actionable strategies to streamline your application process and make your next move count.
Register here: https://ucsc.joinhandshake.com/stu/events/1757697

Rainbow Slugs Staff Virtual Lunch Get-together
2025-07-16 12:00 | CA
Hello! Please join us for a virtual lunch time hang-out so that folks can gather, decompress, and be in community. We encourage folks to eat their lunch while we meet, but you can do whatever is most comfortable to you! Any level of participation is welcome. Hope to see you there! 🙂
Rainbow Slugs is UCSC's LGBTQIA2S+ Staff Affinity group. Anyone is welcome.

CASPA 2025 Summer Symposium
2025-07-19 13:00 | Silicon Valley Campus, 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, 95054, United States
Building AI-Native Data Centers
The Chinese American Semiconductor Professional Association invites you to join its annual all-day Summer Symposium where speakers will focus on Building AI-Native Data Centers: Innovations from Silicon to Software.
Panelists will explore advancements across the entire technology stack that are transforming the architecture and capabilities of next-generation data centers. As AI workloads scale in complexity and volume, infrastructure must evolve through tightly integrated innovation in compute, memory, storage, networking, power efficiency, cooling, orchestration, and security.
Leading innovators across the technology stack—from silicon to software—will share their insights on designing scalable, high-performance, energy-efficient, and trustworthy platforms that serve the demands of AI-native computing. The symposium will highlight how collaborative progress across silicon, systems, and software is reshaping the backbone of digital intelligence.
REGISTRATION
This event is open to all UCSC students and community members.
SPONSORSHIP
This CASPA event is co-sponsored by the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Silicon Chip Design & Semiconductor Engineering, and AI programs.

45th Annual Dickens Universe featuring 'The Old Curiosity Shop'
2025-07-20 00:00 | Colleges Nine and John R. Lewis College Multi-purpose Room, 615 College Nine Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
The Dickens Universe is a unique cultural event that brings together scholars, teachers, students, and members of the general public for a week of stimulating discussion and festive social activity on the beautiful Santa Cruz campus of the University of California—all focused on one or two Victorian novels, usually (but not always) one by Charles Dickens.
In 2025, the Dickens Universe will feature The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens. Most people remember the novel for its famous and climactic death scene, featuring one of Dickens's most beloved (and reviled) girl heroines, Little Nell. It is a novel full of interesting scenes, themes, and curiosities. Featuring a gallery of Dickens's most grotesque characters, it explores the idea of deformity, especially as it contrasts with the angelic innocence and strangely embodied beauty of Little Nell. Its picaresque roots make it an adventure story as well as an allegory of moral journey; its interest in the urban landscape, its pleasure, and its dangers suggest Dickens's social concerns.
Now in its 45th year of operation, the Dickens Universe combines features of a scholarly conference, a festival, a book club, and a summer camp. Participants include people of all ages and walks of life—distinguished scholars, graduate students, undergraduates, retirees, young professionals, high school teachers, and anyone who loves reading and enjoys long Victorian novels.
Here are some things that make the Universe such a memorable experience.

The college lifestyle: participants live on campus, eat together in the student dining hall, and have time to meet and come to know each other in different ways.
Everyone is reading the same book. We all have this one important thing in common.
The activities include formal lectures, small discussion groups, films, daily Victorian teas, performances, and Victorian dancing.

The Universe offers a week of total immersion in the world of Victorian fiction with friendly, like-minded colleagues in a beautiful setting. Whether we’re returning to a Dickens novel that everyone knows and loves or branching out into a Victorian novel by another author who might be less familiar, during the Universe, we build a community out of our passion for reading, talking with one another, and bringing Victorian culture to life.

ALEKS Math Placement for Science and Math Majors
2025-07-22 12:00 | CA
Get introduced to ALEKS PPL, an essential online platform for assessing and strengthening your math skills. In this brief session, you’ll learn how ALEKS functions as both a placement assessment and a personalized learning tool. Discover how it can support your academic success in first-year science coursework like chemistry and calculus. For a Zoom link, please register here.

Exploring your science major
2025-08-06 17:00 | CA
Choosing a major can feel overwhelming, but many science students share a common academic path in their first year. This session breaks down the similarities in core coursework, introduces the range of science majors available, and helps you begin thinking about where your interests align. To receive a Zoom link, register HERE.

Slugs at Sundown - The Art of the Career Pivot
2025-08-07 17:30 | Silicon Valley Campus, 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, 95054, United States
Thinking about making a career change? Join fellow Banana Slugs for an evening of connection and guidance from professional career coaches. Learn how to navigate transitions with confidence, gain practical strategies, and get inspired to take the next step in your journey—whether you’re pivoting by choice or by chance.
Bonus: Come early for a 15-minute, one-on-one resume review—available from 4:30 to 5:30 PM.

Effective Multigenerational Communication
2025-08-12 17:30 | Silicon Valley Campus, 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, 95054, United States
Join the Silicon Valley NHRA and learning partner Steps for an interactive session using drama-based learning to improve communication across generations in the workplace. Through scenario-based activities, you'll explore real-world challenges and uncover how different generations approach work, communication, and leadership. Learn how this approach supports HR and talent strategies by equipping teams with the tools to build stronger connections and a greater sense of belonging. Discover how generational differences can become a strength—not a barrier—to organizational success.
This event is sponsored by the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Human Resource Management Certificate Program.

AI Workshop: Spiking Neural Networks
2025-08-16 09:00 | Silicon Valley Campus, 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, 95054, United States
Welcome to our immersive AI technology workshop series. During these sessions you will be introduced to new and established AI tools that will help you create and manipulate content in new and powerful ways. Each session is led by an industry expert who will guide you through the material and share its real-world implications.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the workshop, you should be able to

Describe and discuss the fundamental principles of Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), including spike-based data representation, key neuron models (e.g., Leaky Integrate-and-Fire), synaptic operations, the current state-of-the-art in neuromorphic hardware, and the realistic short-term and long-term potential of SNNs in the broader AI landscape.
Explain the differences between Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) and traditional Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), articulating the motivational factors for SNN adoption such as energy efficiency and event-driven computation.
Demonstrate an ability to properly and effectively implement simple SNN applications (e.g., the XOR problem and a more complex use case) using tools like Nengo, understanding how information is encoded and processed through spike trains, and applying different training approaches for SNNs while contrasting them with traditional backpropagation and evaluating the challenges and opportunities in SNN learning.

Topics Include

Introduction to Spiking Neural Networks: What are SNNs? Visualizing spike-based computation.
Why SNNs Matter: Motivations (energy efficiency, neuromorphic hardware), real-world applications (robotics, IoT), and a realistic look at when they are most beneficial.
Core Concepts of SNNs: Spike-based representation (events, timing, frequency), simplified neuron models (LIF), synaptic function, and encoding strategies (rate vs. temporal).
Hands-On with SNNs (Nengo Demo): Interactive exploration of spike generation, parameter tuning, and visualizing network behavior.
Problem Solving with SNNs:
The XOR problem: Understanding challenges with discrete logic.
Applying SNNs to continuous, real-world analog-like problems.
Training Spiking Neural Networks: Exploring alternatives to backpropagation (e.g., evolutionary computation, PSO) and understanding the associated challenges.
The Neuromorphic Landscape: Introduction to key neuromorphic hardware (e.g., Intel Loihi, BrainChip Akida), their architectures, and real-world case studies.
Current Limitations and Future Outlook: Discussing speed vs. efficiency, challenges in tooling and frameworks, and the short-term and long-term vision for SNN adoption.

Students are required to bring laptops for class exercises.
This event is co-sponsored by the UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education Artificial Intelligence program.

Programming with Rust
2025-08-19 12:00 | CA
Join us in learning more about Rust, one of the fastest-growing programming languages, which continues to be ranked the most-loved language by its users. Its user base, aka “Rustaceans,” has tripled in just two years as more and more software products are being developed in Rust.
In this fast-paced virtual overview with Danesh Forouhari, we’ll talk about:

The history of Rust
Problems Rust solves
Comparing Rust to other programming languages
Benchmarking data (vs. C & Go)
The good, the bad, and the ugly of programming with Rust
Running some sample Rust code, if time permits

Speaker
Danesh Forouhari, M.S., has more than 20 years of experience in the software development industry. He teaches Python for Programmers.
This fall info session is sponsored by the UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education Computer Programming certificate program.

Project and Program Management Info Session
2025-08-20 18:00 | CA
Project Leadership with Tim Bombosch
Join Program Chair Tim Bombosch for UCSC Silicon Valley’s Project and Program Management certificate, where you'll learn from PMI®-certified experts leading teams across top Silicon Valley companies. Gain the tools and strategies to define goals, estimate costs, manage risk, and deliver successful outcomes
.
Master Real-World Management Skills
Build expertise in both traditional and agile methods—Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, and more. This program satisfies PMI® training requirements and prepares you for the PMP® and CAPM® exams while equipping you to lead teams and drive results in today’s fast-paced business environment.

This fall info session is sponsored by the Project and Program Management Certificate program.

HireUC Alumni Career Fair
2025-08-21 12:00 | CA
The HireUC Alumni Career Fair is a hiring event designed for University of California alumni who are looking for early-and mid-level career opportunities. It offers a special chance for alumni to connect with employers from diverse fields and industries. Alumni from all 10 UC campuses are invited. UC alumni can attend the fair for free, but it’s important to register in advance to secure participation.
About Hire Talent

Since 2014, over 100,000+ attendees to Hire Talent Events
Created 1,000s of new careers
50% bachelors / 40% masters / 10% doctorate
Average experience of attendees: 6 years
500+ University Partners
25 Cities

Questions

Jeffrey Nortman jeff@gohiretalent.com
Patricia Nguyen, Director of Systemwide UC Santa Cruz Alumni & Diversity Initiatives patricia.nguyen@ucop.edu

Employers
If you work for a company looking to connect with alumni from the University of California graduating from various majors, degrees and career levels, please use the Employer Registration tab to get participate as a recruiter. Employer registration is open to all employers not just UC Alumni.

Regulatory Affairs and Medical Device Quality and Design – Fall Info Session
2025-08-21 18:00 | CA
Explore medical innovation with Kiran Gulati
Join medical device and biotech expert Kiran Gulati for a closer look at UCSC Silicon Valley’s Regulatory Affairs and Medical Device Quality and Design certificates. These programs equip you to navigate global regulations and bring safe, effective products to market.
Build in-demand skills in a regulated field
Learn FDA negotiation, risk management, and quality system standards like ISO 13485 and 14971. Whether you're aiming for RAC certification or advancing your career in biotech, this session will highlight how these programs prepare you for success in the fast-moving healthcare industry.
This fall info session is sponsored by the Regulatory Affairs and Medical Device Programs.

Learn to build AI Applications
2025-08-25 18:00 | CA
Explore the future of AI with Praveen Krishna
Join Program Chair and AI expert Praveen Krishna for an insider’s look at the University of California’s first certificate in AI Application Development. Learn about the growing number of jobs involving AI, the skills you'll need to build a competitive resume, and the UCSC Silicon Valley classes that will support your development.

Get career-ready AI skills
Taught by Silicon Valley leaders, this program helps you master machine learning, advanced AI techniques, and portfolio-building projects. Whether you're in tech, research, or career transition, this certificate gives you the skills to stand out in a fast-growing field. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the expert guiding the future of AI talent.
This info session event is sponsored by the AI Application Development Certificate program.

Jobscan for Job Seekers: Tools to Help You Get Hired
2025-08-26 17:30 | CA
Make your resume work smarter with Jobscan

Learn how to create tailored resumes and cover letters using Jobscan’s free AI-powered tools. In this hands-on session, you’ll discover how to optimize your application materials for specific job postings, track the positions you’ve applied to, and make the most of Jobscan’s features to stay organized and stand out in your job search.
This session is open exclusively to UCSC and UCSC Extension students.

Educational Therapy – Free fall Info Session
2025-08-26 18:00 | CA
Transform learning with Sharmila Roy
Join Educational Therapy program chair Sharmila Roy for a thoughtful program overview and hear how the uniquely designed curriculum empowers educators and professionals to make a lasting impact– in the classroom and beyond. As one of the few AET-approved programs, you’ll learn to assess learning challenges and apply effective, research-based interventions.
Empower students and build your practice
Gain skills to support students with learning differences like dyslexia, ADHD, and autism using therapeutic and educational strategies. Whether you're working in schools or starting a private practice, this program helps you create individualized plans that foster meaningful progress.
This fall info session is sponsored by the Educational Therapy certificate program.

Networking Tools for Your Career
2025-08-28 17:30 | CA
Learn how to grow your professional connections using the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension LinkedIn Alumni Tool. In this interactive session, you’ll discover smart strategies for expanding your network, reaching out with confidence, and asking for informational interviews that lead to real insights—and real opportunities.
This session is open exclusively to UCSC and UCSC Extension students.
Learn more career tips.

Data Science and Data Analytics – Fall Info Session
2025-08-28 18:00 | CA
Master Data with Instructor Partha Padmanabhan
Join us for a conversation with Partha Padmanabhan, Chair of our Data Science and Data Analytics programs, and discover how our DSDA certificate is built to help professionals translate data into smart, strategic business decisions. Get an inside look at the tools, techniques, and real-world AI applications shaping today's fast-moving analytics landscape.
Choose Your Path: Science or Engineering
Whether you're analyzing data or building the systems behind it, you can specialize in Data Science or Data Engineering and earn a digital badge. This program prepares analysts, scientists, and IT professionals to thrive in a data-driven world.
Speaker
Meet Parthasarathy Padmanabhan, M.B.A., principal software engineer at one of Silicon Valley’s leading technology companies, and get your questions answered. Parthasarathy brings more than 25 years of experience in information technology to his role and has worked in data modeling for more than 10 years. He teaches "Data Analysis" and "Business Intelligence Solutions," and began serving as chair of the Data Science and Data Analytics Advisory Board in 2020.
This fall info session is sponsored by the Data Science and Data Analytics Program.

AI Workshop: Model Context Protocol
2025-08-29 10:00 | Silicon Valley Campus, 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, 95054, United States
Welcome to our immersive AI technology workshop series. During these sessions you will be introduced to new and established AI tools that will help you create and manipulate content in new and powerful ways. Each session is led by an industry expert who will guide you through the material and share its real-world implications.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this hybrid-style workshop, you'll be able to:

Explain the core principles and motivations behind the Model Context Protocol (MCP), including its role in AI Agentic system communication and AI model integration.
Identify the structure and components of an MCP message and understand how context is preserved and passed across tasks or AI agents.
Implement simple MCP interactions in a controlled setting using real-world tools and libraries.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of MCP in current AI Agentic system architectures, including scalability and interoperability.

Topics Include

MCP Basics: What is Model Context Protocol and why does it matter in AI pipelines and agent interoperability?
Message Anatomy: Structure, metadata, tokens, and temporal context.
Live Demo: Walking through an MCP message lifecycle-create, modify, pass, and interpret.
Hands-On Lab: Building a mini MCP-based interaction (e.g., agent-to-agent communication or contextual memory pass).
Challenges & Use Cases: Real-world applications, common pitfalls, and current limitations.

Prerequisites: Knowledge of LLM and AI Agents.
Note: Please bring a laptop and have Google, GitHub and Hugging Face accounts to participate in hands-on exercises.

What to Expect as a Science Student in Your First Year
2025-09-03 17:00 | CA
This comprehensive session covers what you need to know to feel prepared for your first year in the sciences. We’ll explore course formats (lectures, labs, tutorials), academic expectations, time management strategies, and support systems. Learn how to navigate challenges and make the most of your university experience, both inside and outside the classroom. To receive a Zoom link, register here.

Human Resource Management Info Session
2025-09-03 18:00 | CA
Build Stronger Teams and a Smarter HR Strategy

What does it take to grow and lead high-performing teams in today’s AI-enhanced workplace? Hear from Philip Ziman, chair of the Human Resource Management certificate program at UCSC Silicon Valley Extension. Learn about the practical, people-focused program designed for current and aspiring HR professionals.
Topics

Connect HR strategy with business outcomes
Use people analytics to inform decision-making
Sharpen your skills in talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee engagement.

Earn HRCI and SHRM recertification credit + PDUs in a program that is both career-ready and future-focused.
This fall info session is hosted by the at UCSC Silicon Valley Extension.

Marketing Management Info Session
2025-09-04 18:00 | CA
Customer-Driven Marketing: Build the Skills Today’s Marketers Need
In a world where buyers expect personalization, speed, and relevance, staying ahead means mastering modern, AI-enhanced marketing strategies. Explore how UCSC Silicon Valley’s Marketing Management certificate helps you align marketing and sales, harness the power of social selling, and launch data-driven, multi-channel campaigns that truly connect with your audience.
Shape Your Career, Your Way
With electives in digital marketing and strategy, you can tailor your learning to sharpen skills in campaign execution, data analysis, and brand communication. Discover how to integrate cutting-edge tools and programmatic approaches to increase your marketing impact in an ever-evolving landscape.
Marketing Management program chair Ly Pham, a seasoned marketing executive with deep insight into what today’s professionals need to succeed will lead this fall info session.

Using AI in UX: Explore the latest tools
2025-09-05 18:00 | CA
Creating the Experience: UX, AI, and Responsive Design
Join us for a dynamic UX info session that blends creativity, technology, and collaboration. Discover how UX and AI work together, explore the principles of user-centered design, and see how advanced CSS brings responsive, visually stunning interfaces to life.
We’ll highlight 3 engaging courses

Collaborative Design: Enhancing UX with AI
an introduction to tools like Figma and Miro in agile team settings
User Experience Design Fundamentals
a look at design thinking and strategies for creating impactful products
Designing with Cascading Style Sheets, Advanced
showcasing techniques for sleek, mobile-ready websites.

Whether you’re exploring UX for the first time or expanding your knowledge, this event will spark new ideas and possibilities.
This virtual info session series event is sponsored by the User Experience and Web Design Certificate program at UCSC Silicon Valley Extension.

19th Conference on Neurosymbolic Learning and Reasoning (NeSy 2025)
2025-09-08 09:30 | Jack Baskin Auditorium, 191 Baskin Cir, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
The NeSy series is the longest standing gathering for the presentation and discussion of cutting-edge research in neurosymbolic AI. NeSy is the annual meeting of the Neurosymbolic Learning and Reasoning Association, which has organised NeSy since 2005, back then as a workshop.

Silicon Chip Design & Semiconductor Engineering– Free info session
2025-09-08 17:00 | CA
Design the Future of Semiconductors with Arvind Vidyarthi
Curious about where a career in chip design can take you? Join Program Chair Arvind Vidyarthi for an inside look at our Silicon Chip Design & Semiconductor Engineering certificate—a program built for engineers who want to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Whether you're drawn to Front-End logic and verification or the Back-End world of physical design, this program offers hands-on training with industry-standard EDA tools and a curriculum shaped by real Silicon Valley demand. Get the skills employers are looking for—and the confidence to step into your next big opportunity.
Hosted by the Silicon Chip Design and Semiconductor Engineering Program at UCSC Silicon Valley Extension.

AI Business Practices Fall Info Session
2025-09-09 18:00 | CA
Practical AI for workplace automation
Discover how nontechnical professionals can harness the power of AI in everyday work. Join program chair Hien Luu for an inside look at AI Business Practices—a hands-on specialization designed to help you boost efficiency with free, easy-to-use AI tools and smart prompt strategies.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Learn how to streamline tasks like presentations, reports, and project planning while gaining practical skills in prompt engineering, AI agent setup, and ethical AI use. This program is built for real-world impact—no coding required.
This fall info session is sponsored by the AI Business Practices Specialization.

Professional Certificates for International Students
2025-09-10 08:00 | CA
Interested in a professional certificate at UCSC Silicon Valley Extension?
A professional certificate is a fantastic way to develop your career, learn from industry experts, and experience Silicon Valley. We offer numerous exciting programs in technology and business.
Visit our International site for more information.
Prospective international students
Please click here to schedule an online meeting with an advisor.

Mondays, 5-7 p.m. (PT)
Wednesdays, 8–10 a.m. (PT)

Current international students
Already studying with us? Please email us: extensioninternational@ucsc.edu to meet with an international advisor in person or online.
Call: +1 (408) 450-4945 | extensioninternational@ucsc.edu

California Earthworkers Summit
2025-09-11 16:30 | CA
The California Earthworkers Summit (CES) is a statewide gathering that brings together earthworkers to build regenerative futures through land-based collaboration, education, and innovation.
Through keynote sessions, panels, hands-on workshops, youth programming, and healing spaces, CES creates space for intergenerational learning, community care, and cross-sector exchange rooted in earth stewardship.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend—whether you're a gardener, artist, herbalist, teacher, student, community member, healer, entrepreneur, data analyst, water/air/fire/land steward, cowboy/cowgirl, horseperson, rancher, or beyond. Your role in shaping the future of our planet matters.
Dates: September 11–12, 2025
Location: UC Santa Cruz
Registration is required — visit www.earthworkerssummit.org to reserve your spot.
️ Hurry! Tickets are limited.
Follow us on Instagram: @EarthworkersSummit for updates, speaker announcements, and more!
