Events

Environmental Art & Social Practice: Picking up Shells Amid a Tsunami
2026-04-01 12:00 - 2026-05-02 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery, Baskin Service Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
The culminating exhibition of the Environmental Art and Social Practice MFA program at UCSC presents new projects developed through concentrated inquiry over a two-year period and offers a window into the artists unique long-term research projects that expand beyond the gallery space.
Picking up Shells Amid a Tsunami
쓰나미가 밀려오는데, 조개나 줍고 있네.
The phrase evokes a scene in which, amid an approaching catastrophe, someone appears to be idly picking up seashells. In South Korea, it gained political currency during the 2017 presidential impeachment protests, when feminist, disability rights, and animal rights groups were criticized for bringing their demands into the demonstrations. Their interventions were dismissed as distractions—acts of “picking up shells” at a moment when the sole priority was said to be the president’s removal.
We choose to pick up shells nonetheless. Not because the crisis is small, but because the shells matter. They are the body of the future, what accumulates slowly, what endures. One day, shells become mountains, and mountains become home. To pick up shells is not to turn away from urgency, but to insist on a future beyond it.
This exhibition comes together through an insistence on the opposite premise: that picking up shells while disaster is at our doorstep is not a distraction, but a necessity. What gets dismissed as marginal, secondary, a mere luxury, or mistimed, is precisely where social and political life becomes livable and where dreams, desire and the imagination open lines of flight towards other worlds.
Waves can level buildings once on the shore, dragging and revealing the damage as they recede. Rather than turning away from the storm, we acknowledge the multilayered and epistemic devastation caused by centuries of colonial, patriarchal, racist violence upon people, earth and more than human life. We witness the ongoing bifurcation of human and nature that is sedimented into our lives, languages and social, material, infrastructures.
The act of bending down to gather shells, ردم, fragments, sounds, 뼈, blue bottles, grotta, relationships, bodies, cries—composes a score that moves towards forms of care through minor gestures, embodiment, ritual, ofrendas, listening and beholding. Mundane and everyday poetics do not negate the scale of devastation and loss, nor do they refuse engagement. Rather, they bear witness. They reveal pathways towards endurance, negotiation, memory and imagination beyond colonial catastrophe. In this sense, the exhibition reframes the tsunami not as a singular event or metaphor, but an invitation us to behold, actively look, to sit within the textures of tectonic plates and energy flows, at the conjuncture where plates meet, in the flow of energy through tempo, liquid, movement, land, sound, ecotone.
The wave does not demand one unified response. It forms part of a condition, a form of everyday accretion, a movement in and out of different temporalities. Picking up shells while the tsunami unfolds, amid the tsunami, alongside the water’s ebbs and flows, calls us to pay attention to overlooked lives, stories, bodies, memories, flows and relations, to transform materials so that they become reconstituted and are able to hold new and ongoing narratives that refuse to remain silent.
Opening Celebration – Thursday, April 2 – 5-7pm
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ADMISSION
– FREE and open to the public
– Sesnon Art Gallery is open Tues.-Sun. 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
PARKING
– Lot 124 & 125 are the closest parking lots to the event.
– Parking is by permit or ParkMobile.
– Refer to TAPS for more parking information.

Spring 2026 Drop in Figure Drawing
2026-04-01 19:00 - 2026-05-27 21:00 | Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center, Baskin Service Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Drop-In Draw provides a live model and room monitor. There is no formal lesson and only dry media is allowed (no paints).
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ADVISORIES
– These events contain mature content and nudity.
– Drop-In Draw is subject to the possibility of last-minute cancellation without notification, and sessions are not guaranteed.
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ADMISSION
– FREE and open to the public
– UCSC Art Department Room L-101
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
This series occurs weekly on Wednesday evenings during spring quarter, including the following:Wednesday April 1, 2026, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 8, 2026, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 15, 2026, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 22, 2026, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 29, 2026, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 6, 2026, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 13, 2026, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 20, 2026, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 27, 2026, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
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PARKING
– Parking by permit or ParkMobile.
– Arts Lot #126 is the closest parking lot to the event.
– Visitors with DMV placards or plates may park for free in DMV spaces, Medical spaces, or ParkMobile spaces without additional payment, or in timed zones for longer than the posted time.
– More information provided by UCSC Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS).
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This program is open to all members of the public consistent with state and federal law.

The One with the Manes
2026-04-02 12:00 - 2026-04-25 16:00, 2026-04-03 12:00 - 2026-04-26 16:00, 2026-04-04 12:00 - 2026-04-27 16:00, 2026-04-05 12:00 - 2026-04-28 16:00, 2026-04-06 12:00 - 2026-04-29 16:00, 2026-04-07 12:00 - 2026-04-30 16:00, 2026-04-08 12:00 - 2026-05-01 16:00, 2026-04-09 12:00 - 2026-05-02 16:00 and 7 more dates | Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery, Baskin Service Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
“The One With the Manes” 02/19/2026-03/14/2026 is a multimedia exhibition, by Film and Digital Media PhD candidate Yasmine Benabdallah, exploring a shared history between Morocco, Brazil, and Portugal through video installations, photographs, and watercolors.
Artist Talk Thursday March 5, 5:00 -6:00 p.m;
Closing event Saturday March 14, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
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ADMISSION
– FREE and open to the public
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PARKING
– Lot 124 & 125 are the closest parking lots to the event.
– Parking is by permit or ParkMobile.
– Refer to TAPS for more parking information.
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This program is open to all members of the public consistent with state and federal law.

Tax Workshops for International Students & Scholars
2026-04-06 12:30 - 14:00 | Graduate Student Commons, 420 Hagar Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
International Student Services and Programming (ISSP) will be hosting two tax-related sessions for international students and scholars in the coming months, including a hands-on workshop for anyone who wants support while working through the filing process. We understand that filing taxes can be daunting, so our office is here to provide resources to make this process easier.
GLACIER tax prep staff from and graduate peer mentors will be available to help you one-on-one as you complete your tax filing steps.

Hands-on Tax Workshop #1
Date: Monday, March 9
Time: 12:30 – 14:00
Location: Graduate Student Commons (entrance next to Cafe Iveta)

Workshop #2 will take place on Monday, April 6, at the same time and location

Have any tax questions or topics you’d like us to address at the beginning of each workshop? Submit your questions here, and we’ll highlight them with the group. Even if you can’t make it to either session, feel free to still ask us your general questions, and we’ll update everyone with common themes we’re noticing.
Please note that ISSP staff are not tax experts and are legally prohibited from giving you tax advice. It is your responsibility to determine how to file your taxes and/or find a tax preparation service.

Community Day: Free Admission at the Arboretum
2026-04-07 09:00 - 17:00 | Arboretum, 122 Arboretum Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
The first Tuesday of each month, the Arboretum is open without charge to visitors. See dates and times UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden is open. NOTE: Due to limited parking at the Arboretum and the popularity of Community Day, we greatly encourage visitors to carpool, bike, walk or use public transportation as much as possible.

Next Wave of Faculty in Genomics Symposium
2026-04-07 11:40 - 13:15 | Jack Baskin Engineering, Baskin Engineering 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
The BME Department and Genomics Institute are once again hosting our annual Next Wave of Faculty in Genomics Symposium, which will be held on April 7th from 11:40–1:15 in E2 180. Please join us to hear cutting-edge genomics talks from outstanding postdocs from around the country!
A burrito reception catered by Alebrije’s will follow immediately after the talks. Registration is free, but required, so please RSVP HERE!
This year’s speakers include:

Dr. Yutong Wang, UC San Francisco
Talk title: “A genome-wide CRISPR activation screen of surface protein expression in primary human CD4 T cells”
Dr. Ian Traniello, Princeton
Talk title: “The Making of a Queen: Neurogenomic Building Blocks of Social Dominance in Bee Societies”
Dr. Alex Cope, Vanderbilt University
Talk title: “Unlocking the rules of proteome evolution by integrating evolutionary theory, mechanistic models, and functional genomics”
Dr. Conner Langeberg, UC Berkeley
Talk title: “Interpreting RNA Foundation Models to Reveal Structure, Function, and Biological Organization”

Research Lunch & Learn: SBIR/STTR
2026-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 | https://events.ucsc.edu/event/research-lunch-learn-sbir-sttr/
Join us on April 8, 2026, 12-1 p.m. for a session led by Benjamin Legum, Director, New Venture Development. Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) grants are offered by most federal agencies to foster the translation of high-tech solutions to commercial applications. This session provides a comprehensive introduction to the federal SBIR/STTR programs that offer non-dilutive funding to help small businesses develop and commercialize high-impact technologies. Participants will learn the fundamental differences between the two programs, including eligibility requirements, the three-phase funding structure, and best practices for identifying agency-specific opportunities that align with their innovative research.
Join: Zoom link for this session.

What's new in AI?
2026-04-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Silicon Valley Campus, 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, 95054, United States
Lead innovation as a machine learning engineer
Want to learn what’s new in AI? Join Praveen Krishna, chair of the Artificial Intelligence Application Development certificate program, in an informal discussion about the AI topic of the month and an open Q&A. You’ll get an insider’s look at what you need to know for where you want to go. Bring your questions. Share your experience. Plan your learning.
Every 2nd Wednesday | Online
Visit our program page for a closer look at our AI App Development courses and offerings.
Register.

Survivor Circles: Healing After Trauma
2026-04-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Hahn Student Services, Hahn Student Services, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
CARE’s Healing After Trauma survivor circles are an in-person, drop-in space to share and connect on the glimmers & struggles of recovering from harmful sexual experiences. Guided and led by CARE advocates, each week’s session will offer an opportunity to engage with a different alternative healing modality – from sound healing, to art therapy, collective rest, and more.

Fill out an Interest Form for more information.

Please note: The interest form is not required for attendance, nor a registration form – registration is not necessary for these events.

You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service, faculty program, or community event—is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities. To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications.

Black on the Block
2026-04-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Crown Provost House, 660 Crown Service Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Join the African American Resource & Cultural Center every Thursday from 1–2 p.m., at the front of the Ethnic Resource Center for Black on the Block, a weekly tabling and engagement space.
Stop by to learn about campus resources, upcoming programs, and ways to get involved. It’s a casual, welcoming space to ask questions, make connections, and build community. All are welcome.
You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service, faculty program, or community event—is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities.
To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications.

Partners Film Screening
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Oakes Learning Center
Join the Center for Labor and Community for a free film screening of the documentary, Partners: How Starbucks Baristas Started a Labor Revolution. Following the screening there will be a discussion with unionized Starbucks baristas. RSVP here

2026 Right Livelihood International Conference
2026-04-13 08:00 - 2026-05-08 17:00
The Right Livelihood International Conference is a four-week global conference exploring how education can strengthen democracy, collective intelligence, and just futures. Bringing together Right Livelihood Laureates, students, faculty, and community partners across continents, the conference combines asynchronous learning with participatory dialogue and collaborative action. Rather than advocating specific outcomes, the conference positions education as a democratic practice and the Right Livelihood College as a steward of dialogue, student voice, and long-term institutional learning.
Registration is free and open to the public. Sign up to receive conference updates, session links, and participation opportunities.

Engineering Teaching Community (Faculty)
2026-04-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Jack Baskin Engineering, Baskin Engineering 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
During the chaos of a quarter, is it hard to find time to reflect and improve as an instructor? Would you like to be a part of an inclusive, supportive group of engineering instructors who do this in community? ETC is for sharing teaching experiences, classroom ideas, research on learning, and methods that support instructors and students. All are welcome, and lunch is provided. Please reach out to Jenny Quynn with questions.

Ritual Drinking in the Ancient World
2026-04-15 17:00 - 19:30 | Stockwell Cellars, 1100 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Wednesday, April 15, 5:00-7 p.m.
Stockwell Cellars
1100 Fair Avenue, Santa Cruz
Space is limited. Please let us know if you are able to attend via this registration link.
“Drink and make a happy day!” (New Kingdom Theben tomb)
“Wine gladdens the heart of man…” (Psalm 104:15)
At this ‘symposium’ event, three UCSC professors in Classical, Biblical, and Egyptian antiquity will tell stories about how various ancient cultures drank wine to commune with their gods, suspend the normal social rules, and prepare for the end of days.
Elaine Sullivan, “How to Get Drunk with a Goddess”
Martin Devecka, “Wine before Liquor”
Anne Kreps, “Drinking like the World is Going to End”
The Stockwell Cellars tasting room bar will be open for attendees to purchase individual wines-by-the-glass during the event. Come enjoy tasting local Santa Cruz wines while learning about the long history of drinking as a ritual event in the ancient Mediterranean world.
A Q&A will follow the short presentations.

Speakers & Bios:
Martin Devecka, Associate Professor, Ancient Studies & Literature
As a cultural historian, Devecka writes on topics in ancient literature and society that range from robots to ruins. He is currently finishing a book manuscript on animal citizenship in the Roman Empire.
Anne Kreps, Associate Professor, Ancient Studies & History
As a historian of the ancient Near East, Kreps studies heresies, Gnosticism, and the politics of sacred texts. Her current work examines the Dead Sea Scrolls within New Religious Movements in the United States.
Elaine Sullivan, Associate Professor, Ancient Studies & History
An Egyptogist, Sullivan’s field research has included excavation and survey at Karnak’s Mut Temple, the cemetery of Saqqara, and the Greco-Roman city of Karanis, all in Egypt. She is currently authoring a book on the sales of antiquities out of Egypt in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Image: Nebamun receiving wine

2026 Spring (all-majors) Career & Internship Fair
2026-04-16 11:00 - 15:00 | Colleges Nine and John R. Lewis College Multi-purpose Room, 615 College Nine Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Undergraduate and graduate students and recent alumni interested in pursuing careers in business, arts, social sciences & humanities industries are welcome to attend. Get the chance to meet recruiters from many industries/firms seeking to fill internship, full-time, and part-time roles. Come take essential steps toward laying the foundation for your future career and potentially even land an interview!
Curious about how to best prepare for the fair?
1. Research the organization
Identify the top 3-5 companies you are interested in, but remember to be open to different companies you may not have heard of because they may be a startup or business-to-business organization that doesn’t directly serve consumers.
Do your research by reviewing company websites. Look for their mission, values, location, and the type of available opportunities (e.g., internships, full-time positions, etc.). Company representatives are impressed by potential candidates who take the time to do this!
2. Prepare your introduction and questions
Reflect on what it is about each company that resonates with you. Perhaps it’s the specific technology they’re developing, the research they’re leading, or the world problem they’re trying to solve. What relevant experiences do you have? How can you be of service to that organization? Exercise critical thinking skills to develop questions to ask recruiters and hiring managers.
3. Dress with confidence
Each industry and each company has different work attire expectations and organizational culture. Do your research, ask mentors in advance for advice, and dress to impress!
PLEASE NOTE: You are encouraged to check in at the student registration table in order to participate in the career fair. Bring your student ID.
This program is open to all students consistent with state and federal law, the UC Nondiscrimination Statement and the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.
Want more support?

Visit a peer coach during drop-in hours
Schedule a career coaching appointment with a Career Engagement Specialist
For PhD students looking to pursue careers in industry, explore Beyond the Professoriate
(Scroll over “Login to Platform” at the top navigation bar and click “Through your institution”)
Stay in the loop by following Career Success on Instagram

You will receive registration and additional information in your email from Career Success via Handshake. Please make sure to check your junk/spam folder if you are not receiving any communication.
You will receive registration and additional information in your email from Career Success via Handshake. Please make sure to check your junk/spam folder if you are not receiving any communication.

You Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service, faculty program, or community event—is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities.
To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications.
Questions? Send to csuccess@ucsc.edu or visit Career Success at Hahn 125 East Entrance
Need accessibility support? Let us know at slugtalent@ucsc.edu at least two weeks prior to the fair date.

Career fair registrations are made without endorsement, direct or implied, by Career Success or UCSC. Career Success educates students about various opportunities and ensures equity of access to campus recruiting activities for all employers who abide by our Employer Policies. Individual students are encouraged to determine which employers align with their diverse talents, values, and interests.

Find Your Path! 2026
2026-04-16 12:00 - 14:00 | Digital Arts Research Center, 407 McHenry Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
“Find Your Path!” is a two-day professional development event for UC Santa Cruz Arts Division students who are interested in careers in arts and entertainment. Students are invited to network with UC Santa Cruz colleagues, alumni, and creative professionals to find their path to success. Keynote speaker and presentation information to be announced.
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thurs. April 16, noon–2:00 p.m, UCSC Digital Arts Research Center (DARC) 108 and online (hybrid event)
Fri. April 17, noon–4:30 p.m, UCSC Digital Arts Research Center (DARC) 108 and online (hybrid event)
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ADMISSION
– UC Santa Cruz Arts Division students only
– Register to attend in person or online (hybrid event)
– Registration link coming soon!
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PARKING
– Parking by permit or ParkMobile
– Arts Lot #126 is the closest parking lot to the event
– Visitors with DMV placards or plates may park for free in DMV spaces, Medical spaces, or ParkMobile spaces without additional payment, or in timed zones for longer than the posted time.
– More information provided by UCSC Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS)
