Events

CSE Colloquium: Can Great Programmers Be Taught?
2025-10-08 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Engineering 2, Engineering 2 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Presenter: John Ousterhout, Stanford University
Abstract: People have been programming computers for more than 80 years, but there is little agreement on how to design software or even what a good design looks like. As a community, we talk a lot about tools and processes, but hardly at all about design. In this talk I will describe my recent work to identify and communicate a set of software design principles, including a new software design course at Stanford that is taught more like an English writing seminar than a traditional programming class, and a book on software design, which is based on the concepts from the class. I will also present a few of the design principles, such as "classes should be deep" and "general-purpose classes are deeper."
Bio: John Ousterhout is the Bosack Lerner Professor of Computer Science, Emeritus at Stanford University. His prior positions include 14 years in industry, where he founded two companies (Scriptics and Electric Cloud), preceded by 14 years as Professor of Computer Science at U.C. Berkeley. He is author of the book "A Philosophy of Software Design", co-creator of the Raft consensus protocol, and creator of the Tcl scripting language and the Tk toolkit. Ousterhout received a BS degree in Physics from Yale University and a PhD in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and has received numerous awards, including the ACM Software System Award, the ACM Grace Murray Hopper Award, the National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award, and the U.C. Berkeley Distinguished Teaching Award.
Hosted by: Professor Mohsen Lesani
*Refreshments such as coffee and pastries will be provided.

UCSC Community Connections Fall Gathering
2025-10-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Arboretum, 122 Arboretum Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Join UC Santa Cruz Community Connections on Wednesday, October 8, for our Fall Gathering. Our first general meeting of the academic year, it’s an opportunity to meet old and new friends, share a potluck lunch, learn more about the organization, investigate our array of interest groups, and join our group. The organization is open to campus and community members. Upcoming meetings on November 5 and February 4 are speaker meetings that begin at 11:30 am.
Meetings are held at the beautiful Arboretum, Horticulture Building II Classroom. Detailed directions to the Arboretum can be found on the Arboretum website.
October 8 11:00 – 1:00 Interest Group signups at 11:00 & Fiat Musica performance
Attendees are asked to contribute to the meeting lunches, see “Potluck instructions” except for this October 8th meeting where the lunch will be provided by the Board.

Research Lunch & Learn: Research-enabling agreements (MTAs, DUAs, and more)
2025-10-08 12:00 | CA
Join Jeff Jackson, Director of Innovation Transfer, and team on October 8, 12-1 p.m., as they discuss research-enabling agreements including Material Transfer, Data Transfer and Use, Nondisclosure Agreements, and Unfunded Collaboration Agreements. Speakers will share which agreements are appropriate in which situations, how to initiate review of such agreements, campus process, best practices for you to help make things more efficient, and potential pitfalls.

Resume Workshop with Google
2025-10-08 14:00 | Engineering 2, Engineering 2 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Are you submitting applications for internships and full-time opportunities this semester? Join us for this resume workshop to find out how the format, structure, and detailed content of your resume could maximize your chances of receiving an interview opportunity with Google. Don't forget to bring a copy of your most updated resume with you!

Understanding the Technical Interview Process at Google
2025-10-08 18:30 | Engineering 2, Engineering 2 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Curious of how the technical interview process at Google works? Are you gearing up for technical interviews this fall? Whether you’re Interested in their internships or full-time roles, you may want to brush up on those interview skills. Join us for mock questions and tips!

Talking Tales of the Undead
2025-10-08 18:30 - 21:30 | Santa Cruz Public Library
Join UC Santa Cruz professors Michael Chemers (The Monster in Theater History), Renée Fox (The Necromantics), and Kimberly J. Lau (Specters of the Marvelous) as they discuss the histories and politics of vampires, ghouls, zombies and other undead monsters in literature, theater, and pop culture in this free panel at the Downtown Branch of the Santa Cruz Public Library (224 Church St., downtown Santa Cruz). Chemers and Fox direct the Center for Monster Studies at UC Santa Cruz, while Lau will be giving one of the keynote addresses at the upcoming Festival of Monsters (October 15–18).
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ADMISSION
– FREE and open to the public
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AUDIENCE ADVISORIES
– Mature themes and content
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FUTURE FESTIVAL OF MONSTERS EVENTS
– Wed. Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m, Museum of Art & History (MAH): David Livingstone Smith Keynote
– Thurs. Oct. 16, 9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m, UCSC Digital Arts Research Center (DARC): Conference Panels, Kim Lau keynote
– Fri. Oct. 17, 9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m, UCSC Digital Arts Research Center (DARC): Conference Panels, Jeffery Jerome Cohen keynote
– Fri. Oct. 17, 8:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m, DARC 108 (No longer at the UCSC Cowell Ranch Hay Barn): Monsters Ball
– Sat. Oct. 18, 11:00 a.m, Bookshop Santa Cruz: “Oh! The Horror” Writers Panel
– Sat. Oct. 18, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m, Atlantis Fantasyworld: Cole Lemke, Horror Comic Artist
– Sat. Oct. 18, 6:00 p.m, Game Santa Cruz: “Blood on the Clocktower”
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This program is open to all members of the public consistent with state and federal law

Weatherwax, K. (CM) - LoFi to X and Y: Background Media Use as Colloquial Assistive Technology for Neurodivergent People
2025-10-09 10:00 | CA
Research in media psychology has often framed background media as a distraction that undermines performance. Such perspectives rely on narrow, output-oriented definitions of success and overlook the emotional, mental, social, and environmental needs that shape how people actually work. They also fail to account for neurodivergent experiences, ignoring the diverse ways people engage with media in daily life.

This dissertation uses a critical disability and neurodiversity lens to examine background media, with a focus on LoFi as a commonly used exemplar, as a form of colloquial assistive technology. Drawing on interviews and large-scale online discourse, I show how LoFi is not primarily used to increase productivity, but to manage affect, sustain attention, and reduce cognitive or sensory overload. Users describe it as a supportive presence—helping them transition into work, recover from fatigue, and feel accompanied in otherwise isolating contexts.

These findings challenge dominant narratives about distraction and media use. Rather than being passively consumed, background media is deliberately shaped and adopted as a source of support. This work rethinks what counts as assistive technology, foregrounds the self-directed practices of neurodivergent people, and offers design directions for systems that legitimize and extend such strategies.

Event Host: Kevin Weatherwax, Ph.D Candidate, Computational Media
Advisor: Kate Ringland

Developing Personal Projects & Building Your Brand with Google
2025-10-09 17:30 | Engineering 2, Engineering 2 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Learn directly from successful Googlers about how to highlight the qualities, skills, and talents that describe you as a professional by building a brand profile and mission statement.

Threaded Together: AA/PI/SWANA Community Welcome
2025-10-09 18:00 - 20:30 | Colleges Nine and John R. Lewis College Multi-purpose Room, 615 College Nine Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Join the Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center (AA/PIRC) on Thursday, October 9th from 6-8:30pm at the C9/JRLC MPR to celebrate the new school year by connecting with Asian American, Pasifika, and Southwest Asian & North African (SWANA) students and staff at UCSC!

There will be FREE FOOD, performances, and an org & resource fair! RSVP at bit.ly/aapirc-thread

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.

PMI Silicon Valley Symposium
2025-10-10 07:30 - 19:00 | Silicon Valley Campus, 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, 95054, United States
Project managers today are navigating more change than ever—new technologies, evolving teams, and rising complexity. To lead effectively, PMs must blend emotional intelligence with digital fluency, balancing human connection with AI-driven insights. Join UCSC Silicon Valley partner, the Project Management Institute Silicon Valley Chapter (PMISV), at this year’s symposium as industry leaders explore how modern project managers can adapt, inspire, and deliver in a world shaped by innovation and disruption.
Registration

PMISV Chapter and PMI members: $99 Early bird: $79
Non-Chapter and Non-PMI members: $119 Early bird: $99
Contact symposium@pmisv.org for the discount codes for the following:

Students
Veterans
PMISV Chapter active volunteers

This event is co-sponsored by the UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education Project and Program Management certificate program.

Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms at Google
2025-10-10 11:30 | Engineering 2, Engineering 2 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Interested in learning more about data structures and algorithms? Join Google for this highly informative workshop!

Resume Review with Google at Career Success
2025-10-10 14:00 | Hahn Student Services, Hahn Student Services, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Google reps will be at our Career Success office to give resumes and answer your questions about the hiring process or life at Google.

Welcome Black BBQ
2025-10-10 14:00 - 17:00 | CA
The African American Resource and Cultural Center (AARCC) is excited to invite you to our Welcome Black BBQ!

Friday, October 10th
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Stevenson Knoll (Click on the link for directions)

Join AARCC for an afternoon filled with delicious food, music, games, and fun activities! This event is a great opportunity to build community, make new friends, and learn more about the AARCC and other campus resources that will be joining us.
✨ All students are welcome, so bring your friends and come celebrate the start of the year with us!!
For any questions or accommodation requests, feel free to contact Mcosio@ucsc.edu.
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.

Scoops of Safety
2025-10-10 16:00 | Cowell Courtyard, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
As Slug Start continues, swing by the Cowell Courtyard for a sweet break and a chance to connect. Enjoy free ice cream scoops, explore resources at the SHOP tabling, and learn about the Title IX Red Zone Campaign. Play games, pick up giveaways, and meet new friends in a welcoming space for all students.
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.

La Bienvenida: Lucha, Fuerza, y Esperanza
2025-10-11 20:00 - 23:00 | CA
For over two decades, El Centro has hosted La Bienvenida as a way to foster belonging for Chicanx, Latine, and multiracial students. This year, Bienvenida expands into a two-day welcome series designed to introduce and connect new and returning students with El Centro, Chicanx and Latine student organizations, and the broader UCSC community.
Rooted in the theme “Lucha, Fuerza y Esperanza,” the celebration will feature Ritmo de Nuestras Culturas, a baile on Saturday, October 11, 2025, followed by Dominguero: Prosperando en Comunidad, a more intimate carne asada–style gathering on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Through music, food, storytelling, and intentional relationship-building, Bienvenida cultivates comunidad while honoring El Centro’s mission of affirming Chicanx and Latine communities. This series offers meaningful opportunities for students to connect with peers and cultural resources that will support their academic, social, and personal journeys at UC Santa Cruz. Open to all UCSC students, Bienvenida is organized by El Centro in collaboration with Porter and Kresge Colleges.
Please email elcentro@ucsc.edu with any questions or concerns.

Successful Slug Workshop: Campus Community & Student Success
2025-10-13 11:30 - 12:30 | Academic Resources Center (ARC), 408 McHenry Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Campus Community and Student Success
Monday, October 13, 11:40 a.m.–12:25 p.m.
Location: ARCenter 203
Discover ways to get involved on campus and learn how building community supports your success at UCSC.
Successful Slug Workshop Series
Join Learning Support Services (LSS) for Successful Slug Workshops on Mondays at 11:40 a.m. and Wednesdays at 2:05 p.m.
These 45-minute workshops are open to all UCSC students and offer tools and strategies to support your academic success. Each session highlights best practices for effective, long-lasting learning and is led by LSS professional staff.
To get first priority, sign up on TutorHub or simply drop in. You can also sign up on TutorHub to receive email reminders.
Learn more and sign up: learningsupport.ucsc.edu/programs/workshops/

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.

Orientation to Community Archiving
2025-10-13 15:00 - 16:30 | Humanities and Social Sciences, 420 Hagar Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Learn about the importance of preserving and documenting the history and culture of our community through archiving.
We will discuss how the rise of interest in Community Archives has transformed the way collective memories are curated, capturing forgotten and suppressed voices, reshaping our understanding of what archives are and how they function, and challenging long-held assumptions about the role of professionals in mediating and sharing history.
The presenter, Rebecca Hernandez, is currently the inaugural Community Archivist at the UC Santa Cruz University Library, where she collaborates with community members to preserve the rich history and cultural heritage of Santa Cruz County. Her academic background includes a PhD in American Studies, MA in American Indian Studies, and an MFA in Design.
This is a hybrid event, with some space available in Humanities 2-259, and a virtual option available. Please RSVP here to be added to the Google Calendar event.

AM Seminar: Faculty Lightning Talk
2025-10-13 16:00 - 17:00 | CA
Join us for a fast-paced showcase of applied mathematics faculty research in this week’s AM Seminar, featuring lightning talks that spotlight the department’s wide-ranging interests—from [astro and geo]-fluid dynamics and numerical methods to environmental sensing, machine learning, genetics, and mathematical biology. Discover the innovative projects driving our community and learn about potential hands-on student research project opportunities that bridge theory, computation, and real-world impact.

Speakers include: Marcella Gomez, Ashesh Chattopadhyay, Pascale Garaud, Dongwook Lee, Nilah Ioannidis, Nic Brummell, Hongyun Wang, Julie Simons, Javier González-Rocha

October Slugs & Steins with Professor Kimberly Lau
2025-10-13 18:30 | CA
Race and the European Fairy Tale: The Making of a White Genre

In this talk, Kimberly Lau offers intertwined readings of several cognate fairy tales that revolve around true and false brides, beginning with Black slaves and white fairies in 17th-century Naples and tracing their evolution into (implicitly raced but unmarked) kind and unkind girls in 19th-century Germany. Through her readings, Lau illustrates some of the ways that culturally specific, historical ideas about race, racial thinking, and racism have contributed to the development of the European fairy tale as a genre as well as to the creation of the fairy tale’s enduringly white world.

Workplace Mental Health Training for Supervisors and Managers
2025-10-14 12:00 | CA
The Office of Risk Services has partnered with OHSU’s Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Services to provide mental health support training to UCSC supervisors and managers.
This evidence based program teaches leaders:

To identify employee mental health struggles
Appropriate ways to respond to employee warning signs
Practical strategies to reduce employee stress

Employees whose managers and supervisors were trained in this program report:

Reduced anger and loneliness
Improved feelings of support from manager
Increased feelings of team cohesion

This training is open to all supervisors and managers at UCSC. Our next training session will take place on Tuesday, October 14, and will comprise the following:

A self paced online training session
A live, virtual one hour session
A two-week voluntary virtual check in

If you would like to participate in this training on Tuesday, October 14,12:00 PM – 2:30 PM please fill out this form. Please note that space is limited. Folks added to the waitlist will be given priority for our next training session.

To learn more, please visit the Workplace Mental Health Training for Supervisors and Managers website.
If you have any questions about this training, please reach out to Jessica Bulleri, Campus Health and Well-being Manager, at jbulleri@ucsc.edu.

Addressing Basic Needs in Higher Education: Innovative Research and Policy to Support UC Student Success
2025-10-14 12:00 | CA
This event, co-sponsored by the Partnership with California Initiative for Health Equity and Action (Cal-IHEA), features research insights and evidence-based recommendations to strengthen basic needs programs and resources for students in higher education. UC Essential Needs Consortium awardees Camelia Hostinar, Matthew Landry, Laura Enriquez, and Suzanna Martinez will present findings from their recently completed research in a panel moderated by Heather Bullock and Denise Payán.

Pride Night with Women's Soccer
2025-10-14 16:00 - 19:00 | CA
Join the Cantu Queer Center and Women’s Soccer for a Pride Game on 10/14/25. Game starts at 4pm at East Field. First 50 students will receive a FREE tshirt. There will be snacks, swag, and PRIDE!!!

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.

How to Optimize Your Career Fair Experience
2025-10-14 17:30 | CA
Interested in attending an upcoming career fair but not sure what to do once you're there? We can help with that!
Join us and hear some quick tips on how to work a career fair. Some of the discussion topics will include:

What should you do to prepare in advance?
How should you engage with recruiters and other attendees?
Are there any practices or strategies to be mindful of before, during, and after?
Plus much more…

Career fairs can be a solid way to engage with recruiters to learn about job and internship opportunities as well as get an idea of what it’s like to work in a field that you might be interested in, and having a better understanding of how to navigate your experience can help make a huge difference. Join us today!

Respond, Don't React: Recognizing and Managing Emotional Triggers
2025-10-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Silicon Valley Campus, 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, 95054, United States
In a world of nonstop change and pressure, even the most experienced professionals get triggered in ways that throw us off course—hurting performance and straining relationships. In this presentation by the Silicon Valley chapter of the NHRA, we’ll explore what’s really happening when emotions take over, why it matters, and what we can do about it. Through real stories, group discussion, and practical tools, you’ll learn how to spot your own triggers, make space to respond instead of react, and better support others in the process. These tools aren’t just for managing stress—they help build trust, empathy, and stronger teams. You’ll walk away with simple strategies you can use right away for tough conversations, conflict, or just when everything feels like a little too much – both personally and professionally.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Spot the signs—learn to recognize how your body and brain react when you’re emotionally triggered.
• Get curious about cognitive blind spots—where might triggers be getting in the way of how we show up and lead?
• Build our ability to pause, regroup, and respond instead of react.
• Walk away with simple tools to better support yourself and create more space and trust for others, too.
AGENDA
5:30 PM IN-PERSON NETWORKING (dinner included)
6:00 PM VIRTUAL SESSION BEGINS
6:05 PM LEGAL UPDATES
6:15 PM PROGRAM
7:15 PM Q&A
ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Jeff Jacobs
Jeff is a recognized leadership development and organizational effectiveness executive who has facilitated and consulted on 500+ engagements over the past 10 years as an employee of top-tier companies like Adobe and Intuit. His diverse experience expands beyond the corporate world to chairing three non-profit boards, serving as an Assistant Lecturer at Haas School of Business at U.C. Berkeley, acquiring three certifications in compassionate leadership and mindfulness practices, including from Stanford Medical School, and even years of working with maximum-security inmates in California prisons. Jeff is a Contributing Author to the Amazon Best-Seller, “Leading with Self Awareness, Starting from the Inside Out,” and is working on his own first book, “Still Coming of Age, Cultivating Compassion for Lifelong Flourishing.”
This event is co-sponsored by the UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education Human Resource Management certificate program.

Festival of Monsters 2025
2025-10-15 00:00 - 2025-10-18 23:59 | Digital Arts Research Center, 407 McHenry Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
The Festival of Monsters returns for the annual academic conference with public performances, installations, readings, and more. Learn more about the Center for Monster Studies here and refer to the full schedule of events, below, for individual event details.
Co-presented by the UC Santa Cruz Center for Monster Studies, Department of Performance, Play & Design, The Humanities Institute (THI), and Porter College.
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ADMISSION
– Open to the public
– Some events have required registration; refer to individual event listings in the full schedule of events
– UCSC students, faculty, and staff registration HERE
– Academic conference registration for non-affiliates HERE
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AUDIENCE ADVISORIES
– Mature themes and content
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FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
– Wed. Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m, Museum of Art & History (MAH): David Livingstone Smith Keynote
– Thurs. Oct. 16, 9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m, UCSC Digital Arts Research Center (DARC): Conference Panels, Kim Lau keynote
– Fri. Oct. 17, 9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m, UCSC Digital Arts Research Center (DARC): Conference Panels, Jeffery Jerome Cohen keynote
– Fri. Oct. 17, 8:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m, UCSC Digital Arts Research Center—DARC 108: Monsters Ball (previously advertised location of the Hay Barn was incorrect)
– Sat. Oct. 18, 11:00 a.m, Bookshop Santa Cruz: “Oh! The Horror” Writers Panel
– Sat. Oct. 18, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m, Atlantis Fantasyworld: Cole Lemke, Horror Comic Artist
– Sat. Oct. 18, 6:00 p.m, Game Santa Cruz: “Blood on the Clocktower”
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This program is open to all members of the public consistent with state and federal law.

2025 Fall STEM Career & Internship Fair
2025-10-15 11:00 | Stevenson Event Center, Stevenson Service Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
Here is a chance to meet tech recruiters in person!
If you are interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or research, then take advantage of this opportunity to meet recruiters from companies looking to fill various positions (both technical and non-technical). Learn more about internships and full-time career opportunities. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent alumni are all welcome to attend!
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.
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")
Get career tips on demand from our Career Success YouTube video library
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 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.

Healthy Relationships Workshop Series
2025-10-15 11:30 - 13:00 | CA
In honor of Relationship, Dating, and Domestic Violence Awareness/Action Month (RDDVAM), join CARE for a workshop series all about relationships and boundaries. We’ll practice identifying aspects of healthy and unhealthy relationships and talk about the importance of setting boundaries with ourselves and in our relationships. Snacks and refreshments provided!
Workshop 1 | Green, Yellow, Red: Wednesday, October 15th from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Kerr Hall, Room 160
Workshop 2 | Boundaries & Beyond!: Wednesday, October 29th from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m at Kerr Hall, Room 160
All UCSC students are welcome! You can attend either or both workshops – attendance at one is not required for attendance in the other. For any questions, accessibility needs, or accommodations, please email care_pec@ucsc.edu.
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. Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications

Campus to Career: Job Talk with Kristen Amicone, Education Program Specialist
2025-10-15 12:30 | CA
Are you curious about careers in education or nonprofits? Join this job talk with UCSC Humanities alum Kristen Amicone, a doctoral student with expertise in nonprofits, educational programming, and leadership. Kristen will share insights from her academic and professional experience, from being a transfer student, to making career transition decisions, to navigating an online graduate school program.
Learn more about Kristen:
Kristen Amicone is a UCSC Feminist Studies and Kresge alumna and a lifelong Californian. Growing up in the Inland Empire, she moved to Santa Cruz to attend UCSC and then to San Diego for her first stint in grad school at SDSU. After working in the nonprofit sector for 15 years, she made the jump to education/government work with the San Diego County Office of Education. Kristen specializes in employee/volunteer engagement and educational programming. She returned to school in 2022, earning her MSNPA from Louisiana State University, Shreveport (LSUS) in 2023 before applying for and getting accepted to the EdD program at the same institution. Her research interests include employee engagement, change confidence, and leadership. She lives in La Mesa, a small town right outside San Diego, and enjoys theatre, movies, and horror novels.

Creative Interventions: Catherine Provenzano
2025-10-15 16:00 - 17:35 | CA
Since the shift to predominantly digital audio recording, manufacturers of software tools have stepped in claiming to make production work faster and easier while unlocking the artist/producer’s creative potential. In 2016, artist Justin Bieber explained to the New York Times Magazine that the way producers Diplo and Skrillex were able to manipulate Ableton on his hit Where Are Ü Now resulted in what he affirmatively coined as “expensive-sounding sounds.” More recent messaging around sounds that “stand out” is surging as most major music software outfits roll out new AI tools meant to do everything from automate the engineer’s vocal chain to help the artist quickly find and tailor samples.
Refusing to take these claims at face value, this talk will consider several songs, advertisements, and demonstration videos from the last 25 years and ask, what makes a technology “creative” in practice? And under what conditions?
This presentation is an interactive listening exercise that brings together conceptions of creative musical production and interrogates the ways software designers lay claim to and promise creativity. Participants are encouraged to assemble examples from their own listening and creative lives and present them for group discussion.
This event is presented as part of the Creative Interventions (CI) Series and is co-sponsored by the Arts Division’s Creative Technologies program and Porter College at UC Santa Cruz.
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ADMISSION
– Free and open to UCSC affiliates.
– This is an online event.
– Registration is required here.
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ADVISORIES
– Participants are encouraged to assemble examples from their own listening and creative lives and be prepared to present them for group discussion during this interactive online event.
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FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
– Event dates to be announced throughout the 2025-26 academic year.
– Learn more about the Creative Intervention Series here.
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ABOUT THE SERIES
Creative Interventions addresses the interconnected work of artists, designers, activists, and knowledge workers—and the intrinsic and transformative capacity of that work to cultivate a just society. More information about the Creative Technologies program.
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This program is open to all UC Santa Cruz affiliates consistent with state and federal law.

SJRC Meet & Greet
2025-10-15 16:00 - 18:00 | CA
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
4:00-6:00 PM
Oakes Academic Building, Room 231 + Zoom (register)
Please join the Science & Justice Research Center for a beginning of quarter social hour. In addition to a chance to celebrate the new academic year and enjoy each other’s company, we will welcome new members to our community, and welcome back others.
This will be a great chance for everyone to meet and foster emerging collaborations! Attendees are highly encouraged to bring and share their objects of study as it is a fun and helpful way to find intersecting areas of interest. Some previous objects shared have been: soil samples, a piece of the Berlin wall, bamboo, newly launched books, a stick, sugar, human blood, a human liver, and food.
Faculty or students interested in science and justice who want to learn more about SJRC collaborative projects, the Training Program, or would like to affiliate with Science & Justice are highly encouraged to join us in person or over Zoom.
