Challenge yourself: Take courses on the UC Santa Cruz campus

  • Do you desire university-level credits?
  • Are thinking about returning to school, but are not sure if you want to study full-time?
  • Do you need only a course or two to complete degree requirements at another institution?
  • Would you like to take a graduate course?
  • Interested in picking up the latest information in your profession?
  • Are you still in high school and want to take a college course?

The Open Campus program gives community members the opportunity to explore an exciting topic. It also allows UCSC students the chance to finish a degree without being formally admitted to a degree program. Note: Enrollment is handled differently depending on your student status and which quarter you choose to enroll. Open enrollment meets different needs. 

Enroll today in winter 2026 courses! 

Planning to take a class to complete your undergraduate degree?

If yes, you must meet specific Open Campus requirements:

  1. Outstanding campus debt
    All campus debts must be paid in full before applying. Failing to report outstanding balances may lead to application denial.

  2. Academic standing
    You must be in good academic standing. If you’re on academic warning, probation, or have a hold, you must include written approval from your college with your Open Campus application.

  3. Senior residency
    Courses taken through Open Campus count toward the senior residency requirement.

  4. Current student status
    If you are currently enrolled at UCSC and plan to withdraw or take a leave to enroll through Open Campus, you must follow the Withdrawal/Leave of Absence policy and the Refund Schedule. You may still be responsible for part or all of your UCSC registration fees.

  5. Credit limit: 7-unit maximum
    You can take a maximum of 7 credits per quarter through Open Campus. To request more, email: opencampus@ucsc.edu.

  6. Graduate-level courses (200 and above)
    These require approval from the dean of Graduate Studies.

  7. Instructor approval required
    Instructors may ask to see your unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. Note: UCSC students have priority enrollment. If you withdraw from UCSC to take a course through Open Campus, you may lose your seat in the class. Talk to the instructor and your advisor first before deciding to withdraw or take a leave.

  8. Final Course for Graduation
    If this course is your last requirement to graduate, you’ll need your advisor’s approval as part of the application process.

UCSC degree completer enrollment process

  1. Reach out to your advisor

    If you need assistance deciding what course to take to fulfill your graduation requirements, please work closely with your advisor. Open Campus Staff cannot advise on which courses to take.

  2. Search for the course

    Search to ensure the course you are interested in will be offered during the quarter you are enrolling for. You will need all of the course information listed to apply.

  3. Register and pay application fee

    Register for section UCSC.1000 and pay a one-time application fee. If you are a returning Open Campus student, please email opencampus@ucsc.edu and we will register you for the next session.

  4. Submit Open Campus form

    Submit a completed Open Campus Enrollment Form and pay your tuition by the deadlines indicated in the fee schedule.

Apply for an Open Campus course using this form.

I submitted my application, now what?

Open Campus enrollment process

  1. Email confirmation

    After you submit your enrollment form, you'll receive a confirmation email from the Open Campus team.

  2. Enrollment form verification

    The Open Campus team will review your form to make sure all information is accurate. If anything needs correction, they’ll contact you.

  3. Instructor approval

    Open Campus staff will reach out to the course instructor for approval. If the instructor denies your request, you'll be notified. If approved, your enrollment will move forward.

  4. Prerequisite check

    The instructor may request an unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. The Open Campus team will let you know if this is needed. Your enrollment won't proceed until the transcript is submitted and reviewed.

  5. Advisor/dean approval (if required)

    If needed, the Open Campus team will contact your advisor for approval. For graduate-level courses, approval from the Dean of Graduate Studies may also be required. If enrollment is denied at this stage, you’ll be notified. Otherwise, your enrollment will continue.

  6. Holds check

    Your UCSC account will be checked for any holds. Holds that block enrollment at UCSC will also block Open Campus enrollment. If a hold was placed by your advisor, they can approve your enrollment directly with the Open Campus team to bypass it.

  7. Canvas access

    Once approved, you’ll be added to the course on Canvas.

  8. Final enrollment and payment

    You’ll get an email once you’re officially enrolled. Note: Open Campus courses are managed through your UCSC Extension portal—not your MyUCSC portal. All payments must be made in the Extension portal before the deadline. If you miss the payment deadline, you’ll be dropped from the course.

  9. Final frades and transcripts

    At the end of the quarter, your instructor will submit your grade. Once the Open Campus team receives it, an official transcript will be sent to the main campus to count the course toward your graduation. You can also request additional transcripts if needed

Open Campus enrollment process

  1. Search for the course

    Search to ensure the course you are interested in will be offered during the quarter you are enrolling for. You will need all of the course information listed to apply. The enrollment form requires the name and email of the instructor.

  2. Register & Pay Application Fee

    Register for section UCSC.1000 and pay a one-time application fee. If you are a returning Open Campus student, please email opencampus@ucsc.edu and we will register you for the next session.

  3. Submit Open Campus Form

    Submit a completed Open Campus enrollment form and pay your tuition by the deadlines indicated in the fee schedule.

 

Non-UCSC students may apply here for Open Campus.

I submitted my application, now what?

Open Campus enrollment steps

  1. Email confirmation

    After you submit your enrollment form, you’ll get a confirmation email from the Open Campus team.

  2. Enrollment form verification

    The Open Campus team will review your form to ensure everything is correct. If anything is missing or needs clarification, they’ll contact you.

  3.  Instructor approval

    The Open Campus team will request approval from the course instructor. If approved: your enrollment will move forward. If denied: you’ll be notified by the Open Campus team.

  4. Prerequisite check

    Some instructors may request your unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. The Open Campus team will let you know if that’s the case. Enrollment won't move forward until the transcript is submitted and reviewed.

  5. Canvas access

    Once approved, you’ll be added to the course on Canvas.

  6. Final enrollment and payment

    The Open Campus team will officially enroll you and send you a confirmation email. You must pay through your UCSC Extension account (not MyUCSC) before the payment deadline. If you don’t pay on time, you’ll be dropped from the course.

  7. Final grades

    At the end of the quarter, your instructor will submit your grade. You can request transcripts as needed once grades are available.

Take university level courses while completing your high school diploma!

High school students can attend UCSC courses through Open Campus. High school students can attend any course they are interested in as long as they have met the requirements below.

  1. Course prerequisites must be met, if the course has any.

  2. The instructor must approve the enrollment.

  3. The student’s parents or legal guardians must agree and sign the enrollment form.

  4. The high school must approve and a representative must sign the enrollment form.

Privacy of student records

Parents/guardians, and individuals who are not the applicant/student: Any student who enrolls through UCSC Silicon Valley (even minors) has the right to privacy of their student record under FERPA. UCSC Silicon Valley will not be able to release student information including schedule, status of their course request, or payment information. Visit FERPA (Student Records) for more information.

Before taking any college level courses, reach out to your school counselor to ensure the course will not affect your college admission.

Open Campus enrollment process

  1. Search for the course.

    Search to ensure the course you are interested in will be offered during the quarter you are enrolling for. You will need all of the course information listed to apply.

  2. Register and pay application fee.

    Register for section UCSC.1000 and pay a one-time application fee. If you are a returning Open Campus student, please email opencampus@ucsc.edu and we will register you for the next session.

  3. Get authorization from your high school representative.

  4. Get authorization from your parent or legal guardian.

  5. Submit Open Campus form.

    Submit a completed Open Campus Enrollment Form and pay your tuition by the deadlines indicated in the fee schedule.

I submitted my application, now what?

Open Campus enrollment steps

  1. Email confirmation

    After you submit your enrollment form, you’ll get a confirmation email from the Open Campus team.

  2. Enrollment form verification

    The Open Campus team will review your form to ensure everything is correct. If anything is missing or needs clarification, they’ll contact you.

  3. Instructor approval

    The Open Campus team will request approval from the course instructor. If approved, your enrollment will move forward. You’ll be notified by the Open Campus team if your enrollment is denied.

  4. Prerequisite check

    Some instructors may request your unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. The Open Campus team will let you know if that’s the case. Enrollment won't move forward until the transcript is submitted and reviewed.

  5. Canvas access

    Once approved, you’ll be added to the course on Canvas.

  6. Final enrollment and payment

    The Open Campus team will officially enroll you and send you a confirmation email. You must pay through your UCSC Extension account (not MyUCSC) before the payment deadline. If you don’t pay on time, you’ll be dropped from the course.

  7. Final Grades

    At the end of the quarter, your instructor will submit your grade. You can request transcripts as needed once grades are available.

Open Campus enrollment process

  1. Search for the course

    Search to ensure the course you are interested in will be offered during the quarter you are enrolling for. You will need all of the course information listed to apply. The enrollment form requires the name and email of the instructor.

  2. Register and pay application fee

    Register for section UCSC.1000 and pay a one-time application fee. If you are a returning Open Campus student, please email opencampus@ucsc.edu and we will register you for the next session.

  3. Submit Open Campus form

    Submit a completed Open Campus Enrollment Form and pay your tuition by the deadlines indicated in the fee schedule.

I submitted my application, now what?

Open Campus enrollment steps

  1. Email Confirmation

    After you submit your enrollment form, you’ll get a confirmation email from the Open Campus team.

  2. Enrollment form verification

    The Open Campus team will review your form to ensure everything is correct. If anything is missing or needs clarification, they’ll contact you.

  3. Instructor approval

    The Open Campus team will request approval from the course instructor. If approved: your enrollment will move forward. If denied: you’ll be notified by the Open Campus team.

  4. Prerequisite check 

    Some instructors may request your unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. The Open Campus team will let you know if that’s the case. Enrollment won't move forward until the transcript is submitted and reviewed.

  5. Canvas access

    Once approved, you’ll be added to the course on Canvas.

  6. Final enrollment and payment

    The Open Campus team will officially enroll you and send you a confirmation email. Before the payment deadline, you must pay through your UCSC Extension account—not through MyUCSC. If you don’t pay on time, you’ll be dropped from the course.

  7. Final grades

    At the end of the quarter, your instructor will submit your grade. You can request transcripts as needed once grades are available.

More information coming soon!

Advance your academic journey and fulfill graduate program prerequisites with Open Campus courses at UCSC Silicon Valley Extension.

Whether you're preparing for an MBA, or other advanced studies, our flexible, high-quality courses allow you to complete essential prerequisites while gaining experience in a rigorous university setting. Earn academic credit that may be transferable to accredited institutions, strengthen your graduate applications, and build the foundational knowledge needed to excel in your chosen field. Explore a wide range of subjects and take the next step toward your graduate education today.

Make sure to send the course syllabus to your institution and get approval!

We cannot guarantee transfer of credit to any other college or university. We recommend consulting with your institution before enrolling, as transfer and articulation of course credit is always up to the receiving institution.

Preparing for a health professions school?

Fulfill prerequisites or boost your GPA with our Premed Postbaccalaureate program. Take courses to change careers or enhance your academic record to maximize your graduation admissions opportunities.

Open Campus enrollment process

  1. Search for the course

    Search to ensure the course you are interested in will be offered during the quarter you are enrolling for. You will need all of the course information listed to apply. The enrollment form requires the name and email of the instructor.

  2. Register and pay application fee

    Register for section UCSC.1000 and pay a one-time application fee. If you are a returning Open Campus student, please email opencampus@ucsc.edu and we will register you for the next session.

  3. Submit Open Campus form

    Submit a completed Open Campus Enrollment Form and pay your tuition by the deadlines indicated in the fee schedule.

I submitted my application, now what?

Open Campus enrollment steps

  1. Email confirmation

    After you submit your enrollment form, you’ll get a confirmation email from the Open Campus team.

  2. Enrollment form verification

    The Open Campus team will review your form to ensure everything is correct. If anything is missing or needs clarification, they’ll contact you.

  3. Instructor approval

    The Open Campus team will request approval from the course instructor. If approved: your enrollment will move forward. If denied: you’ll be notified by the Open Campus team.

  4. Prerequisite check

    Some instructors may request your unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. The Open Campus team will let you know if that’s the case. Enrollment won't move forward until the transcript is submitted and reviewed.

  5. 5. Canvas access 

    Once approved, you’ll be added to the course on Canvas.

  6. Final enrollment and payment

    The Open Campus team will officially enroll you and send you a confirmation email. You must pay through your UCSC Extension account (not MyUCSC) before the payment deadline. If you don’t pay on time, you’ll be dropped from the course.

  7. Final grades

    At the end of the quarter, your instructor will submit your grade. You can request transcripts as needed once grades are available.

You can take graduate level courses without applying for a degree through Open Campus.

Any graduate level course is available for enrollment through Open Campus as long as the instructor and the Dean of Graduate Studies

Open Campus enrollment process

  1. Search for the course

    Search to ensure the course you are interested in will be offered during the quarter you are enrolling for. You will need all of the course information listed to apply.

  2. Register and pay application fee

    Register for section UCSC.1000 and pay a one-time application fee. If you are a returning Open Campus student, please email opencampus@ucsc.edu and we will register you for the next session.

  3. Submit Open Campus form

    Submit a completed Open Campus enrollment form and pay your tuition by the deadlines indicated in the fee schedule.

I submitted my application, now what?

Open Campus enrollment process

  1. Email confirmation

    After you submit your enrollment form, you'll receive a confirmation email from the Open Campus team.

  2. Enrollment form verification

    The Open Campus team will review your form to make sure all information is accurate. If anything needs correction, they’ll contact you.

  3. Instructor approval

    Open Campus staff will reach out to the course instructor for approval. If the instructor denies your request, you'll be notified. If approved, your enrollment will move forward.

  4. Prerequisite check

    The instructor may request an unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. The Open Campus team will let you know if this is needed. Your enrollment won't proceed until the transcript is submitted and reviewed.

  5. Advisor/dean approval (if required)

    If needed, the Open Campus team will contact your advisor for approval. For graduate-level courses, approval from the dean of Graduate Studies may also be required. If enrollment is denied at this stage, you’ll be notified. Otherwise, your enrollment will continue.

  6. Canvas access

    Once approved, you’ll be added to the course on Canvas.

  7. Final enrollment and payment

    You’ll get an email once you’re officially enrolled. Note: Open Campus courses are managed through your UCSC Extension portal—not your MyUCSC portal. All payments must be made in the Extension portal before the deadline. If you miss the payment deadline, you’ll be dropped from the course.

  8. Final grades and transcripts

    At the end of the quarter, your instructor will submit your grade. Once the Open Campus team receives it, an official transcript will be sent to the main campus to count the course toward your graduation. You can also request additional transcripts if needed

Open Campus enrollment process

  1. Search for the course

    Search to ensure the course you are interested in will be offered during the quarter you are enrolling for. You will need all of the course information listed to apply.

  2. Register and pay application fee

    Register for section UCSC.1000 and pay a one-time application fee. If you are a returning Open Campus student, please email opencampus@ucsc.edu and we will register you for the next session.

  3. Submit Open Campus form

    Submit a completed Open Campus Enrollment Form and pay your tuition by the deadlines indicated in the fee schedule.

I submitted my application, now what?

Open Campus enrollment process

  1. Email confirmation

    After you submit your enrollment form, you'll receive a confirmation email from the Open Campus team.

  2. Enrollment form verification

    The Open Campus team will review your form to make sure all information is accurate. If anything needs correction, they’ll contact you.

  3. Instructor approval

    Open Campus staff will reach out to the course instructor for approval. If the instructor denies your request, you'll be notified. If approved, your enrollment will move forward.

  4. Prerequisite check

    The instructor may request an unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. The Open Campus team will let you know if this is needed. Your enrollment won't proceed until the transcript is submitted and reviewed.

  5. Advisor/dean approval (if required)

    If needed, the Open Campus team will contact your advisor for approval. For graduate-level courses, approval from the Dean of Graduate Studies may also be required. If enrollment is denied at this stage, you’ll be notified. Otherwise, your enrollment will continue.

  6. Canvas access

    Once approved, you’ll be added to the course on Canvas.

  7. Final enrollment and payment

    You’ll get an email once you’re officially enrolled. Note: Open Campus courses are managed through your UCSC Extension portal—not your MyUCSC portal. All payments must be made in the Extension portal before the deadline. If you miss the payment deadline, you’ll be dropped from the course.

  8. Final grades and transcripts

    At the end of the quarter, your instructor will submit your grade. Once the Open Campus team receives it, an official transcript will be sent to the main campus to count the course toward your graduation. You can also request additional transcripts if needed

Summer quarter enrollment

The Open Campus program is available during the fall, winter, and spring quarters only. Here is the UCSC academic calendar.

In the summer quarter, Open Campus is handled differently. Courses are available through UCSC Summer Session.

ADA accommodations for Open Campus students

Open Campus students who participate in courses taught at the main campus in Santa Cruz must contact the UCSC Disability Resource Center for services. Contact opencampus@ucsc.edu. The Open Campus team will help connect your with the Disability Resource Center.

Resources for UCSC instructors and advisors

Check prerequisites before signing the form.

When a student requests enrollment into a course, the Silicon Valley Extension Open Campus Registrar will reach out to the instructor and/or the department. If prerequisites are needed, Extension can request that students provide transcripts and send them to the instructor or department.

Priority goes to matriculated students.

Please note that priority for enrollment into the courses goes to matriculated, degree-seeking students. It is up to the discretion of the instructor and department to allow Open Campus students into the courses on an available basis. 

No registration codes needed.

Open Campus students don’t need registration codes and they do not show on the roster so they cannot take up seats or join waitlists. So if, for example, a course has five openings and one is given to an Open Campus student, that won’t be reflected in the roster. 

Submit grades through DocuSign.

UCSC Extension will send a DocuSign form to submit grades, please look in your email for the form at the end of the quarter.

Contact us!

If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance, please email opencampus@ucsc.edu