Undergraduate Advising
Advising support from our staff
Students interested in declaring a politics major can meet with our staff advisor to develop an academic plan, and current politics majors can get help with updating their academic plans and ensuring progress toward graduation.
Peer advising
Peer advisors are currently enrolled students who answer questions about major and minor requirements, assist with academic planning, help prepare a declaration of major/minor paperwork, and provide guidance on UCDC, UC Sacramento, and study abroad program requirements. Peer advisors can also be reached via Google Meet.
Add us to your Google contacts: lgstpoli@ucsc.edu.
Make an appointment or drop in for peer advising at the following times:
- In-Person (In Merrill 8): Mon. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Tues. 1:15 – 3:15 p.m.
- Remote (via Google Meet): Fri. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Meet your advisors
Jerry Diaz, Politics Undergraduate Advisor
Jerry is a Banana Slug alumnus who studied sociology, with an education minor. He has a master’s degree in higher education, with an emphasis on theories of student development, from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jerry has exercised a lifelong passion for student affairs work in academic advising and guidance since 2012. When not in the office, he enjoys a good run, cooking, a hockey game, and a nice read. Jerry is committed to your academic success and invites you to connect for an academic advising session.
Marisol Ornelas, Politics & Legal Studies Peer Advisor
Marisol is a senior double majoring in politics and legal studies. In her free time, she enjoys learning new things, traveling, and collecting shoes. In addition to being a politics and legal studies peer advisor, she is a Senderos community engagement intern, a Cowell College residential advisor, and a member of the Human Rights Investigations Lab. I am thrilled to be joining the team and eager to help my fellow POLI and LGST slugs in their academic planning journey.
Annika Wiederin, Politics & Legal Studies CUIP Intern
My name is Annika (she/her), and I am a third-year student pursuing a double major in Legal Studies and Psychology. Beyond my studies, I serve as a hotline responder, volunteer at various organizations, and am captain of the women’s club soccer team. I enjoy reading at coffee shops and exploring nearby towns with friends in my free time. This year, I look forward to organizing community events with Legal Studies alumni to assist fellow students in exploring job opportunities after graduation.
Lesly Lizarraga, Politics & Legal Studies Peer Advisor
My name is Lesly Lizarraga (she/her) and I’m currently a second-year student pursuing a major in Politics and minor in Legal Studies. Beyond my education, I enjoy reading, journaling, and going on spontaneous adventures either by myself or with friends. After graduation, I plan on attending Law School in hopes of becoming an immigration lawyer and maybe even move back to Tucson, Arizona (where I was born). In addition to being a Politics and Legal Studies Peer Advisor, I’m also a Perk employee and a Mentor for the Mentor Collective Program. I’m more than excited to be joining the POLI/LGST Advising team and can’t wait to provide my peers with both support and guidance as they embark on their academic journey.
Cat Comella, Politics & Legal Studies Peer Advisor
My name is Cat (she/they). I am a second-year double majoring in Psychology and Sociology with a double minor in Legal Studies and Anthropology. In my free time, I love exploring new coffee shops, reading books, going to concerts, and dancing! As well as being a Politics and Legal Studies Peer Advisor, I am a Student Supervisor at Global Village Cafe. I am very excited to be a part of this team, and to connect with everyone in the Politics and Legal Studies major and minor! Please feel free to reach out to me at ccomella@ucsc.edu with any questions or concerns!
Major and minor requirements
Politics undergraduate forms
Declaring the Politics major
Step 1
Complete two introductory Politics courses* (chosen from Politics 1-70) with a grade of C or better.
Step 2
Fill and complete the Academic Plan Form (APF) and share it with the Politics Advisor at gdiaz5@ucsc.edu with the message “Declaring POLI major.”
Declaring the Politics minor
Step 1
Update your existing academic plan with your major advisor.
Independent study
Students can petition to receive academic credit equivalent to one upper division elective for completing independent study on topics of special interest to them. Independent study might include directed readings, research projects, or research related to internships. If you’re interested, work with a faculty sponsor to complete the independent studies petition form, which must include your faculty sponsor’s signature. Completed forms should be submitted to the undergraduate advisor at Merrill 27, who will then issue a call number for enrollment.
Career-preparation resources
We encourage our students to review the resource guides provided by the American Political Science Association, which include steps to take to prepare yourself for entering the job market, and career sectors where you can look for job opportunities. Students should also connect with the UCSC Career Center to take advantage of resources, events, and career fairs.
Graduate study
Some students elect to continue their studies in master’s or doctoral programs. If you are considering graduate school, we strongly suggest you have a conversation with one or more of our faculty members to learn more about graduate school and discuss options. Also consider attending a summer introductory program, like the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute.