Undergraduate Advising

Connect with Writing Advising

Looking for academic support, navigating a complex situation, needing to clarify university/writing policies, or just not sure where to start? We have dedicated advising available for all students taking and preparing to take Writing classes. We also recommend you explore the many holistic campus resources available to students

Writing Program Drop In Advising

Stop by to discuss/get support around your WRIT course or writing requirements.

Winter 2026 Hours*: Tuesdays (in person) & Thursdays (virtual only), 1:30 – 3:00 PM.

No appointment is needed for drop-ins.
Location/Zoom details are listed via the calendar below. (You must be logged into your @ucsc.edu google account to view).
*There may be occasional variations in this schedule during the quarter. Check the calendar below for up-to-date, date-specific hours and modalities.

Individual Advising Appointments

Schedule a 1-on-1 appointment with a Writing Program Advisor to get support with your WRIT course or writing requirements more broadly.

You may schedule an appointment up to 3 weeks in advance.
All appointments are available via Zoom.
Tuesday appointments may be booked as in person.
You must be logged into your @ucsc.edu account to book an appointment (via the link below).
Appointment confirmation and details will be sent and managed via your @ucsc.edu Google Calendar.

For further assistance or alternate appointment times, please email Writing Program advisor Rebecca Dizon (readizon@ucsc.edu).

This is a home or work office with packed bookshelves on the left. On the right is a computer screen, plant, and typewriter. The wall is brick.

Prepare for Enrollment

Learn when the writing course you need is offered and whether you will need to self-enroll or be auto-enrolled. General enrollment tips plus the most up-to-date enrollment information for the current quarter are maintained here.

Learn About Writing Enrollment

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Understand Writing Requirements

The Writing Program is the home of UCSC’s required writing courses. If you’re not sure which writing courses you need to take or when you need to take them, start here.

Learn About Writing Requirements

Navigate a Writing Hold

Students may receive writing holds when they do not meet writing requirements by the university deadline. Here we outline how and when holds are placed and your options for next steps. We want you to succeed!

Learn about the ELWR Hold

Frequently Asked Questions

We know it’s complicated. We’ve done our best to compile answers to your frequently asked questions.

Explore FAQs

For Incoming First Years

Welcome to UCSC! You’ll receive specific instructions about writing via direct emails and orientation modules. Be sure to regularly check your @ucsc.edu email account.

Below is a brief overview of what you’ll need to do prior to the start of your first quarter, along with direct links to the webpages that are most relevant to incoming students.

Step One. Complete Writing Placement (DSP) in Part 1 of your Canvas Orientation.

Comprehensive instructions are provided in your Canvas orientation course. For tips, FAQs, and further context, explore these related webpages:

Step Two. Enroll in the appropriate writing course.

Personalized instructions will be provided via your placement notification email. For tips, FAQs, and further context, explore these related webpages:

Get In Touch

For general questions, email writingprogram@ucsc.edu.

For questions related to writing placement (DSP), email writingplacement@ucsc.edu.

To connect directly with a Writing Program Advisor, email Rebecca Dizon (readizon@ucsc.edu).