College Nine

International and Global Perspectives

Congratulations and Welcome

To help prepare you to apply for housing and to live on campus, we offer this housing guide containing important information about your college, housing options, and answers to many commonly asked questions about campus housing.

It is our goal to provide you with an academically and socially supportive environment that will help you build a strong connection with the campus and get the most out of your UCSC experience.

We look forward to having you as part of our campus community!

Your College

Founded in 2000, College Nine was the newest addition to UCSC since 1972. The college’s theme of “International and Global Perspectives” provides exciting co-curricular opportunities and is represented in many of the college courses, student groups, and extra-curricular programming available to you. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about yourself, your community, and the world in which we live.


College Nine Student Life

College Nine is a vibrant community with many opportunities for students to get involved, enrich their college experience and develop leadership skills. Student-led groups, advised and supported by staff, have a primary role in planning co-curricular programming and student activities.

To enhance the exploration of “International and Global Perspectives”, College Nine offers theme programming focusing on different topics related to global and international issues. Festivals of food and dance, hands-on art programs, faculty presentations, field trips, film series and other programs are offered. Some past programs have included the Practical Activism Conference which featured a conversation with Angela Davis, "Raptivism with Aisha Fukushima" where we explored the intersections of youth activism, hip hop, and global citizenship, and a panel discussion addressing immigration reform.

Multiple nations’ flags hanging from ceiling
 
College nine students

College Nine Programs

In addition to participating in College Nine’s theme-related programming, examples of other activities students may become involved with include:

A residence hall of first year US students and first year International students. This unique intercultural community offers the opportunity to make meaningful, lifelong friendships and connections that extend beyond borders. Residents will be required to complete a "passport" through attending programs each quarter. Find out more about iFloor »

The International Living Center (ILC) was founded on the belief that the best way to form intercultural friendships and foster international understanding is to work, live, study, and socialize with people of different backgrounds. Set in our apartments, the ILC is a thriving living-learning community housing about 150 domestic and international undergraduate residents. The ILC works to organize many special events designed to create a global community among residents and help new international students adapt to living in the United States.

ICW is an opportunity for students to learn more about themselves and their global environment, build cultural competency and develop intercultural leadership skills in an atmosphere of positive engagement and mutual respect. Through a series of interactive exercises and discussion facilitated by College Nine staff and student leaders, participants explore intercultural communication skills and issues impacting our world. This weekend retreat, held in a beautiful redwood setting, is one of the cornerstones of College Nine programming.

Practical Activism is a day-long conference planned by a group of students working with staff and faculty advisors. The planning group forms in spring, and works through fall to produce the annual event. Offering interactive workshops, speakers, arts and music, this is a dynamic day of learning, inspiration and action. More information can be found at practicalactivism.ucsc.edu.

PRAXIS is an organization geared toward community building and social justice. By participating in PRAXIS, students gain exposure to a variety of Santa Cruz community organizations, meet a diversity of people, and explore what it means to be agents of social change.

Students for Social Change meets weekly throughout Fall Quarter offering an opportunity to find community, explore your relationship to social justice, and build leadership skills through fun activities, simulations, and small group discussions. Participants will plan and implement an event highlighting an international social change issue for other students.

The College Nine Student Senate is the governing body of the college. The Senate appoints students to campus and college-wide committees, advises College Nine administration on policy development and provides monetary support to College Nine and university wide student organizations.

Terry Freitas Commons (TFC) is a spot run by students for students; it is a great place to relax, study, and enjoy programs put on by the staff. The commons is also committed to serving the community through our partnership with Basic Needs with an after hours food pantry for students to secure non-perishable food at their time of need. On any given evening, the commons may host an open mic, a pool tournament, a live performance by students, or group discussion around current events. Always a friendly place to meet up with friends, Terry Freitas Commons has something for everyone.

College Nine College Map


Student in triple room
Student study group
Students in College Nine lounge
Students enjoying a meal at Colleges Nine & Ten Dining Hall