UCSC Rachel Carson College dining hall

News & Updates

Stay connected with all things Rachel Carson College. From celebrating our students’ achievements and sharing exciting campus events to honoring our rich traditions and vibrant community stories, discover what’s happening throughout our RCC family.

News & Updates

Sammy Chavez poses for a photo Rachel Carson

Breaking barriers and guiding others 

As an outreach specialist with UC Santa Cruz’s Underground Scholars Program, Sammy Chavez (Rachel Carson ’25, Latin American and Latino studies and sociology) supports students navigating complex challenges in higher education. While completing his own degree, he was recognized with the Silver Slug Scholarship as a staff member pursuing his studies.

students on campus College Nine, Cowell, Crown

Colleges advising hubs launch in fall 2025

Each hub will serve two colleges, expanding availability and connecting students with coordinated support from professional and peer advisors.

Rachel Carson

Celebrating Earth Day and our campus sustainability efforts

Our campus is making remarkable progress on our sustainability and resilience goals, which is worth highlighting as we celebrate Earth Day, which holds special meaning at UC Santa Cruz.

College Nine, Cowell, Crown

UC Santa Cruz colleges awarded planning grant from Teagle Foundation

The UC Santa Cruz colleges have been awarded a $25,000 planning grant from the Teagle Foundation to enhance liberal education for all students using equity-minded, high-impact practices. Specifically, the project will develop a common reading list of transformative texts and common experiences that all UC Santa Cruz first-year students will share.

Gregg Barnes (seated) and Jim Gunderson at a 50th anniversary celebration of a production of Julius Casear with costumes designed by comics artist Jack Kirby. Photo courtesy of Jim Gunderson. Rachel Carson

Costumes get lead role

New gift from alumnus Jim Gunderson (Rachel Carson ’77, philosophy) ensures students have the opportunity to step into costumes that enrich their experience and enhance their performances.

Last modified: Aug 22, 2025