Career Staff Reduced Fee Program

About the Program

Reduced Fee Enrollment is available in Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters for eligible employees of UC Santa Cruz who are seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree at UC Santa Cruz. Participants must apply for admission and be accepted into a UC Santa Cruz degree-seeking program.

A discount to attend Summer Session classes is also available for UC Santa Cruz employees. Employees who wish to participate in the Staff Summer Session Discount do not need to apply for admission or be degree-seeking. Details are included below.

Eligibility

Career staff employees who have worked six months or more and completed probation; faculty and non-senate academic appointees who have worked at least 50% time for six months or more; and former University employees who have retired within four months of the date of separation from University service and who are annuitants of a retirement system to which the University contributes.

Please note:

  • Employees enrolled in self-supporting academic programs are not eligible for the Reduced Fee Program. 
  • Eligibility is based on employment status, not program enrollment. If someone is in the middle of a program, but does not maintain eligible employment through UC Santa Cruz, they are no longer eligible for the Reduced Fee Program.
  • Reduced Fee Enrollment will affect an undergraduate student’s Financial Aid package, please consult directly with the Financial Aid Office for more information.
  • Applications must be submitted to Learning & Development at least three weeks before the posted registration fee deadline to allow for processing. You will be asked for this date on your application. Please note that no late applications can be processed.
  • The Reduced Fee Program at UCSC is offered to UCSC employees only.

Regular Admission

Employee must be an admitted UC Santa Cruz student seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree. Fee reduction is 2/3. Employee pays 1/3 of Student Services Fee and Educational Fee—other campus fees waived. Visit the Registrar's website for the current fee schedule.

Maximum of three classes, or 9 units (whichever is greater) per quarter.

Procedure

  • After you electronically sign the application form for reduced fee enrollment, it will be routed to the Unit Head/Supervisor you have indicated. Completed forms will be routed to Learning & Development for review and approval. Once approvals are complete, the document will be submitted to the Registrar's office. If you are unable to complete the process electronically please contact Learning & Development (learninganddevelopment@ucsc.edu) for support.
  • Important:  Please fill out the application carefully to avoid delays.  Mark ALL boxes that apply to you.
  • Email learninganddevelopment@ucsc.edu for more information about the program. A Reduced Fee Form must be submitted each quarter.

Summer Session

Take classes at half price! Staff and faculty of UCSC receive a 50% tuition discount* on Summer Session classes and the campus fee is waived. Course material fee(s) may apply. 

Check out hundreds of summer courses to find what appeals to you, including online, evening and two credit classes. Staff and faculty do not need to be in a degree-seeking matriculated program to take Summer Session but do need to register to enroll.

Please note:

  • There are no audits or OLLI in Summer Session.
  • Discount not applicable for student workers.
  • Eligibility is limited to those not already receiving Financial Aid.

For details, call the Summer Session office at 831-459-5373 or see their website.

[We're sorry - there are no audits or OLLI in Summer Session. *Discount not applicable for student workers.]