The key to maximizing your educational opportunities lies in seeking proper advice, and academic advising is at the heart of this process. Our Staff Advisors, Peer Advisors, and Faculty play a vital role in providing our students effective guidance. Their support and expertise ensure you make informed decisions and get the most out of your academic journey.

Staff Advising: Appointments & Drop-In

Appointments via Slug Success (REMOTE)

Make an appointment on Navigate Slug Success. A Google Calendar online invite will follow.

• Monday - Thursday: 9am - 1:30pm
• Friday: 10am - 1:30pm

Drop-In (REMOTE)

Please sign in using our online check-in form. Once you sign in, you'll be directed to the Google Calendar to select a time slot with a Zoom meeting link. 

• Monday - Wednesday: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
• Thursday - Friday: 1:30pm - 2:30pm 

Peer Advising: Google Meet & Drop-In (In-Person / Remote)

Our trained Peer Advisors are current students who can assist with:

• Major and minor requirements
• Preparing a Declaration of Major/Minor paperwork (Academic planning form)
• Academic planning & Questions about our courses, opportunities, and major(POLI)/program(LGST)
• Guidance on UCDC, UC Center Sacramento, CUIP, and Study abroad program requirements

Meet our Advising Team!

Yanin Monter (She/Hers), Legal Studies Undergraduate Advisor & Program Director

Hi! My name is Yanin and I am the Undergraduate Advisor for Legal Studies. I am a UCSC alumni (double major in Legal Studies and Sociology) and education has always been imoportant to me. Being a first-gen, Latina student, there were many challenges along the way but I received a lot of support from both faculty and staff that drove my desire to help other students navigate through their undergraduate career as well. During my free time, I spend most of my time hanging out with my two dogs.

Jerry Diaz, Politics Undergraduate Advisor & Assistant Manager

Jerry Diaz is a Banana Slug alumnus (Sociology & education minor) from the Class of 1999. He has a Master’s degree in Higher Education with an emphasis in student development theories from the University of Michigan, Ann-Arbor. Jerry has exercised a lifelong passion for student affairs work in academic advising and guidance since 2012. He resides in the area with his family, which includes his turtle Shelly. When not in the office he enjoys running, cooking, and reading a good book. Jerry is committed to your academic success and invites you to connect for an academic advising session this Winter Quarter.

Michelle Li, Politics and Legal Studies Lead Peer Advisor

Hey everyone! My name is Michelle (she/her) and I'm a third-year pursuing a double major in Politics and Economics. Outside of academics, I'm an RA at College 9 and am a part of a few organizations on campus, like C9 Senate and Moot Court. In my free time, I like being with my friends, reading short novels, and exploring Santa Cruz. In the future, I plan to return to the east coast (where I am originally from) to attend law school and raise two cats. Because community is important to me, I hope I can use this role to connect with more of my peers. Feel free to make an appointment with me on Slug Success and reach out to me at  misili@ucsc.edu!

Marisol Ornelas, Politics & Legal Studies Peer Advisor

Hello! My name is Marisol Ornelas (she/her). I am a senior student double majoring in Politics and Legal Studies. I enjoy learning new things, traveling, and collecting shoes in my free time. In addition to being a Politics and Legal Studies Peer Advisor, I am a Senderos Community Engagement Intern, a Cowell Residential Advisor, and a part 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

Hello everyone! My name is Annika Wiederin (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 I am captain of the women's club soccer team. In my free time, I enjoy reading at coffee shops and exploring nearby towns with friends. This year, I look forward to organizing community events with Legal Studies alumni, aiming to assist fellow students in exploring job opportunities after graduation.

Hello everyone! 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.

Hi everyone! 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!

Writing Tutor Assistance

Learning Support Services offers free drop-in writing tutoring. Check the website for writing and other tutoring services and schedules.

Learning Accommodations

Legal Studies Program staff and faculty are responsive to disabled students' concerns and special needs. We work with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to ensure appropriate accommodations. If you need assistance, please contact the DRC directly at (831) 459-2089.