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.

Peer Advising WINTER 2025: 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

Select an open time slot. Note that there might be a wait, so be patient and a Peer Advisor will assist you as soon as they are able. 

Meet our Advising Team!

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

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. For Winter 25 advising see Jerry Diaz on Slug Success

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.

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 (they/she). I am a third-year double majoring in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Legal Studies. In my free time, I love exploring new coffee shops, reading books, and watching Formula 1 Racing! I also serve as a Resident Assistant for the Crown & Merrill Apartments, and as a Research Assistant for the Sexual and Gender Diversity Laboratory. After graduation, I plan on earning my Masters of Social Work, and becoming a Criminal Legal Social Worker! I am super excited to help my fellow Politics and Legal Studies peers as they set out on their academic career!

Hakim Moghaddami, Legal Studies Peer Advisor

Hello everyone! My name is Hakim (he/him) and I am currently a second year student double majoring in Politics and Legal Studies with a minor in History. Outside of academics, I enjoy staying active in the gym, hiking, and challenging myself with a good game of chess. After graduating, I plan on attending law school or pursuing a masters degree, specializing in the financial aspects of international investment law. I also currently work as a Learning Support Services tutor and am very excited to be a part of the Legal Studies and Politics advising team to help support my peers in their academic journeys.

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.