Summer 2026
Information for Parents of New Students
| |
Hello, new Gaucho parents & families!
We know that as a new Gaucho family member you have questions, and our goal with this newsletter is to provide answers and point you in the right direction for more information. This email includes parent FAQs, a highlight of our pre-fall webinar series, information about participating in Online Spanish Parent Orientation, and more.
| |
| Frequently Asked Parent Questions
| |
How can I sign up to receive the same emails my student receives from UCSB?
The University will communicate directly to students with messages regarding academics and campus life. All official communications are sent to a student's University email account. It is very important that students check their email periodically, even during the summer months. We don’t want any student to miss out on helpful information!
How do I access my student's billing account to make payments?
At UCSB, all campus charges - such as quarterly fees, University housing room and board, and Student Health charges - are billed to a student's BARC (Billing Accounts Receivable Collections) account. In order to view charges and make payments, your student will need to add you as a Parent User. Visit the BARC Information for Parents website for more information.
When will my student receive their campus move-in date, time and instructions?
Formal assignment letters have been emailed to your student's University email. It includes a link for students to select a move-in time and date (if their campus residence hall or apartment has multiple move-in dates).
Additional details about preparing for Move-In Weekend can be found on the UCSB Campus Housing Move In website.
How does my student get their Access ID card?
The Access ID is the UCSB student ID card. New students must submit their photo as soon as possible to avoid delays in printing. Please encourage your student to check their University email for messages from the UCen Access Desk that provide instructions on submitting photos and card pick-up during Move-In Weekend if they did not already do so during Orientation.
What is the Week of Welcome?
The Week of Welcome is filled with events that take place during the first week of the fall quarter each year. Events during Week of Welcome include the Campus Involvement Fair, Rec Fest, and much more. Many workshops provide students with information about involvement opportunities, administrative and academic services, and first-year concerns. Students can search for all Week of Welcome events taking place in Shoreline.
| |
We Asked: What should students bring?
| |
Move-in day is coming! UC Santa Barbara Orientation leaders weighed in on what they thought was one thing incoming UCSB students should bring to campus. From the practical, must-have residence hall items to the positive and open-minded attitudes - don't leave home without any of these.
| |
We are offering several webinars in the upcoming weeks covering important information for parents and guardians of incoming students. These Zoom webinars will be live and presenters will answer questions via the Q&A feature. We encourage you to register for a webinar today! All webinar times are Pacific Time.
Wed, August 26, 12:00-12:45pm: Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS)
Learn how Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS) supports student academic success! This webinar will cover free academic resources available to students, including group tutoring, drop-in sessions, writing workshops, and academic skill-building strategies.
| |
Thurs, August 27, 2:00-3:00pm: College of Letters & Science Honors Program
Discover the opportunities and benefits of the College of Letters & Science Honors Program at this webinar, which will provide an overview of program requirements, unique academic honors courses, research opportunities, and specialized advising.
| |
Tues, September 1, 4:00-5:00pm: Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Learn how to navigate college financing and maximize financial support at UCSB! This webinar will cover key topics, including aid disbursement timelines, accessing and understanding your My Aid Status portal, managing billing accounts, and exploring scholarship opportunities.
| |
Wed, September 2, 1:00-1:45pm: Student Health Service
Student Health Service supports all students' well-being and health needs. This webiar will provide an overview of on-campus medical and mental health services, discuss student health insurance (UC SHIP) coverage and waiver requirements, and explain immunization compliance.
| |
Thurs, September 3, 2:00-3:00pm: Career Services & Handshake
Discover how Career Services helps students prepare for professional success and navigate career opportunities at UCSB! This webinar will cover job and internship search strategies, resume and interview preparation, career counseling resources, and how to utilize Handshake—UCSB’s platform for connecting students with employers.
| |
Fri, September 4, 11:00am-12:00pm: Disabled Students Program Drop-In
| |
Tues, September 8, 2:00-3:00pm: Department of Recreation
This webinar will provide an overview of the Rec Cen facilities, Gaucho R.E.C. classes, intramural sports, outdoor adventure trips, and sport clubs. Discover all the ways to stay active, healthy, and engaged with the Department of Recreation.
| |
Wed, September 9, 4:00-5:00pm: UCSB Housing & Community Living
TThis webinar, led by members of UCSB's Campus Housing team, will provide will provide key details on residence hall life, university apartments, what to pack, move-in logistics, and campus housing resources.
| |
Spanish Parent Online Orientation:
Sat, August 22, 1:00-4:00pm
| |
Join us for the Spanish Parent Online Orientation to learn how to best support your student during their first year at UCSB! This webinar will feature an overview of the university’s academic system, a student panel where you can hear about their experiences firsthand, and a special presentation on the top transitions students face during their first year of college. It is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and connect with the UCSB community!
Únase a nosotros en la Orientación en Línea para Padres en Español para aprender cómo apoyar mejor a su estudiante durante su primer año en UCSB. Este seminario web incluirá una descripción general del sistema académico de la universidad, un panel de estudiantes donde podrá escuchar de primera mano sus experiencias y una presentación especial sobre las principales transiciones que enfrentan los estudiantes en su primer año universitario. ¡Es una gran oportunidad para resolver sus dudas y conectarse con la comunidad de UCSB!
| |
|
| Parent & Family Resources
Stay Connected and Informed
| |
Information on quarterly instruction dates and holidays.
Campus Map
UC Santa Barbara’s newly launched, interactive campus map can help you navigate our beautiful campus on your next visit.
Shoreline
Students can find events offered by different campus departments, organizations, and student groups.
Campus Calendar
Displays all the events happening around campus. You can filter by event types, target audience, or topic and stay informed on what UCSB has to offer each quarter.
| |
|
|
|
|
