Reimagine with us
In the Humanities Division of UC Santa Cruz, the questions and ideas we explore resist tidy boxes and conventional answers. We’re always inventing new ways of understanding and engaging with the world.
We’re happy to report that this critical work has a newfound momentum thanks to the leadership of Dean Jasmine Alinder. In fact, in 2023-24 alone, the Humanities Division has added 12 new faculty members—continuing our commitment to having the university’s most diverse group of teacher-scholars—and introduced new academic programs. It’s resounding proof that the humanities at UC Santa Cruz is as vital as ever.
But Dean Alinder and the faculty also know it is not enough to assert that the humanities are powerful, essential tools. We have to prove it—by providing our students with the kinds of experiences that will prepare them for their lives as professionals, however they define it.
In the innovative spirit that has always characterized the humanities at UC Santa Cruz, the Division has created two new initiatives that make more intentional connections between what our students are learning and the world of work: Employing Humanities, supported by the Mellon Foundation, and Humanizing Technology, a new certificate program supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, which has become one of the most popular offerings on campus.
How can you help?
Support curricular initiatives, faculty research, undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships in our nine departments.
Partner with The Humanities Institute in its ongoing commitment to support research, student success, and public engagement.
The Humanities Dean's Excellence Fund underwrites student research, travel, and living expenses, so no student has to forgo one of our extraordinary study abroad, public humanities, or professional opportunities—like the Okinawa Memories Initiative—due to a lack of funds. Remember, the Humanities Division is home to a higher percentage of transfer, first-generation, and Pell Grant students than any other division at UC Santa Cruz.
Bridge the gap between seed grants we’ve received and our future ambitions to support every Humanities major and minor with experiential learning opportunities.
Join us in connecting the humanities to the workplace by opening up your own networks and organizations to our students. Internships and experiential learning opportunities build our students’ resumes and are essential to equipping them as sought-after, creative problem-solvers and communicators.
We are reimagining the world, and we want you to join us. We look forward to continuing the conversation. If you'd like more information, please contact:
