Prospective Students and Families Explore the Creative Path at CCS Spring 2025 Open House
On April 12, admitted students connected with faculty, students, and staff at the College of Creative Studies during a day of panels, breakout sessions, and tours.
The College of Creative Studies (CCS) at UC Santa Barbara welcomed 71 newly admitted students and their families to its Spring 2025 Open House on April 12, 2025. The event offered an immersive look into CCS life, showcasing the college’s distinctive academic approach and engaging community.
The morning began with a mingling session on the front lawn, giving guests a chance to meet CCS students, staff, and faculty in a casual setting. Throughout the event, attendees heard from current students across all nine CCS majors—Art, Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computing, Literature, Marine Science, Mathematics, Music Composition, and Physics—through panel discussions and major-specific breakout sessions.
More than 40 current CCS students and numerous faculty members volunteered their time to support the day’s activities—a powerful testament to the College’s defining spirit of community. From greeting guests and giving tours to speaking on panels and staffing breakout sessions, volunteers were central to creating a welcoming and informative experience.
Suraya Martinez ‘26 (CCS Art) shared her excitement about the event, stating, “Volunteering at the CCS Open House was truly such an honor. Connecting with prospective students and sharing my experience made my day. I loved showing families what their future could look like here as a Gaucho and as a CCS student.”
Taking part in the CCS panel this year was genuinely exciting,” said CCS Mathematics Faculty Maribel Bueno. “Chatting with prospective students and their families—hearing their questions and hopes—reminds me why CCS is such a special place.”
“My favorite moment comes during the major-specific breakout session: parents lean in, students’ eyes light up, and we talk about small-class camaraderie and the research projects they can jump into right away. At that point, it feels less like an info session and more like welcoming new members into the CCS family.”
College tours were offered on-demand, giving families the opportunity to explore CCS classrooms, labs, and studios. During the afternoon, the CCS Art students opened their studio doors, offering guided tours and answering questions about their work and creative process.
“Being on the panel was great because I got to hear from a variety of students and staff …but the highlight was leading the major meeting,” said CCS Writing & Literature Faculty Michelle Petty. “I loved speaking with prospective students and their parents.”
For current students like Sambhav Jain ‘27 (CCS Biology), volunteering was a full-circle moment. “I remember being an incoming student unsure of what program fit me best,” Jain said. “Hearing the enthusiasm of the panelists helped me feel confident in my decision. I was excited to offer that same experience to this year’s incoming class.”
The CCS Open House reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to supporting new students and building community from day one. With a strong turnout and engaged participants, the event set a welcoming tone for the CCS Class of 2029.