The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a prestigious public land-grant research university located in Santa Cruz, California, United States, and is part of the ten-campus University of California system. Established in 1965, UCSC is renowned for its innovative academic programs, particularly in social sciences, humanities, and environmental studies, with additional strengths in marine biology, computer science, and astronomy. The main campus spans 2,001 acres (810 hectares) of rolling, forested hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay, integrating environmental stewardship into its educational ethos. UCSC's unique residential college system fosters interdisciplinary learning, community, and experiential education. As of Fall 2024, UCSC enrolls approximately 17,940 undergraduate students and 1,998 graduate students across its ten residential colleges. The university operates satellite facilities including the Coastal Science Campus, Westside Research Park, Silicon Valley Center, Lick Observatory, and Keck Observatory, enhancing its research capabilities in astronomy, coastal sciences, and technology. UCSC is committed to public service, sustainability, social justice, diversity, and environmental research, reflecting its land-grant mission.