What are the dates?
Do I need to fill out an application?
Can I enroll in more than one course?
How do I register?
What are the requirements?
Can you reserve my seat?
Is financial aid available?
Do I have to log in at a specific time?
Where can I access my online course?
Why can’t I see my course online?
How do I check to see if I am enrolled in a course?
Are the online courses available for credit?
How many hours is a course?
Which grading option should I select?
Can I change my grading option?
How do I request a transcript?
How do I drop a course?
When is the last day I can drop with a refund?
Can international students register?
Is there a separate fee for international students?
How do I register in the online SAT Test Prep course? 
Can I participate in both the residential and online program?

What are the dates?
All AC online courses will run from July 3rd through July 28^th, 2023 (4 weeks).

Do I need to fill out an application?
Yes. An application is also required for online courses but you will not be charged an application fee. 

Can I enroll in more than one course?
Yes, you can enroll in multiple courses. If you would like to enroll in a second course, please email academicconnections@ucsd.edu the name of the second course you would like to enroll in. The last day to enroll in a course is by June 16, 2023

How do I register?
Please visit the Apply Now section of our website for instructions on how to register. 

What are the requirements?
Current high school students entering 9^th through 12^th grade.


Can you reserve my seat?
Enrollment is on a first-come, first serve basis. Please allow 1 to 2 business days for processing. Registration should be under the student’s name. Please make sure to log out of your personal account if you are registering your child. 

Is financial aid available?
UC San Diego Academic Connections is a self-supported program that does not receive any State or Federal funding. As a result, we are unable to offer financial aid or grants to our program participants. Students are encouraged to reach out to their school counselors and community for scholarship opportunities. Please also see the "Scholarship" tab for possible funding opportunities through our partners.


Do I have to log in at a specific time?
Yes, students will have schedule class time for live presentation. More information will follow as we get closer to the course dates. Please be sure to frequently check your emails for any notifications from the Academic Connections faculty and staff.

Where can I access my online course?
Students can log into their MyExtension account and click on “Canvas” from the tool box on the right. You can also go directly to the Canvas link here: https://extensioncanvas.ucsd.edu/.


Why can’t I see my course online?
Students will have access on the course start date, July 3rd. To confirm your registration, please log into your MyExtension account. If you recently registered online, please allow 1 to 2 business days for processing.


How do I check to see if I am enrolled in a course?
Log into your MyExtension account using your email address on file. Once you register for a course, it takes 1 to 2 business days to see the course on your MyExtension account.

Are the online courses available for credit?
Each course is available for 6-precollege units. Transferability is up to the receiving institution.

How many hours is a course?
60 hours (including class and homework time). Please plan to dedicate 15 hours a week per course.

Which grading option should I select?
At UC San Diego Extension, you have the option to choose how you want your course(s) graded. Not all grading options are available for all courses. If you don’t choose a grading option, the default grading option will be assigned. Please note that this course is not part of a certificate program but the description for each still follows. Please note that Academic Connection courses are not part of a certificate program but the description for each still follows. 

• Letter Grade: A grade between A+ and F reflects your performance in the course and is included in your grade point average (GPA) calculation. A passing grade counts toward your earned credit hours or the required number of units for your certificate.

• Pass/No Pass: A grade of P or NP reflects whether you have passed the course, but does not otherwise indicate your performance. These grades are not included in your GPA calculation; however a P (passing) grade counts toward your earned credit hours or the required number of units for your certificate.
  
  
• Not for Credit: A grade of “NFC” reflects that you were enrolled in the course but does not indicate your performance. This grade appears on your transcript, but is not included in your GPA calculation and is not counted toward your earned credit hours or the required number of units for your certificate.

You will have the opportunity to select your grading option when you enroll in your course.


Can I change my grading option?
You may change your grading option at any time before the final class meeting (by 11:59 p.m. on the day before the published end date for online courses) or before final grades are posted, whichever comes first. Since the program ends on 7/28/2023, the deadline to change your grading option for an AC online course is by 11:59pm (PST) on Thursday, July 27^th, 2023.

1. Log in to My Extension.
2. Navigate to "My Courses" and select the course you would like to change.
3. On the right side under "Tools," select "Change Grading Option."
4. In the pop-up window that appears, click "Submit."

Or submit a written request via email to unex-reg@ucsd.edu. You will receive an email confirmation within one to two business days after your request is processed.


How do I request a transcript?
For instructions on how to order a transcript, please click here. If you’ve never ordered transcripts through Parchment before, you will need to register for a Parchment account. Details can be found from the link above. All transcripts will be printed and delivered by one of the methods listed here. Transcript requests are processed by Student Services. Should you have any questions, please contact them at unex-reg@ucsd.edu.

You can also view/download your grade report by logging in your MyExtension here.

How do I drop a course?

1. Log in to My Extension.
   Navigate to "My Courses" and select the course you would like to drop.
2. On the right side under "Tools" select "Drop Course."
3. In the pop-up window that appears, select "Submit."

Or submit a written drop request via email to unex-reg@ucsd.edu. You will receive an email confirmation within one to two business days after your drop request is processed.

Drop deadline: You can drop most courses at any time before the final class meeting (by 11:59 p.m. on the day before the scheduled end date for online courses) or before final grades are posted, whichever comes first. Since the program ends on 7/28/2023. The deadline to drop an AC online course is by 11:59pm (PST) on Thursday, July 27^th, 2023.

When is the last day I can drop with a refund?
Students will have up until July 6^th, 2023 to request a cancellation and receive a full refund for an AC online course. No refunds will be provided after July 6^th, 2023.

Can international students register?
Yes. The AC online courses are welcome to domestic and international students.

Is there a separate fee for international students?
No. Each AC online course is $1,500.

How do I register in the online SAT Test Prep course?
Online SAT test prep will be available for an additional fee of $200. This discounted price is only available for students registered in the AC online courses. For more information on the course details and how to register, please click here. 

Can I participate in both the residential and online program?
No, students can only register for online courses or only commuter courses. Students cannot register for both options. 

What is Academic Connections?
What are the program goals?
Who may attend Academic Connections?
Does Academic Connections offer Financial Assistance/Scholarships?
What does tuition cover?
How do I apply to Academic Connections and register?
Can non-California residents apply?
When is the Academic Connections application deadline?
Is Academic Connections a first-come, first-serve process?
When will I be notified about whether or not I have been accepted into the program?
Do I need to have my teachers or guidance counselor mail the recommendations directly to Academic Connections?
Is there a minimum GPA that I need to be accepted into Academic Connections?
Residential Programs COVID-19 Guidelines 
What is the curriculum like at Academic Connections?
What is a typical day at Academic Connections like?
What is residential life like at Academic Connections?
Can I request to have my own room?
Who are the Academic Connections faculty and staff?
Can I get high school or college credit for Academic Connections attendance?
Can I change my grading option?
How do I sign up for the SAT test prep course?
May I attend Academic Connections more than once?
What do I do if I have more questions?

* These questions are only applicable for the residential version of the program. Summer 2022 will not have a residential component. See FAQs for Online or Commuter Program for more information.  

What is Academic Connections?
Academic Connections at the University of California, San Diego is a pre-college summer academic and residential experience targeted to highly motivated, high achieving, college bound high school students, grades 9 - 12. The program invites students to explore the best UC San Diego has to offer.

What are the program goals?
The goal of the Academic Connections program is to connect select high school students with UC San Diego, by providing hands-on college subject matter courses, which provides students with the opportunity to experience life and learning at this top-ranked research university located in the beautiful San Diego area.

Who may attend Academic Connections?
Students who are entering the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade by July 1st are eligible to apply and must be at least 14 years old before the program starts. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher and provide a recommendation from a teacher or counselor.

Does Academic Connections offer Financial Assistance/Scholarships?
UC San Diego Academic Connections is a self-supported program that does not receive any State or Federal funding. As a result, we are unable to offer financial aid or grants to our program participants. Students are encouraged to reach out to their school counselors and community for scholarship opportunities. Please also see the "Scholarship" tab for possible funding opportunities through our partners.

What does tuition cover?
Tuition covers room, meals, supervision in the university residence halls, course instruction, field trips, and all daily activities outside of class. SAT prep is not included and optional. Students will be able to request SAT prep in their application and will pay an additional $200 fee. 

How do I apply to Academic Connections and register?
Stay tuned for the residential version for Summer 2023 and check back in December 2022. If you are interested in Academic Connections Commuter or Online Program, please visit the Apply Now section of our website for instructions on how to register. 

Can non-California residents apply?
Due to Covd-19 restrictions, students must live within a 8 hour driving proximity of UC San Diego in order to be picked up within 24 hours of a positive covid test. We will not be accepting international students. Out-of-state students will be accommodated on a case by case basis.

When is the Academic Connections application deadline?
Stay tuned for the residential version for Summer 2023 and check back in December 2022. If you are interested in Academic Connections Commuter or Online Program, please visit the Apply Now section of our website for instructions on how to register. 

Is Academic Connections a first-come, first-serve process?
Yes. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

When will I be notified about whether or not I have been accepted into the program?
Once fees have been paid, please allow 5 to 7 business days for the enrollment to go through. Enrollment verifications can be viewed by logging into your MyExtension account. Enrollment confirmations are not emailed. Students must log into their account to check their registration. Students will have access to their course materials on the course start date.

Do I need to have my teachers or guidance counselor mail the recommendations directly to Academic Connections?
You will need to attach the recommendation to your application file. Teachers and counselors can send them directly to academicconnections@ucsd.edu or they can give them to the student to upload to their application. The application is incomplete without all of the required materials.

Is there a minimum GPA that I need to be accepted into Academic Connections?
To be considered for admission to Academic Connections Research Studies, students must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better. While grades are one of the elements reviewed, students with a lower GPA will be considered based on their Teacher/Counselor Recommendation and/or extenuating circumstances.

Residential Programs COVID-19 Guidelines  

Updated 2/6/22

Your student’s safety, that of our staff, and that of the wider University Community are our top priority.  Below is the framework for COVID-19 Safety at UC San Diego Extension’s 2023 Academic Connections Residential Program.  Should the public health landscape change, we will update this framework with the guidance of the University, San Diego County Public Health, the American Camp Association, and the CDC.  Vaccination, effective masking, social distancing where possible, and effective handwashing remain the best preventative measures from COVID-19 viral spread.

Pre-Academic Connections Residential Program Requirements:

• All eligible students must be fully vaccinated AND boosted for COVID-19 at least two weeks prior to the start of the program.  Proof will be required to be submitted to the program.
• All students and staff will need to provide a negative COVID test before arriving to the program.  A negative test result must be submitted to the program and acceptable forms include either:
  • A PCR test 48 hours before the residential move-in / start of the program
  • A rapid-antigen test completed 24 hours before arrival that is administered by a third-party such as a pharmacist or doctor or an at-home Telehealth Certified test (Abbot BinaxNOW emed test or Quest Diagnostic) and official documentation submitted the program.
  • Photo of an at home test taken on your own WILL NOT be accepted.
• In addition to the pre-travel test, parents or guardians must purchase a total of 6 Telehealth Certified/reported rapid antigen tests to be used during the program.  We recommend Abbot BinaxNOW emed test or Quest Diagnostic tests because each box of these products is cost effective, reliable, comes with 2 tests, and 6 telehealth-guided procedures and reporting of official results. 
  • While we are still in a state of health emergency, insurance companies will often reimburse a portion or all of the cost of these tests.  We recommend that parents/guardians purchase these tests prior to May 1, 2023 to take advantage of any insurance benefit.  The out-of-pocket cost for 3 boxes (6 tests) of the BinaxNow EMed Test is $210 and 3 boxes (6 tests) of the Quest Diagnostic is $210.
• Parents or guardians must purchase or acquire at least 20 individually packaged KN95 or 10 N95 masks to send with their students to the program.
  • Many pharmacies or medical offices currently give these away for free.  Contact your local pharmacy, urgent care, or clinic to request a supply.  

Travel to the Academic Connections Residential Program:

• If students or their travelling companions are feeling symptomatic, do not travel to the program.  Contact academicconnections@ucsd.edu and we will provide options.
• People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States. Please review the CDC’s Travel During COVID-19 page.
• If using shared transportation like airlines, buses, public transportation, students and families must wear a tight, well-fitted KN95 or N95 mask while travelling.
• A well-fitted KN95 or N95 mask must be worn by students and their travelling companions while checking in and while inside any residential facility or auditorium on move-in day.  Masks will not be provided for students or their guests.

During the Program:  Phase I:  Sunday, July 9, 2023 – Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:59P

• In line with the University’s Phase I residential protocol, from move-in through Friday, July 14, 2023, while in any residential facility or transportation (e.g., bus), students must wear a well-fitted KN95 or N95 mask that fully covers their mouth and nose.  This is to protect everyone following the initial travel period, to stabilize the population, and to get through the first 2 rounds of rapid antigen tests to gauge any viral activity.  The only exceptions to this initial period is to remove the mask briefly while eating, drinking, showering, brushing teeth, while in the resident’s room, while in the classroom, or while outside.
  • Masks are not required in the classroom, but are required in residence because the residential environment mixes much more than the classroom.
• No room to room visitation (i.e., students not contracted to a specific room) will be permitted during this time period.
• Students should eat and socialize outdoors as much as possible.
• Students must complete a Telehealth Certified COVID test (Abbot BinaxNOW emed testor Quest Diagnostic) and official documentation submitted to the program each Tuesday and Friday.  
• Students will be reminded of regulations during the first day of the program (Sunday, July 10, 2023), but if they are not following these regulations after that date, they will be documented and guardians will be notified.  As public health is essential to the program, multiple documentations (i.e., 2+) will result in dismissal from the program with no opportunity for a refund.

During the Program:  Phase 2:  Midnight, Saturday, July 15, 2023 – end of program

• Masking is not required but is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED for everyone throughout Phase 2.
• Masks must be worn in exposure situations.  For example, if a person in a room tests positive for COVID-19, that person will go into an isolation setting until their parents/guardians can pick them up (within 8 hours of a positive test).  Their roommates will have to mask while in residential facilities and the classroom for 10-days following their roommate’s positive test.
• Students must complete a Telehealth Certified COVID test (Abbot BinaxNOW emed testorQuest Diagnostic) and official documentation submitted to the program each Tuesday and Friday.
• Students should eat and socialize outdoors as much as possible.

Closing Day:  Saturday, July 29, 2023

• For the safety of everyone, we are planning for graduation to take place outdoors and will only use an indoor location in the event of inclement weather.
• Students and their travelling companions are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to wear a well-fitted KN95 or N95 mask while in the residential facilities.  Masks will not be provided for students or their guests.

Staff

• All eligible staff must be fully vaccinated AND boosted for COVID-19 at least two weeks prior to the start of the program.
• Program staff will following the same masking and testing requirements as the students.
• During time-off, staff are expected to wear masks indoors while in public settings and eat outside to limit any possible exposures.

What is the curriculum like at Academic Connections?
Academic Connections offers classes that span many disciplines. Whether students are interested in Marine Biology, Journalism, Political Science, Engineering, Creative Writing, or Economics, to name just a few, there are classes offered that will match many interests.

What is a typical day at Academic Connections like?
Academic Connections strives to balance a demanding academic schedule with a busy residential life. Classes are held 5 hours per day, Monday – Friday, with social activities and meetings filling up the remainder of the day. On a typical day, Academic Connections students attend course lectures in the morning 9-11:30 AM, break for lunch, and participate in laboratories and study sessions in the afternoon 1:30-4:00 PM. Special activities include, but are not limited to: supervised field trips, SAT training (for an additional fee), and social events planned during the non-academic hours/days.

What is residential life like at Academic Connections?
Students participate in various athletic and recreational activities, and also have the opportunity to form friendships with peers who share their same academic motivation. An emphasis is placed on community and how to live within that community.

The Academic Connections program is intense and offers a taste of the college experience. Not only will students be participating in classes and labs, but will also enjoy opportunities to participate in evening and weekend recreational activities. We expect interaction with other students, Academic Connections instructors, RAs, and staff will prove to be rewarding both academically and socially. To help students fully enjoy all the educational and interpersonal opportunities at Academic Connections and minimize the risk of COVID exposure, visitation and checking students out will NOT be allowed. We understand that
students may have other academic, recreational, and religious commitments outside of Academic Connections, however students will only benefit by participating in the program in its entirety. No exceptions to this policy will be made.

Can I request to have my own room?
Students will be in a double since we are expecting to reach maximum capacity. Single rooms are not available unless it is medically necessitated. In an effort to encourage students to experience residential life in a collegiate environment, all students will have roommates, just as it will be when they attend college. Male and female students will be housed in separate suites.

Who are the Academic Connections faculty and staff?
Academic Connections Research Studies faculty members are typically UC San Diego doctoral students who design and instruct their own courses. Class enrollment is limited to 25 and all classes with an enrollment of 12 or greater have the option of hiring a teaching assistant. The Academic Connections staff includes a Program Director, 2 Program Managers, and Program Assistant. 

Can I get high school or college credit for Academic Connections attendance?
Each student who completes the program will earn six units of UC San Diego Extension Pre-College credit. A transcript will be available on-line once the course is completed and grades received. An 'official' transcript to send for college applications can be ordered for an additional fee. Although most colleges will accept appropriate UC San Diego Extension credits, the decision to accept the transfer of credits rests solely with the college you attend. Similarly, the decision to accept the units as part of a high school curriculum depends on each individual high school.

Can I change my grading option
You may change your grading option at any time before the final class meeting (by 11:59 p.m. on the day before the published end date for online courses) or before final grades are posted, whichever comes first.

1. Log in to My Extension.
2. Navigate to "My Courses" and select the course you would like to change.
3. On the right side under "Tools," select "Change Grading Option."
4. In the pop-up window that appears, click "Submit."

Or submit a written request via email to unex-reg@ucsd.edu or precollege@ucsd.edu. You will receive an email confirmation within 1 to 2 business days after your drop request is processed. Details on how to change grading options can be found here.

How do I sign up for the SAT test prep course?
Details on how to register for the SAT test prep section will be provided in April or May for those who originally expressed interest on the application. This will be available for an additional $200. Students will either meet online on Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs for a total of 6 hours by the time the program comes to an end. The textbook will be provided for registered students. Enrollment will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

May I attend Academic Connections more than once?
Yes. Students are welcome to attend Academic Connections as many times as they would like. We have many students who attend all four of their high school years.

What do I do if I have more questions?
Due to COVID19, all staff are working remotely and are unable to make and/or take calls. Please contact Academic Connections via email at academicconnections@ucsd.edu.

* These questions are only applicable for the residential version of the program. Summer 2022 will not have a residential component. See FAQs for Online or Commuter Program for more information.  

We reserve the right to seize for the length of the program any items that, in our judgment, demonstrate the potential for distracting students from the goals of the program, pose undue risk to the safety and well-being of people, or pose undue risk to property.

The following items should not be brought to the program:

• weapons of any kind (including pocket knives and martial arts devices)
• any flame-producing device (including matches, lighters, and firecrackers)
• trading cards, including Magic®
• pets of any kind
• products that damage surface finishes (brand names Slime®, Gak®, etc.)
• televisions, or computer games or video games
• bicycles, skateboards, surf boards, roller blades, scooters, or skates
• water guns
• halogen lamps, refrigerators, or hot pots
• laser pointers

All residential assistants are first aid and CPR certified, so they are able to screen student medical complaints and provide first aid. In general, students who become ill or injured during the program are referred to UC San Diego Student Health or local emergency rooms for treatment. A program staff member accompanies the student on any such trips, and parents are informed as soon as possible. The costs associated with these referrals are the responsibility of the student's family.

UC San Diego Extension reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses, or to change instructors. Because Extension receives no state revenue support, classes may be canceled at or prior to the first scheduled meeting if fewer than the required minimum number of students enroll. Refer to complete details in this catalog regarding refunds of fees. The State of California Information Practices Act of 1977 (effective July 1, 1978) requires that the university provide the following information to individuals who are asked to supply information about themselves. The principal purpose for requesting information on the enrollment form is for processing your enrollment in UC San Diego Extension courses. University policy authorizes maintenance of this information. Furnishing all of the information requested on this form is mandatory if you are enrolling for credit or contact hours. Failure to provide this information will delay or may even prevent completion of the action for which the form is being filled out. Furnishing the information requested on this form is voluntary if you are enrolling for non-credit.

The information furnished may be used by various university departments for verifying enrollment status and will be transmitted to the state and federal governments if required by law. Individuals have the right of access to this record as it pertains to themselves. Maintenance of the records mentioned above is the responsibility of the chief operating officer, UC San Diego Extended Studies and Public Programs, University of California, San Diego. Federal Privacy Act of 1974.

Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory, as it is used to verify your identity on transcripts and other records. This recordkeeping system was established prior to January 1, 1975, by authority of the Regents of the University of California under Article IX, Section 9, of the California Constitution, and complies with the provisions of the Federal Privacy Act of 1974.

The University of California, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age in any of its policies, procedures, or practices; nor does the university discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, university programs and activities, including but not limited to, academic admission, financial aid, educational services, and student employment. Inquiries regarding the university's equal opportunity policies may be directed to office of the dean, UC San Diego Extended Studies and Public Programs, (858) 534-3412.

University of California: Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy Regarding Academic and Staff Employment

It is the policy of the University not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with the University of California on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran (special disabled veteran, Vietnam era veteran, or any other veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized). This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, merit increase, salary, training and development, demotion, and separation. This policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws and University policies.

In addition, it is the policy of the University to undertake affirmative action, consistent with its obligations as a Federal contractor, for minorities and women, for persons with disabilities, and for special disabled veterans, Vietnam era veterans, and any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized. The University commits itself to apply every good faith effort to achieve prompt and full utilization of minorities and women in all segments of its workforce where deficiencies exist. These efforts conform to all current legal and regulatory requirements, and are consistent with University standards of quality and excellence.

In conformance with Federal regulations, written affirmative action plans shall be prepared and maintained by each campus of the University, by each Department of Energy Laboratory, by the Office of the President, and by the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Such plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Office of the President and the Office of the General Counsel before they are officially promulgated.