University of California campuses begin new academic year

The 2026-27 academic year has commenced at several University of California campuses, bringing both new academic opportunities and ongoing institutional challenges.

At UC Santa Barbara, the start of fall classes coincides with the introduction of a new bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence. Students expressed varying perspectives on the technology, with some citing concerns regarding its impact on future job markets and its ability to mimic artistic talent, while the College of Engineering continues to encourage its use for model building and evaluation.

UC Santa Cruz is welcoming approximately 6,300 new undergraduate and graduate students, maintaining a total enrollment of about 20,000. To address long-standing affordability and availability issues, the university is implementing new housing developments, including the opening of the Delaware Apartments for 350 upper-division students and a new two-year housing guarantee for incoming undergraduates.