Campus

The general layout of the campus is for science and engineering departments to be clustered to the east of the library, social sciences and administrative units to the north, and arts and humanities to the west. Residence halls are to the south. This scheme is not completely consistent, however; an up-to-date campus map, phone directory, and the UCSB website are your best assurance of finding the agency or services you seek.

Housing

UCSB is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff who will advance our vision of inclusive excellence. We recognize that the remarkable attractions of the climate, culture, and community in Santa Barbara, the Central Coast, and California can result in a challenging real estate market. We offer a variety of resources and strategies to assist Academic Senate Faculty, often in partnership with the UC Office of the President. These resources and strategies include several mortgages, home loan, and down payment assistance programs developed by the UC Office of Loan Programs and the campus. Subsidized homes and apartments for purchase or rent at below-market rates are also offered based on availability, and new projects are in progress to expand the faculty housing inventory. More information on faculty housing can be found on the faculty housing website.

Bicycles

UCSB has one of the most extensive bike path systems in the country. Most of the students who live in Isla Vista commute to campus via bicycle. Campus planning agencies are constantly refining the bike path system to make it safer for cyclists and to keep to a minimum the number of places where bike paths cross streets or pedestrian lanes. Look both ways before crossing bike paths. Most busy intersections have cross-striped safety islands for pedestrians between the two bicycle lanes, and some even have traffic circles. If you use a bicycle on campus, be aware that bike theft is common. Secure your bike to a rack with a lock, or leave it in your private office. Police will impound bicycles propped in hallways or classrooms, and those left outside not locked to a rack. Also, bicyclists riding on pedestrian walkways are subject to fines, so please use bike paths when traveling through campus.

Childcare

The Orfalea Family Children's Center, located on West Campus, and the University Children's Center, located in the Student Resource Building, provides child care for student, staff and faculty families within the University community. Community families are also welcome. The Centers are accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs and are licensed by the State Department of Social Services. More information can be found on the Early Childhood Care & Educational Services website.

Parking

UCSB parking policy requires that vehicles parked on campus have a valid UCSB parking permit at all times. Short term and long-term permits are available. More information can be found on the UCSB Transportation and Parking Services website.

Performing Arts

UCSB academic departments stage a wide range of drama, dance, and music performances, including opera. Check the calendar section of the faculty/staff weekly newspaper The Current for weekly listings. In addition, the Arts & Lectures (A&L) staff brings well-known performers and artists on national tours to campus. A&L also presents film series and sponsors lectures on a variety of topics of interest to the campus community. If you wish to have required attendance at a particular event for any of your classes, please check the availability of tickets with A&L ahead of time.