Dear Triton Parents and Families,

Spring quarter is officially here, bringing with it a season of celebration, achievement and Triton Pride! And we have so much to cheer for this year — from our men's and women's basketball teams making history with their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearances to UC San Diego alumni earning national recognition for their incredible contributions and, of course, celebrating our soon-to-be graduating students preparing to walk the stage at commencement. 

If your student is graduating this spring, we know this is a moment of immense pride for your family. Be sure to check out the commencement website for details on schedules, parking, accommodations and more. The site also has key information for graduates about their College Commencement ceremonies, regalia and opportunities to speak or perform at All Campus Commencement.

Of course, we also know commencement is just the beginning for our Tritons. From groundbreaking research to innovative startups, UC San Diego graduates continue to make their mark in the world — including several who were recently named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Their achievements are a testament to the limitless potential of a UC San Diego education, and we can't wait to see what your students will accomplish next.

Whether your student left their mark on the court last week, is preparing to step into their next chapter after commencement, or is reaching their next milestone in their UC San Diego journey, we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments — in the classroom, on the court and beyond. 

Best,
Margot

Margot Clifford
Director, Parent and Family Programs

Triton Basketball Makes History!

What a season for Triton Basketball! Earlier this month, both the men’s and women’s teams won their first-ever Big West Regular Season Titles, marking a huge milestone for UC San Diego Athletics. Their victories also made college basketball history — UC San Diego is the first program ever to have both teams compete in the NCAA Tournament in their first season of eligibility.

We’re so proud of our Tritons and their incredible performance in their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearances. This is just the beginning — Go Tritons! 🔱  

The Hub Basic Needs Center on Campus

CalFresh is a state program that can help by awarding up to $292 a month for groceries. Over 50% of UC San Diego students are eligible for CalFresh, and 60% of students enrolled in CalFresh receive more than $200 a month in food support.

Applicants have a higher rate of CalFresh approval when they have assistance completing their application — whether from the Basic Needs Center or from family and friends. Encourage your students to learn more about the different food security resources available and start their application to CalFresh today. Students can learn more at these upcoming events: 

Tax Time: Student Employment Office

W-2 statements for 2024 are now available online. Students can access their W-2s by logging into UCPath online and follow the steps below. For the best experience when downloading their W-2, please encourage your student to use Chrome or Firefox browsers.

1. Click “Employee Actions” 
2. Navigate to “Income and Taxes”
3. Select “View Online W-2/W-2C”

Financial Aid Application and Work-Study
To be considered for work-study and the best types of financial aid, submit your 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the April 2 priority deadline. To check if you have received a work-study award, log into your Financial Aid account and review your award offer online.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.  

Mental Health Resource: Triton CORE – UC-San Diego’s Mobile Compassionate Response Team 

If your student appears distressed or expresses emotional struggles, Triton CORE can help. This is a team of licensed mental health professionals that responds to behavioral health crises anywhere on campus. They work with students on matters such as thoughts of suicide, thoughts of harming others, significant behavior changes, and other forms of emotional distress.

Students can still meet with clinicians at Counseling and Psychological Services Urgent Care (Galbraith Hall, RM 190, available M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), but if they are unable to do so, they can receive immediate, on-campus support from this team. Triton CORE services include mental health evaluations, safety planning, care coordination, and, if needed, transport to higher-level care such as the emergency department or crisis stabilization unit.

Availability: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Contact: UC San Diego Police Department Non-Emergency at 858-534-HELP (4357) and ask for Triton CORE

Support from Your Student’s Dean of Student Affairs

Submissions Now Open: Undergraduate Library Research Prize

The 2025 Undergraduate Library Research Prize is currently accepting submissions! Co-sponsored by UC San Diego Library, UC San Diego Alumni and the Undergraduate Research Hub, this award recognizes outstanding undergraduate research completed under faculty mentorship. Five students will each receive a $1,000 cash prize.

Students who have presented a research project in the past 12 months — whether as part of a credit-bearing course or a research-focused event — are encouraged to apply. Judges will evaluate creative works, empirical research and interpretive analysis that demonstrate sophisticated use of Library resources.

Submissions and faculty nominations are due by Sunday, April 27.

Triton Family Web Series: Help Wanted! What to Know About On-Campus Jobs

Our Triton Family Web Series is going strong! Plan to join us on Wednesday, March 26 at 4 p.m. for the next session of the series, Help Wanted! What to Know About On-Campus Jobs.

Join experts from the Student Employment Office to learn about how students can find, apply and work in different jobs on campus, the resources and programs available for students to gain work experience on campus, and how the Student Employment Office supports students in all facets of working an on-campus job.

Illustrious Alumni Awards

Representing one of the highest honors for our alumni, this prestigious award celebrates distinguished alumni who have reached extraordinary heights, shaping a brighter future as they strengthen Triton pride around the world.

Our Triton community is invited to celebrations in New York (March 27) and the Bay Area (April 23) as we recognize our 2025 Illustrious Alumni Award honorees — an inspiring group of extraordinary visionaries whose significant achievements reflect the pride and excellence of the Triton community. Join us in honoring their accomplishments, as we share in the enduring curiosity and discovery that define UC San Diego.

Annual Off-Campus Housing Fair

Spring 2025 Career Fairs 

Is your student looking for a job or internship? Encourage them to check out our Spring 2025 Career Fairs! The Career Center will be hosting in-person and virtual career fairs in late April. Encourage your student to save the dates and keep an eye out for more info. 

In-Person Spring Career Fair
Thursday, April 24, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sun God Lawn

Virtual Spring Career Fair
Friday, April 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Handshake Virtual Platforms

De-Stress with Pups at Geisel Library

Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Location: Geisel Library, Outside of Classroom 1

Is your student feeling stressed? Encourage them to take a break with therapy dogs at the Library. Whether they're in need of a quick pause between study sessions or a moment to unwind from a tough assignment, certified therapy dogs will be here to help them relax. No registration is needed, and masking is optional. Students can drop by anytime during the event to enjoy some calming time with the dogs.

The Library proudly partners with Love on a Leash, a nonprofit organization that brings volunteer pet therapy teams to support student well-being. For more information, contact Gen Thipatima at learningspaces@ucsd.edu. 

Join us in welcoming new Triton families!

Deciding where to send your student for college is a decision that involves and impacts the entire family. Which is why we know that you played an essential role in your student’s choice to become a Triton. Now, you have the chance to help other families learn more about UC San Diego and discover if this is the right place for their student!

UC San Diego’s Triton Family Ambassadors invite you to join us in welcoming newly admitted students and their families to campus at UC San Diego's Triton Days 2025 on Saturday, April 13.

From the Stands to Student Success: The Power of Triton Parents

Triton parents show their support in so many ways — cheering from the stands, celebrating their students’ achievements, and investing in their success. On March 15, that support was on full display when Triton parents Rachel and Aaron Tait-Jones traveled from Wellington, New Zealand, to watch their son, Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, help lead UC San Diego to its first-ever Big West Championship and NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament appearance.

Their pride in their son reflects the spirit of Triton families everywhere. Whether through mentorship, volunteering or philanthropy, parents like you help shape the Triton experience. Join Rachel and Aaron in supporting Triton scholar-athletes, the Parents Fund or other meaningful initiatives that make a difference.

For information more about the Parents Fund and other ways to make UC San Diego a philanthropic priority for your family, please contact our Marla Libraty, our director of development for parent and family giving, at mlibraty@ucsd.edu or (858) 822-4872.

Get Involved: Triton Family Ambassadors 

As parents and family members, you play an important role in your student's educational journey, and we encourage you to take an active part in our Triton community. There are so many ways to get involved: become a Triton Family Ambassador and volunteer with our events and programs, help build connections and share resources, and represent UC San Diego to current and prospective families. Make a philanthropic gift in honor of your student. Or connect with our Career Center to offer advice, internships or job opportunities for current students.

Every family member has experience and insights that help enrich our community, and however you want to get involved, we look forward to getting to know you!