Welcome to UCSB, Office of the Registrar

Steps to Registration

Similar to Admission's "Steps to Admission", the following "Steps to Registration" is a guide through the critical actions you must take to officially enroll at UCSB as well as an introduction to our terminology. To enroll at UCSB, you must:

1. Register for classes,
2. Submit your Statement of Legal Residence (SLR),
3. Pay all fees and financial obligations, and,
4. Update your contact information.

(Note: You may have already completed one or more of these steps through the Admissions' Steps To Admission process.)

1. Registration on the Web - Gaucho Online Data - GOLD

Get familiar with GOLD - it is the web tool that you will use to register for classes, view your grades, read important messages from UCSB, order transcripts, etc.
The Schedule of Classes contains complete enrollment information and course descriptions. Each term has specific deadlines, and procedures are subject to change. Please insure that you read your class schedule carefully each quarter.
- Your Permanent Number (PERM), and Personal Identification Number (PIN) are listed in the e-mail message you received directing you to this website.
- Your PERM number is your permanent UCSB identification number.
- Your PIN number is your secret code for accessing GOLD and other UCSB websites. When you first log-on to GOLD, your initial PIN will be the last four digits of your social security number (SSN). If you don't have an SSN, or if you elected not to provide it, use 0000 to log-on to the system for the first time. The first time you log-on to GOLD, or any UCSB website, you will be asked to change your PIN. Please be sure to make note of the new PIN you create. Once created, your personalized PIN will be used to gain access to all online systems. If you have any problem creating or using your PIN, you may call (805) 893-3592, and request that your PIN be reset.
- Registration appointments are referred to as “passes,” or “pass times,” and are used to register for classes on GOLD. As a new graduate student you will receive appointments for Pass 2 and Pass 3 only (Pass 1 is reserved for continuing graduate students). Refer to the Pass Times Calendar for specific dates. If you attend the graduate orientation in fall, you will be given important information about registration, the Graduate Division, Graduate Students Association, Student Health, Counseling Services, Career Services, and other campus resources. Workshops on important graduate issues will also be offered. If you are unable to attend the fall graduate orientation, you should make an appointment with a counselor in the Graduate Division to discuss your situation.
- GauchoNet and GOLD are accessible at http://gnet.ucsb.edu
Important Note: The Office of the Registrar as well as other campus offices are in the process of transitioning to a new authentication system (e.g., to access New GOLD) which will require the use of a UCSB NetID and Password. This transition will be covered during your orientation session. To obtain your UCSB NetID and Password, you will need to activate your U-Mail account. U-Mail is UCSB's official student email service to which university business correspondence is sent. To register for your UCSBnetID, and activate your U-Mail account, click here.
The Schedule of Classes contains complete instructions on how to register on the web. If you need additional help, please call the Registration Helpline at (805) 893-3592.
Prerequisites for all undergraduate courses will be enforced at registration. GOLD recognizes completion of prerequisites at UCSB only. Therefore, if you have completed equivalent transfer work at another institution, you should contact the academic department offering the course in which you wish to enroll before you attempt to register. Be sure to bring records of transfer work with you when you come to campus, and have them handy throughout your career at UCSB.
Note that the deadline to register without paying a $50 late registration fee is the first day of classes. The final deadline to register (with a $50 late registration fee) is the fifth day of classes.
After your initial registration, you may add a class, drop a class, or change your grading options using GOLD. All deadlines are listed in the Schedule of Classes.
Following your first quarter of enrollment, you must access GOLD to learn when your registration pass times are scheduled for future quarters. See the Schedule of Classes for details.

2. Submit your Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)

Before paying fees, it is IMPERATIVE that you complete UCSB’s online Statement of Legal Residence (SLR). This form is required of ALL new students. Failure to submit your SLR will result in the assessment of out-of-state fees, and may prevent disbursement of financial aid.
Once your SLR is submitted, it may take several weeks to determine whether you satisfy University requirements for classification as a California resident. If additional information is needed, you will be contacted my mail, and given specific instructions before a final determination is made.
You may check the progress of your residence determination by accessing GOLD at: http://my.sa.ucsb.edu/home/gold.aspx (under Registration Information). The information displayed will indicate “Pending” while your SLR is under review, and will be updated once your residency has been verified.

3. Payment of Fees

Payment of all fees must be received by the Central Cashiers Office, 1212 SAASB, by the deadline for each term in order to retain your space in classes. If you are receiving financial aid through the UCSB Financial Aid Office, please read special instructions described in the Schedule of Classes.
Payment Plan applications are available from the BARC website at www.barc.ucsb.edu , and must be received along with the first installment by the payment deadline. Payment plans that require staff assistance are available in the BARC Office. Failure to meet financial obligations will result in a $50 Late Payment Fee and/or a lapse in status.

4. Address Verification

Students are strongly encouraged to keep their address information current. Address changes can be updated through GOLD. A block may be placed against your future registration if you do not confirm your address at least annually.

We hope this overview is helpful to you. Please click here to find additional resources for new students, including a helpful "To Do" list. We look forward to your arrival at UC Santa Barbara and wish you great success.