UC Santa Cruz

The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a public research university renowned for its unconventional spirit, distinguished residential college system, and a campus set within thousands of acres of redwood forests. Known for its commitment to social justice and high-impact research, it is famously represented by its mascot, Sammy the Banana Slug.

The First Rain Tradition

First Rain (also known as the "Naked Run") is a student-led tradition where hundreds of students streak across campus during the first major rainfall of the academic year. 

• Origin: The tradition reportedly began in 1989 following the Loma Prieta earthquake. To relieve tension, students at Porter College started a game of "Simon Says" that eventually led to them being kicked out of the dining hall for being underdressed, sparking the first run.
• The "Rules": While unsanctioned by the university, student "rules" dictate that the run only happens if it rains consistently from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm on a school night.
• The Route: The event officially begins at 10:00 pm in the Porter College Quad. From there, participants run to every residential college on campus, often making stops for a "detour swim" in the university pool.
• The Finish: The run typically concludes back at the Porter Squiggle (an iconic red sculpture) with a large drum circle and celebration that lasts late into the night.
• Community Etiquette: A strict code of conduct exists among students: photography is heavily discouraged to protect participant privacy, and wearing sturdy shoes is recommended for the forest terrain.

The university administration considers the event unsafe and unsanctioned, occasionally issuing warnings to students about potential risks like injury or trespassing.

Sources:

1. https://news.ucsc.edu/2023/12/first-rain-message/
2. https://www.goodtimes.sc/first-rain-run/
3. https://ucscfirstrain.com/