We were all new at UC Davis once, and wasn’t it nice to make that first connection? Now you have the opportunity to connect with incoming freshman and transfer students — by way of First-Year Aggie Connections.

The program is inviting faculty, staff and graduate students to serve as facilitators for “connections” in fall quarter. Each connection comprises about 25 students and is built around a shared purpose, interest or theme.

Connections bring new students together, outside of the classroom, and give them access to a campus veteran who can help them transition to life at UC Davis.

Facilitators meet with their connections a minimum of six times during the quarter. Peer mentors are available to assist with connections, to provide support to students, plan activities and determine programming.

Some connections are associated with for-credit seminars (in which case more meetings may be required), others are affiliated with on-campus groups, or based on common academic or co-curricular interests.

Prospective facilitators can submit their own connection proposals (clearly stating academic or co-curricular theme) or consider taking a “vacant” connection. (To renew an existing or past connection, contact the First-Year Aggie Connections staff by email.) Staff members, before submitting proposals, must have supervisor approval to devote time to First-Year Aggie Connections.

Not sure how to get started? Attend a virtual information session or contact the First-Year Aggie Connections staff. The program also offers theme proposal co-working sessions.

Virtual information sessions: Program overview and facilitator expectations. Review timeline, proposal and next steps. 

• Wednesday, April 22 — 1-1:30 p.m., Zoom Meeting ID 911-4893-4817
• Thursday, April 23 — 10-10:30 a.m., Zoom Meeting ID 962-1328-1810

Theme proposal co-working sessions: Get help with connection theme ideas, writing a description and submitting the proposal. 

• Thursday, April 30 — 1-1:30 p.m., Zoom Meeting ID 932-5019-9246
• Friday, May 1 — 10-10:30 a.m., Zoom Meeting ID 933-0190-2784

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