The families of students at the University of California, Davis, are invited to experience campus life Nov. 8-10 during Parents Weekend, an annual event that last year drew 1,800 participants. Parents, spouses and siblings are all invited to come get acquainted with campus -- to sit in on classes, tour facilities, attend athletic and cultural events, and meet campus faculty and administrators during three days of special events. "Parents Weekend -- usually held in February -- was moved to November this year to give families a chance to come to campus earlier in the school year," said Linda Wallace, director of external relations for the Cal Aggie Alumni Association, which sponsors the event. "It will give parents an idea of what campus life is like soon after their son or daughter has left home." The weekend begins with registration on Friday, Nov. 8, from noon to 7 p.m. That afternoon a welcoming reception with UC Davis vice chancellors and deans will be held at 4:30 p.m., followed by an entertainment program: the Parents Weekend Cabaret. UC Davis student multicultural dance groups -- including Mga Kapatid, the Black Repertoire Dance Troupe, Danzantes del Alma and Dance Rep -- will perform, as will the marching band and the gymnastics team. On Saturday a pancake breakfast will be held at 8:30 a.m., during which the winner of the Parent of the Year Award will be announced. This award, which is sponsored by the Student Alumni Connection, is given to the parent whose son or daughter wrote the best nominating essay. Throughout Saturday, an "Information Faire" will provide information about organizations and services available to students, and tours will be given of museum, research and other campus facilities. In addition, faculty and staff lectures will be offered on topics ranging from current affairs, such as the changes taking place in the Soviet Union, to student issues, such as housing and financial aid. That evening a barbecue will be held at 5 p.m. prior to an Aggie football game with California State University, Hayward. Sunday morning, a formal buffet brunch at 10 a.m. will feature a textile and clothing show with design students modeling their creations. Families are also invited to attend the many art gallery and museum exhibits, and theater presentations taking place on campus throughout the weekend. The registration fee for the weekend is $25 per family. Tickets for the Saturday pancake breakfast are an extra $4 per person; for the pre-game barbecue, $6 per person; and for the Sunday brunch, $12.50 per person. Reservations should be made before Oct. 31 by contacting the alumni office at (916) 752-0286.