Fall 2025 program registration coming soon!

Creating connections both in and out of class is an essential part of the first-year student experience and for building success at UC Davis. Connections are fun experiences to meet great people, make new friends, explore interesting topics, and learn all about campus and what it means to be an Aggie. All new students are welcome and invited to participate. 

*Programming for the 2024-2025 academic year has concluded.

The category tiles below will be updated in July with a listing of Fall groups. 

Aggie 101

Your guide to UC Davis campus life

Aggies for Action

Social, cultural and global change

Art, Music, Entertainment

Artistic expression and pop-culture interests

Identity

Community matters; Find yours here

Master Minds

Beyond major, minor and academic discipline

Thrive

Personal wellness and holistic development

Your Aggie Network

Campus groups for shared interests and backgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is First-Year Aggie Connections?
• First-Year Aggie Connections (FYAC) groups first-year students (freshmen and transfers, including international students) into 25-person “Connections” based on a shared purpose, interest, or theme. Connections meet regularly for one academic quarter and are led by staff or faculty facilitators who engage students in discussions surrounding crucial topics related to transitioning to life at UC Davis.
• What do all Connections have in common?
• All Connections have around 25 students, meet regularly during one quarter, present a specific curriculum related to transition to UC Davis, and participate in FYAC social activities.
• Are Connections classes?
• Most Connections are not classes and do not have units associated with them. These not-for-credit Connections meet around six times throughout the quarter. However, there are a few exceptions. Each Connection is clearly labelled either “for-credit” or “not-for-credit” on the website. If you have questions, please ask!
• Can I join more than one Connection?
• Joining a Connection is a time commitment. Although most Connections do not have credits associated with them, attendance is encouraged. If you feel that you have the time for more than one Connection, feel free to join. If you've already joined multiple Connections and need to adjust your registration to fit with your class schedule, email aggieconnect@ucdavis.edu.
• I need help with Connection registration or troubleshooting.
• Connections with open registration are offered during the fall and winter quarters. Spring quarter Connections are only offered through existing on-campus programs.
  For-credit Connection registration: find the CRN on the FYAC website and add it using Schedule Builder.
  Not for credit Connection registration: follow the registration link on our website to register through AggieLife.
• Registration Troubleshooting
• Not for credit Connection registration: Follow the registration link on our website to register in AggieLife. After clicking on the registration link listed on our website, you will then register for the Connection through AggieLife. On the left side of the page, click “Continue to RSVP,” “I will be attending,” and complete the required forms. Once you’ve filled out the entire form, click “RSVP” and you have successfully registered for a Connection!
• How do I drop a Connection?
• If you are unable to stay registered, please be sure to inform the FYAC team on which Connection you will be dropping at aggieconnect@ucdavis.edu and update your RSVP in AggieLife and click on "I won't be attending." Once selected, you will be dropped from the connection. 
• What's the difference between First-Year Aggie Connections and First-Year Seminars?
• They are separate programs, and both are open to you! First-Year Aggie Connections are small networks formed around a theme and facilitated by UC Davis faculty and staff members. Connections are exclusively for new students, so participating is a one-time opportunity! Each Connection is a maximum of 25 students and incorporates strategies for a successful transition to a large research university, as well as information about all the campus resources available to you. In addition, you'll have the option to attend activities led by peer mentors that engage you with campus culture and build connections.
  
  Emphasizing highly participatory classroom discussions and activities, First-Year Seminars invite you to engage with your fellow students on enduring and contemporary issues, with faculty who are equally passionate about the seminar topic you select. Although any student regardless of class standing can participate in a First Year Seminar, new students are given preference in regards to registration. Take a memorable, for-credit, small-class experience that welcomes you and your peers to campus.