This Connection will focus on the four pillars of basic needs: access to healthy food options; affordable housing; mental wellness; and financial stability. Participants in this Connection will learn about food resources on the UCD campus, learn how to budget financial aid, find affordable housing options, and learn about renter's rights!

#aggie101, #thrive

Being a student at UC Davis is very different than high school or community college and takes some getting used to. In this Connection we will set up your foundation for success by discussing some of the fun and quirky aspects of living and learning at UCD. We will also dive into some of the realities of being a college student and strategies for "getting in the groove" and feeling comfortable during a time of extreme change. We’ll discuss winning strategies for thriving in large classes and making the most of Canvas.

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If music is your passion and you're interested in finding out more about music opportunities at UC Davis, this Connection is for you! This is an inclusive experience open to all music lovers, musicians and non-musicians alike. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, or just clap or dance along! Non-musicians will even have access to small, hand-held instruments to easily join in the fun. Together we'll learn about opportunities to get involved in the variety of music ensembles, clubs, and personal music pursuits on campus. You'll also have the option to attend a concert at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Come meet other music lovers and destress while jamming out with your peers. Please note that weekly meetings will be taking place outdoors in a beautiful and relaxed public setting.

#aggie101, #ArtMusicEntertainment

Looking forward to seeing the adorable cows or learning about the UC Davis Olive Oil? Well, did you know that if you keep track of essential and quintessential UC experiences, you can earn a medal? Aggie Traditions, one of Davis’ best-kept secrets, is a compilation of 50 fun and unique "must experience" activities that every Aggie should know about and do during their time at UCD. Upon completion of the 50 traditions, students can earn a medal to wear during commencement (which is also one of the traditions)! This Connection is open to anyone looking to learn about UC Davis, immerse yourself in campus culture, and work towards earning your medal! Please be aware, we will be walking around campus during most weekly meetings as we experience the Aggie Traditions.

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As a student, we know you have limitations with your time, talent, and resources, but are still passionate about making a positive difference in your community. Through "Aggies Give Back," you will learn about how generous donors and volunteers contribute to campus programs and student opportunities. We will also explore how you can personally get involved in Philanthropy at UC Davis. Topics will include an introduction to campus fundraising, insights to what support is given and in what ways, and how to get involved with a passion project as a student.

#aggie101, #thrive

Not able to bring your furry friend to college? Then join us as we learn about the community cats that call UC Davis home. Take time out of your busy schedule to learn more about campus and connect with fellow cat-lovers. We'll be using the campus cat map to spot some of campus' well known cats like Oreo, Baby Kitty & Blueberry (the Voorhies cats) and Cheeto (the iconic Physics cat). We'll also connect with feline behavioral researchers and explore academic, volunteer, and research opportunities at UC Davis related to cats. We will even be meeting with the "Canines and Connections" group (frenemies unite!) to share our love of animals. Please be aware, we will be walking around campus during each week's meeting in search of cats, wind, rain or shine. This Connection is facilitated by two crazy cat ladies, both named Rachel!

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Do you love dogs? Want to make new friendships? Want to learn more about Davis? Come join us and our furry friends: therapy dogs! This will be your chance to meet new faces (furry and human) and make new connections that will last throughout your time here at UC Davis and beyond. To foster these new connections, we will have some fun bonding activities planned for you each week. We will even be meeting with the Campus Cat Safari Connection (frenemies unite!) to share our love for animals. We will also be discussing and learning more about campus culture and community, and all it has to offer you as you make your successful transition to life at UC Davis.

#aggie101

Biking is one of the most iconic aspects of UC Davis culture and tradition and Davis is a special place with bike infrastructure that most cities don't have. The vast majority of first-year students don't have access to cars, and three-quarters of regular Davis commuters don't bring a car to campus. So don't feel trapped without a car because at UC Davis bicycling and other methods of transportation aren't "alternative," they're the norm!

This Connection is hosted by two experienced and knowledgeable bicycling enthusiasts and is a place where students who are new to campus can come learn about bicycling in Davis, campus culture, and simple rules of the road. Come learn how to keep your bike healthy, how to maintain the three most important parts (chain, tires, and brakes), and how to work less for more speed as an efficient and effective rider. This is an inclusive group for experienced bicyclist, those who are "bike curious," and those without any experience who may be intimidated at the thought of navigating a campus bike circle. Sessions will consist of group discussions and may include on-campus fieldtrips to places like the Bike Barn. We will not be riding bikes during group meetings.

Additionally, we will learn how to use Unitrans (the Davis bus system) so you can get anywhere around town without a car, even go shopping at Target. We'll learn how to use the Yolobus system (county transit) to get to-and-from the airport (save $50 on that Uber trip!). We even have the Causeway Connection bus to the UCD health campus, which is the quickest and easiest way to get to Sacramento for FREE. You'll gain knowledge of ALL of your transportation options so you can go anywhere you want without a car, which most students only learn how to do into their second year.

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Are you the first in your family to attend college? Do you find yourself wishing you heard about opportunities sooner? Join this group and connect with fellow first-gen students as we learn how to navigate campus resources (both academic and non-academic), connections to careers and graduate school, and how to be a successful Aggie right out the gate! Each week's topic varies and we will be tailoring some class topics to what YOU want and need to know. Past themes have included: "what are office hours?", how to self care, finding community at UCD, balancing jobs with school, how to get an internship, the importance of networking as an undergraduate, scholarships, study abroad, and many more! 

#aggie101, #identity

In this Connection we will explore opportunities and resources for first-generation students at UC Davis. Join us as we enrich our UC Davis experience through discovering the Craft Center, the ARC, the Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success, the Center for African Diaspora Student Success, the Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative, the Native American Academic Student Success Center, the Cross Cultural Center, and the Global Learning Hub - Study Abroad. Come ready to make social connections in a supportive group environment, demystify UC Davis terminology, and explore the large UC Davis campus.

#identity, #aggie101