Janelle Monae's Dirty Computer (music), T'Challa and Shuri of Black Panther (movies), and N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth Trilogy (literature) are all recent examples of Afrofuturism. We can think of Afrofuturism as visions of the future driven by technology and centering the joys, trials, and triumphs of Black people. We can also think of Afrofuturism as a way of imagining, speculating, and visualizing the individual futures of Black people. This First Year Aggie Connection (FYAC) will do both. You will read, watch, listen to, and create examples of Afrofuturism related to pop culture. You will also dream, visualize, and strategize your own futures. This might look like setting goals, learning about Davis, and building community, all to set a foundation for moving toward the future you want during your time at UC Davis. Just like Afrofuturism as a genre, this FYAC will center the experiences and challenges of Black undergrads, but all are welcome.

Open to all new students

• Time and Location: Tuesdays (3-4 PM); 121 Olson
• Register: This Connection is not for credit. To register, follow the link below: https://myrecreation.ucdavis.edu/index.aspx?view=item&item=44850

A college student's first quarter will be filled with lots of new experiences. However, even exciting changes and challenges can be overwhelming. This connection will help students identify and manage the sources of stress that they might encounter as they begin to navigate life at UC Davis. Students will learn practical strategies for tackling academic overload, maintaining health and wellness, and addressing interpersonal conflict. We'll also review the many campus resources that are in place to help students thrive academically, mentally, and even professionally.

Open to all new students

• Time and Location: Wednesdays (2-3 PM); 121 Olson
• Register: This Connection is not for credit. To register, follow the link below: https://myrecreation.ucdavis.edu/store/index.aspx?view=item&item=44846

Calling all horse enthusiasts! Join us to learn about the ways you can become involved in the Aggie equine community! Highlights will include tours of campus horse facilities, learning about internship and career opportunities with horses, gaining insights into veterinary research, and meeting faculty, staff and students with diverse backgrounds, experiences and jobs with horses!

Open to all new students

• Time and Location: Tuesdays (2-3 PM); First meeting will take place in 114 South Hall then move to different locations around campus
• Register: This Connection is not for credit. To register, follow the link below: https://myrecreation.ucdavis.edu/index.aspx?view=item&item=44845

This Connection aims to establish and maintain healthy behaviors for all participants. Specifically, we will be highlighting each of the eight different dimensions of wellness (emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual) in the hopes of adding context to each of them but also strategies to help develop lifelong wellness.

Open to all new students

• Time and Location: Tuesdays (3-4 PM); ARC Lobby (Look for FYAC sign)
• Register: This Connection is not for credit. To register, follow the link below: https://myrecreation.ucdavis.edu/index.aspx?view=item&item=44844

This course studies the academic, social/cultural, personal and career challenges and resources associated with college going.

Open to TRiO scholar, by invitation only.

• Time and Location: Fridays (10-12); 121 Olson
• Register: This Connection is for credit and by invitation only. For more information and to obtain the CRN, please contact Panhoia Lee (panlee@ucdavis.edu).

Are you from the Central Valley? This Connection will focus on building community at UC Davis with the common thread of being from the Central Valley. The Central Valley encompasses the very middle of California, between Redding and Bakersfield. This area is known for its agricultural production, but is often times left out of the California narrative. Participants will learn more about themselves, their hometowns, and how to make the most out of their time here at UC Davis.

Open to all new students

• Time and Location: Fridays (11 AM - 12 PM); 121 Olson
• Register: This Connection is not for credit. To register, follow the link below: https://myrecreation.ucdavis.edu/store/index.aspx?view=item&item=44843

Join us for an unforgettable magical carpet ride through a Disney-packed adventure on discovering all of your “theme parks” right here at UC Davis! We promise to sprinkle every week with pixie dust and map out fantastical themes that will relate to your Disneyland experience at UC Davis. We understand that UC Davis is not such a small world after all and we look forward to making it a place where all of your dreams do come true! P.S. Disney apparel and mickey ears are encouraged!

Open to all new students

• Time and Location: Wednesdays (4:10-5:00 PM); 232 Social Sciences & Humanities
• Register: This Connection is not for credit. To register, follow the link below: https://myrecreation.ucdavis.edu/store/index.aspx?view=item&item=44840

Inspired by Ariana Grande’s song “thank you, next” this seminar is to help you move on from high school and have a fresh start in college. “Thought you’d end up at Stanford, but it wasn’t a match. Now you’re at UC Davis and we got your back.” Ever wondered how to work in the entertainment industry? Get involved in government? This seminar will connect you with Associated Students, where students gain professional skills, build relationships, and make change during their time at UC Davis. Together, you will learn how to get involved on campus, thrive as students and future professionals, and make meaningful connections.

Open to freshmen only

• Time and Location: Thursdays (1-2 PM); 121 Olson
• Register: This Connection is not for credit. To register, follow the link below: https://myrecreation.ucdavis.edu/index.aspx?view=item&item=44839

Listen up you scruffy looking nerf-herders- This Connection is about the choices made by the Star Wars characters, choices you make, and the impact on your academic life. Did you choose to get a high grade by working for it …or was it your destiny? The path to success in college is not always the easy one and it always begins with training. (You must be a Padawan before you can be Master). Just as Yoda trained Luke, you too must find the pathway.

Open to all new students

• Time and Location: Thursdays 94:10-5:00 PM); Room 273 (Death Star)
• Register: This Connection is not for credit. To register, follow the link below: https://myrecreation.ucdavis.edu/index.aspx?view=item&item=44722

Each week we will experience a mindfulness practice such as meditation (including walking, breath, and intention), yoga, and other embodied, stress-reducing practices (and the science behind them) while also discussing the resources on campus and in the community to support wellness and personal development (such as career development, resources, skills).

Open to all new students

• Time and Location: Thursdays (11:00 AM- 12:00 PM); 229 South Hall
• Register: This Connection is not for credit. To register, follow the link below: https://myrecreation.ucdavis.edu/index.aspx?view=item&item=44837