Winter 2024 registration now open

Connections in this category focus on social, cultural and global change. Learn more about each below and follow the instructions under each Connection to register. 

 

Crafting to Care

This Connection is an opportunity to combine your interest in crafting and community service. Throughout the quarter, we will be making small crafts to donate to those in need, such as making cards to give to our friends at the Davis Senior Center, and engage in community volunteer opportunities. By joining this Connection, you will learn how to use crafting to give back to the community, find community, and gain crafting experience. This Connection is open to all people of all crafting levels. Beginners, experts, and non-experienced crafters are welcome!

  • Day & Time: Wednesdays (2:10-3:00PM), 114 South Hall
  • Format: This Connection will be hosted in-person, on-campus
  • Registration: This Connection is not for credit and open to all new students (first-year freshman, transfer, and international students). Registration for this Connection group is now CLOSED.


Immersive Improv: The Virtual Reality Playground For Development of English Oral Language Skills

Students will step into a diverse array of improvisational drama exercises, iVR simulations, and collaborative group activities where they will have chances to communicate, negotiate, and express themselves in real-time scenarios, pushing the boundaries of their linguistic abilities. This course has an innovative and exciting design meant to elevate students’ oral language proficiency by applying concepts learned and sharing insights on global communication and cultural differences. They will showcase improved oral language proficiency, enhanced communication skills, and the ability to effectively communicate verbal expression in various contexts.

Who should participate?

  • Students looking to improve their language proficiency 
  • Anyone looking to gain confidence and boost public speaking skills
  • Anyone with an interest in building intercultural awareness through intercultural conversation 
  • Both multilingual and monolingual students
  • Both international and domestic students


Structured as an interactive experience, the course integrates improvisational drama and iVR to enhance students' oral language proficiency. The fusion of these two elements creates a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Students will step into a diverse array of improvisational drama exercises, iVR simulations, and collaborative group activities where they will have chances to communicate, negotiate, and express themselves in real-time scenarios, pushing the boundaries of their linguistic abilities. This is particularly beneficial for students who are transitioning into the academic rigors of college life effectively preparing them for the challenges they may face.

Participating in this course will allow students to refine their communication skills, boost their confidence in expressing ideas, and master the art of thinking on their feet and practice communicating with culturally diverse audiences. These are all crucial abilities for success in their academic journey. Moreover, students will learn to adapt and respond effectively in various social and professional settings, cultivating teamwork and empathy through collaborative exercises. This course sets a strong foundation for their college experience, equipping them with vital skills that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional endeavors.

  • Day & Time: Wednesdays (12:10-2:00PM); SOCSCI 70
  • Format: in-person, on-campus
  • Registration: This Connection is for credit and open to all new students (first-year freshman, transfer, and international students). Registration for this Connection group is now CLOSED.


We Search Research

Are you interested in beginning the process of finding a research position at UC Davis? Don’t know where or how to start? Did you know that you DO NOT need research experience to engage in research at UC Davis? This First-Year Aggie Connection will focus on preparing and walking you through each step of the research search process. Looking for research opportunities can take significant time and effort and we are committed to helping you through this journey. Join us for guidance through each step of the research search process with the goal of securing a research position for you to engage in. ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME.

Topics to be covered included (1) identifying research areas of interest, (2) identifying faculty members, labs and/or other opportunities that match your areas of interest, (3) developing a resume and cover letter for the specific positions you are interested in, (4) emailing faculty members to set up interviews, (5) mock interviews and so much more!

This interactive First-Year Aggie Connection is hosted in partnership with the Undergraduate Research Center, we hope you will join us!

  • Day & Time: Wednesdays (10:00-10:50AM); 2300 Student Community Center
  • Format: in-person, on-campus
  • Registration: This Connection is non-credit and open to all new students (first-year freshman, transfer, and international students). Registration for this Connection group is now CLOSED.