Welcome to our new 2026 Fall Aggies! Be on the lookout in your emails for information soon.

Explore Connections

Explore our Fall Connection group offerings: 

Connection registration is now open. Scroll below to learn about the groups we are offering for fall 2026. Registration for non-credit groups is completed through AggieLife. Use the provided CRN to register for for-credit Connection groups in Schedule Builder. Questions? Please email [email protected]

These connections are available to students who are enrolled in the listed programs

AandPI Aggies

This Connection is affiliated with the Asian and Pacific Islander Aggies (AandPIA) Living Learning Community and the Lotus Mana Center. This LLC is a space for those interested in Asian American & Pacific Islander culture, history, and community to live and learn together. Participants in this FYAC will have the opportunity to learn about campus resources; meet AandPI community members including faculty and staff; and is designed to assist new Aggies with their transition to UC Davis. This FYAC is open to all students who identify with or who are interested in learning more about the Asian American & Pacific Islander community. 
 

First priority to register for this Connection is given to AandPIA LLC residents. All other interested first-year students will be considered if space remains during open registration.

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LLC Priority Registration

Connection Quick Description: Explore A&PIA culture, connect with community, and ease your UC Davis transition in this welcoming FYAC, open to all interested in Asian & Pacific Islander experiences.

  • Day & Time: Thursdays (2:10-3:00PM)
  • Location: Location TBD
  • Registration: Priority registration for this group is reserved for students living in the AandPIA LLC. This Connection is not for credit and will be open to all new students (first-year freshmanand transfers) if space remains. Register for "AandPI Aggies" in AggieLife. 

**First-Year Aggie Connection groups are open to all first-year students

  • Meet your facilitator for AandPI Aggies
  • Chris V. Pangelina, who is also known as Pangie, identifies as a first-generation college graduate, multiracial queer educator in the field of Student Affairs. Chris began his journey at UC Davis in 2014 in Student Housing and Dining Services working with first-year residents in student housing. In 2018, he joined the Center for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) supporting first-generation and low-income undergraduate scholars. Chris has 10 years of experience working in higher education and continuously advocates for access, equity, and inclusion for hxstorically marginalized and underrepresented students. In every role Chris has held, he has had the privilege of directly supervising and developing undergraduate scholars, which has kept him grounded in student-centered work and making sure student's voices are heard and uplifted. He takes pride in his role to support students in the Asian and Pacific Islander diasporas across campus. Chris identifies as mixed with ancestral ties to the CHamoru (indigenous people of Guam), Costanoan Rumsen Ohlone, Purépecha and Spanish peoples. He was born and raised in the Bay Area, where he attended Laney Community College and then transferred to UC Berkeley, where he received his bachelor's degree in American Studies with a concentration in social justice, public policy and poverty in the U.S. He later received his master's degree from San Diego State University in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a specialization in Student Affairs. Chris is an avid music listener with an eclectic taste in music. He believes that sharing music is a love language and is always open to a new song recommendation. Chris is also Virgo through and through. One of his passions is dancing hula although he is currently taking a break from his halau in Sacramento. 


Aggie Rainbow Connection: LGBTQIA+

Aggie Rainbow Connection: LGBTQIA+ is a space for first year & transfer students to build community. This FYAC centers the experience of LGBTQIA+ students, but all students are welcome. Aggie Rainbow Connection fosters discussions on academic and social resources such as learning about LGBTQIA Resource Center opportunities, our RSOs, and much more! Join our Aggie Rainbow Connection group to foster community with members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community!

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Connection Quick Description: Connect with the LGBTQIA+ community and allies! Explore your identities, access affirming campus resources, and build friendships through fun activities, all while meeting in a safe space: the LGBTQIA Resource Center!

  • Day & Time: Tuesdays (4:10-5:00PM)
  • Location: LGBTQIA Resource Center
  • Registration: This Connection is not for credit and open to all new students (first-year freshmen and transfers). Register for "Aggie Rainbow Connection" in AggieLife. 
**First-Year Aggie Connection groups are open to all first-year students


Finding Connection as Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian Aggies [MSA 098]

This Connection is designed for first-year students, including transfer and international students, who identify with or are interested in the experiences of Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian (MENASA) communities. Students seeking a supportive community, opportunities for personal growth, and guidance in navigating their transition to UC Davis are encouraged to join. Through weekly meetings, students will engage in discussions about identity, belonging, leadership, and the unique experiences of MENASA students in higher education. Participants will connect with campus staff, faculty, peer mentors, and student leaders who can provide insight into academic success, career exploration, campus involvement, and available resources. Meetings will also focus on developing essential skills for student success, including goal setting, time management, self-advocacy, and building meaningful connections within the university community. Students should join this Connection to build a sense of belonging, develop leadership and academic skills, and create a strong support network during their first year at UC Davis. By exploring their identities, engaging with diverse perspectives, and learning how to navigate the opportunities and expectations of a research university, students will be better prepared to thrive both academically and personally.

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Connection Quick Description: Join a supportive community for students who identify with or are interested in Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian (MENASA) experiences. Connect with peers, mentors, and campus leaders while exploring identity and belonging, building essential academic and leadership skills, and learning how to navigate opportunities and resources at UC Davis.

  • Day & Time: Wednesdays (4:10-5:30PM)
  • Location: Student Community Center- Meeting Room D (located on the 2nd floor)
  • CRN: 37799
  • Registration: This Connection is for credit and open to all new students (first-year freshmen and transfers). Regsiter for this group in ScheduleBuilder during open registration or Pass Two. 

**First-Year Aggie Connection groups are open to all first-year students

  • Meet your facilitators for "Finding Connection as Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian Aggies"
  • Affaf and Mahum work as career staff at the Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian Resource Center. They work to provide educational and community building opportunities as well as mentorship and guidance to all students who seek it. We have decided to lead the connection as we both appreciated the support and guidance as undergraduate students at our respective undergraduate institutions and want to provide that support to other incoming students as well! Don't hesitate to reach out and connect with us!


First-Gen Aggies Thrive!

Each week, first year first-generation students will engage in discussions and activities to further support their transition to UC Davis. Some weeks will even be driven by what the group would like to specifically cover. Join in if you're a first-gen student looking to build community, develop college success skills, connect with campus resources, and gain confidence as you navigate your UC Davis experience.

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Connection Quick Description: Calling all first-generation Aggies! Join this group to connect with fellow first-gen Aggies, learn about campus resources, and get guidance to succeed your first quarter at UC Davis.

  • Day & Time: Thursdays (3:10-4:00PM)
  • Location: Olson Hall- Room 18A
  • Registration: This Connection is not for credit and open to all new students (first-year freshmen and transfers). Register for "First-Gen Aggies Thrive!" in AggieLife. 
**First-Year Aggie Connection groups are open to all first-year students


Native Americans Building Connections and Strengthening Community [NAS 193]

The Native Americans Building Connections and Strengthening Community FYAC focuses on developing a “home away from home” where your values as a Native American student are recognized, your academic successes and accomplishments are celebrated and your contributions to your community are honored as you are. In this FYAC we aim to create a sense of belonging and build community with one another, supporting you as you navigate this next chapter in your educational journey. Through class meetings, readings, and assignments, we will explore various topics relevant to navigating and flourishing at a Research 1 (R1) university and beyond. 

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Connection Quick Description:

  • Day & Time: TBD
  • Location: TBD
  • CRN: 38207
  • Registration: This Connection is for credit and open to all new students (first-year freshmen and transfers). Register for "Native Americans Building Connections and Strengthening Community" in ScheduleBuilder during Open Registration or Pass Two. 
**First-Year Aggie Connection groups are open to all first-year students
  • Meet your facilitators for "Native Americans Building Connections and Strengthening Community"
  • Michelle Villegas-Frazier, who previously worked for a decade in outreach programs on campus, returned to become the first director of Strategic Native American Retention Initiative in Student Affairs. She brings with her more than 30 years of experience in Native American outreach and retention services and programs.
    Michelle will provide strategic leadership to identify opportunities for enhancing the persistence, achievement and graduation rates for students. She will lead efforts to develop partnerships across the university and implement a plan to serve students from orientation through graduation.
    William (Will) Sampson is a first-generation college graduate who originally comes from Tulare, California (Yokuts lands). He graduated from UC Davis in 2019 with degrees in Native American Studies and History, and received his M.A. in History from the University of Washington in 2022. Will was amongst the first students to work in the Native Nest when it first opened in 2017, and is excited for the opportunity to work with and support the community that played a critical role in his growth as a Native person in higher education. He is committed to developing strategies for students to succeed academically and professionally during their time at UC Davis, as well as foster opportunities for student leadership.


Trans/Non-Binary Connection

This is an opportunity for new Aggies on the trans+/non-binary spectrum and supporters to make connections, build intentional community, and become familiar with trans+ specific campus & local resources. This is a great first step toward creating a supportive circle of friends and mentors through fun activities, group discussions, and campus resource presentations. Join this affirming space to have fun and meet your peers while feeling welcomed and celebrated.

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Connection Quick Description: New trans+ and non-binary students- connect, build community, and discover supportive campus resources! Join us for fun activities, discussions, and field trips in a welcoming, affirming space designed just for you.

  • Day & Time: Wednesdays (12:10-1:00PM)
  • Location: LGBTQIA Resource Center (located in the Student Community Center)
  • Registration: This Connection is not for credit and open to all new students (first-year freshmen and transfers). Visit AggieLife to register for "Trans/Non-Binary Connection"
**First-Year Aggie Connection groups are open to all first-year students