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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- 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.