Welcome to the Aggie Family!
Being the first in your family to attend college can come with its challenges, but at UC Davis we’ve got your back. We have a host of resources to support you and the campus has launched the First Generation Initiative to help connect students with faculty, peers and resources that can make all the difference during your time at UC Davis.
Who is a first generation college student?
The UC Office of the President (UCOP) defines first generation college students as students with neither parent having completed a four-year college degree.
How We Support First-Generation Students
We provide programs and services with the goal of supporting students through the challenging transition for students from communities where college-going is not the norm. We recognize that these areas are crucial for first generation college students:
- Mentorship
- Academic support
- Financial literacy and assistance
- Networking and social activities
- A sense of community and belonging
- Support with transition to university life
Program Highlights
Student Transition and Retention (STaR) Program
This 2-unit course, offered through College of L&S, was created to bridge the gap from high school to college, provide the success tools and strategies required for optimal success in college, and offer a community of support. There is a course offered every quarter. You can sign up now for Spring 2025 Quarter!
Mentorship Programs
We have a variety of programs that can match you with a mentor. As a first-year or transfer student, you can be matched with an upperclassmen in College of Letters & Science to support you with navigating college. You can also be matched with a graduate student, based off of your field of interest, to learn about how to pursue research.
You've Got the Whole UC Behind You
Our commitment is grounded in the larger effort at the University of California to celebrate and support first generation students.
A Journey Through Five Colleges
Dave Ivan Cruz (B.A., international relations, '19) was born and raised in the Philippines and did not move to the United States until December 2013. He attended four colleges — three in the U.S. and one in the Philippines — before he transferred to UC Davis. The first in his family to attend a four-year university and in a foreign country, Cruz feared “getting lost and messing up.” But he credits the lifelong friends he has made and his advisor for getting him through. “Mike Valenzuela was my go-to advisor in the College of Letters and Science. He guided me and my fellow transfers during our first quarter ... I seek advice from him whenever I have uncertainties about any processes on campus.”
Read more about Cruz's journey
(Photo: Daniel Oberbauer)
Not sure where to start?
Navigating all of the resources that college has to offer can be overwhelming or intimidating. We have a team of advisors who are ready to support you and point you in the right direction and help you navigate resources. Sometimes, having 1-on-1 tailored support or a listening ear is just what you need.
Our Faculty Are Here For You
- Visit the First Generation Initiative website to read about UC Davis faculty who were also the first in their families to attend college
- The directory lists hundreds of faculty who are committed to helping students navigate all the ins and outs, access resources, and just lend a hand when needed.
- Did you know? 38% of undergraduates in the College of Letters and Science are first-generation college students.
Meet Milmon Harrison
Milmon Harrison is an associate vice provost for Academic Programs in Undergraduate Education, an associate professor in the African American and African Studies Department, as well as the first in his family to attend college. His advice?
Get connected: What a place this is – a big, giant place. You have to make it small by being connected with people who can talk to you and answer your questions and mentor you and support you. Get used to asking the question: “What’s available for me?”
Heritage Spanish Program
This course is uniquely designed for students who grew up with Spanish at home and are comfortable speaking it, but who may have limited or no experience studying it in a classroom setting. Students of all majors are invited and will benefit from the Heritage Spanish Program, which focuses on oral expression and writing skills in a variety of genres, from the personal to the academic, to foster students’ ability to be effective communicators.
