Overview

Historically, first-generation college students arrive at the university with non-traditional challenges and families who would love to support them but may not possess the knowledge and means with which to do so. In addition, a preparation gap exists between high school and college. The Student Transition and Retention (STaR) Program was created to bridge the gap from high school to college, provide the success tools and methodology (strategies) required for optimal success in college, and offer a community of support.

A cornerstone of the STaR Program is the Letters and Science (LTS) course series which runs for the entire year:

• Fall: The First Year Experience
• Fall LTS break down the mystique of college life and open doors to a rich, fulfilling UC Davis experience. You will receive a thorough introduction to campus resources and learn skills to be a HIGHLY successful student at UC Davis.
• Winter: Career Exploration and Professional Development
• Winter LTS explores the formal and informal processes of discovering your passion and choosing the path (major, advanced studies, etc.) in support of this discovery. Choosing a major vs. finding your passion is a larger focus.
  
  You can expect to:
  - Meet and hear from professional leaders in public and private industries (law, medicine, public sector, corporate, education, and more)
  - Learn effective techniques to uncover your real passion and succeed as a professional
  - Begin the process of learning about professional demands and expectations
  - Ask questions in a safe and encouraging environment
• Spring: The Group Dynamic
• This course explores group dynamics through intentional teamwork exercises and opportunities through group and team building activities, exercises, and practicums. Students will explore multitude of approaches to success and problem solving in the professional and graduate school settings. 
  
  Topics include learning about the expectations of the professional community and skill development to meet them. Students will also practice assessment and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the professional world. Students will also participate in "Shine While You Dine" dinner etiquette training, where an actual formal dinner will be served.

Winter Quarter 2027 Registration Information

We invite you to take our Winter Quarter seminar which dives into career exploration, discovering your passion, and enhancing your skills and professional development. It's designed to help you establish the strong foundation necessary for a highly successful career at UC Davis and beyond. In addition, during the "Lecture" portion of class, we will have professionals from various fields come speak to us -- from tech, academia, law, medicine, business, and more! Many were UC Davis alumni and first-generation college students themselves and are passionate to connect with, and mentor, current students.

The course code for this seminar is LTS 001B. You will sign up for a section by entering the "Course Registration Number (CRN)" into Schedule Builder. If the section you initially searched for is full, please go ahead and try another that fits into your schedule. 

_{STaR students and instructors pictured with Chancellor May, who serves as a speaker in the Winter Seminar speaker series}

STaR Firsts:

• First 1st Generation First Year Aggie Connection (FYAC) in UC Davis history
• First 1st Generation "for credit" (unit awarding class) First Year Aggie Connection in UC Davis history
• First 1st Generation First Year Seminar (FRS) in UC Davis history

We can't wait to welcome you to the STaR family and be your home away from home!

_{The STaR Program cohort of 2025-2026 pictured at the end-of-year banquet, Shine While You Dine, during the Spring quarter.}