Newly admitted students! Did you miss our STaR webinar for admitted students, or would like to review the slides? Click here to access our slide deck.
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.
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
STaR students and instructors pictured with Chancellor May, who serves as a speaker in the Winter Seminar speaker series
Learn about STaR's History
STaR was developed by one of our dedicated advisors, Mike Valenzuela who, as a first-generation Latinx college student, felt out of place and like he didn't belong in college. His experience inspired him to build a program that would empower students like him to thrive, connect, and find a community that they'll have throughout their time at UC Davis and beyond.
“Coming from many of these places that our students come from, they’re guarded. When I was in their shoes, it took me over a year to trust and let my guard down," Mike says.
Fall Quarter 2026 Registration Info Coming Soon
Registration for Spring Quarter 2026 is officially closed. Please check back at a later time for Fall Quarter 2026 registration information!
Student Testimonials
Emiliano Rosales is a L&S undergraduate student and STaR Peer Mentor. In this article, he recounts how he struggled in his first year at UC Davis and how the STaR Program served a pivotal role in helping him turn things around.
Sydney Yacullo is a L&S undergraduate student and currently serves as an Orientation Leader and Ambassador for Letters and Science (ALAS). In this article, she shares how the STaR Program helped her find her sense of community and build the confidence to succeed in college.
Kelsey Stallard is an undergraduate Physics major and Lead Peer Mentor in the STaR Program. In this article, she recounts her experience pursuing internships as a first-year student and how she faced imposter syndrome. She shares how the STaR Program supported her and how pivotal it is to support students in their first year of college.
