We are still accepting Peer Mentor applications for our L&S Mentorship for Achievement Program (MAP)! Priority deadline has passed, but you can still apply.
Explore More Programs
- L&S Peer MAP: Mentorship Achievement Program
The L&S MAP (Peer Mentorship for Achievement Program) matches first-year and transfer students with current upperclass mentors within the College of Letters and Science. These mentors provide support to improve the experience and success outcomes for mentees.
Recruitment typically happens in the Spring Quarter.- MURPPS (Math and Physical Sciences)
- The Mentorship for Undergraduate Research Participants in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MURPPS) is designed to increase the number of first-generation students, and those with financial need, to pursue graduate studies in the mathematical and physical sciences. The program offers students the chance to work with professors on research projects related to their fields of study.
The application cycle takes place twice in the academic year, with deadlines being in both February and October.
Learn more about MURPPS - MMP-HArCSS (Humanities, Arts, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences)
- The Mentor-Mentee Program in Humanities, Arts, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences (MMP-HArCSS) pairs graduate student mentors with second year, third year, and fourth year undergraduates in the humanities and social sciences to introduce students to academic research and build research and analytical skills. This will prepare undergraduate students to approach and work with professors or pursue an independent research project or honors thesis.
The application cycle takes place each Fall quarter, with the application period typically being between September and late October.
Learn more about MMP-HArCSS - Student Transition and Retention (STaR) Program
- 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. 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.
A cornerstone of the STaR Program is the Letters and Science (LTS) course series, which is available all year round.
Learn more about the STaR Program
Past Student Spotlights
- Fall Quarter 2025
- Meet Josie Peinemann, a fourth year student who recounts her experience starting college as a nervous, first-year student. She enters a classroom and everyone was quiet, until she decided to be the one to start the conversation. Those conversations were the first of many that would build her community of friends and supporters on campus today.
“Even in my new classes right now, trying to meet new people, it's hard to just take that first step when it's really quiet in the room,” said Peinemann. “I try to push through it and take the first step. I think that's how I built my closest friendships.”
Read Josie's Article - Summer Quarter 2025
- Lidia Wolday didn’t see herself as someone who could do research when she arrived at UC Davis. A first-generation student, she had just transferred from a community college. This year she graduates with new confidence from her experiences conducting and presenting her own academic research.
“To anyone just getting started, especially if you’re unsure of yourself, if you ever feel like you don’t belong in these spaces, I want to say that you do. Research isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about being curious, being open to learning and just trying.”
Read Lidia's Article - Spring Quarter 2025
Emiliano Rosales picked up volleyball last spring year after his first two quarters at UC Davis were harder than he ever would have believed. After connecting with mentors, he discovered what he truly wanted his life to be. In his second year now, he mentors first-year students facing the same struggles he did.
“I'm thankful that I'm able to now continue as a mentor,” said Rosales. “It really helps distract from what's going on right now by being able to give back to current first years. I see myself in most of them, if not all of them, in some shape or form.”
Read Emiliano's Article- Winter Quarter 2025
When Bayleigh Baldwin, a Linguistics major and Letters and Science Student Ambassador, first arrived at UC Davis, she didn’t really know what it meant to be at a research university. Now as a senior, she is interviewing with graduate programs across the country.
“I had a lot of really great mentors here who showed me how they got to be graduate students and professors,” said Baldwin. “I followed after them and my goal is to be a professor someday.”
Read Bayleigh's Article- Fall Quarter 2024
For Katie Cohen, part of undergrad life is made up of “the grind.” Now in her second year on campus, Cohen, a sociology major and L&S Ambassador, has also learned that there’s a lot more to being a student.
“Somewhere in the torrent of assignments and projects, balanced with jobs and living on our own for the first time, we have to find solace in togetherness,” said Cohen.
Read Katie's Article
- Hear From The Dean
Stay informed on the latest announcements and learn about timely events and opportunities on campus.
- Explore Courses
Discover unique Letters and Science courses available each quarter. Browse this quarter's courses and explore offerings from past quarters, all in one place.
Take the UC Undergraduate Experience Survey!
This survey measures many aspects of undergraduate life, such as campus climate, academic major, generative AI, co-curricular activities, academic obstacles, food and housing security, how students spend their time, and more. Make your voice heard!
Opportunities
Apply to be a Peer Mentor with L&S! Still Accepting Applications
Our L&S Peer MAP: Mentorship for Achievement Program is currently accepting applications for Peer Mentors for the 2026-2027 academic school year! This is a valuable opportunity to give back by mentoring incoming first-year and transfer students. Our Peer Mentors receive mentorship training, growth opportunities, and the chance to be part of a community of like-minded peers in your college.
Priority Deadline was 5/10; Still Accepting Applications
AI Literacy
Stay informed on how you can strengthen your AI literacy skills in an ever-evolving world, all on our new website.
L&S Clubs and Student Orgs
Have you checked out our list of L&S Clubs and Student Organizations? We've had over 20 new club and orgs added in this past year, across several of our departments. Get connected today!
- Career Center
- Undergraduate Research Center
Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (URSCA) Conference
- Global Learning Hub
- Clubs and Communities
Look for clubs and organizations that you're interested in and see what events they have coming up! Many websites have their own calendars.
Clubs and Communities on Campus- Fun Things To Do
Past Events
Resume Review Drop-In Hours at SSH | Career Center Visit!
