Students cheering at the football stadium

The final step of your orientation experience!

Fall Aggie Orientation is our on-campus program that begins on September 17th for transfer students, and September 20th for first-year students. You DO NOT need to register. Aggie Orientation is mandatory, so all students are automatically signed up. To learn more about the mandatory fee for Orientation, visit our Fees and Policies page.

By participating in Aggie Orientation, you will…

  • Build support networks with fellow Aggies that include students, faculty, and staff.
  • Become familiar with navigating campus and accessing relevant people and resources.
  • Experience first-hand the academic rigors of UC Davis with the guidance of faculty.
  • Be welcomed by college and major advisors essential to your academic success.
  • Discover how you contribute to our diverse community.

Learning More About Aggie Orientation

Approximately one week before your Aggie Orientation start date, you will be added to an Aggie Orientation Canvas course. You will receive an email to your UC Davis email once you have been assigned. This Canvas course is the place where you will access all your important Aggie Orientation information, including your pre-orientation checklist, group number, first meeting location, and Orientation schedule.

Participating in Aggie Orientation

You will be placed in a small group of fellow new students, along with a trained Orientation Leader who will be your guide throughout Aggie Orientation. Every group of students will have a unique and individualized schedule facilitated by their Orientation Leader.

  • Program Descriptions - Read more about events you will participate in during Orientation
  • Group Meetings – Meet with your Orientation Leader and get to know other students in your small group. Orientation Leaders will take you to your Aggie Orientation sessions, facilitate activities, and answer your questions. 
    Programming with your academic college – From academic advising to clubs and resources related to your major, there is so much your college offers!  
    Aggie Success – Learn from instructors and peers how to meet your academic goals and succeed as a UC Davis student.
    Davisfest Resource Fair – Learn about campus departments that will get you connected to involvement, internship, volunteer, and employment opportunities.
    Evening programming – We have many opportunities for you to make connections with other students and have fun in the evenings, including a football game, the Aggie Welcome Rally, and smaller social programs led by Orientation staff.
    Dive Into Downtown – Explore Downtown Davis, your new home!
    Violence Intervention and Prevention Program – Representatives from the Center for Advocacy Resources and Education (CARE) discuss campus safety and resources. 
    Health, Wellness, and You! – Discover the many dimensions of wellness and how this can affect new students, as well as learn about resources that can support you while at UC Davis.
    Affinity Spaces – These come-and-go spaces are an identity-based mixer where students of various backgrounds can connect with peers who share similar and intersecting identities.

Sample Schedule

The following sample schedules will give you a good idea of what to expect during Aggie Orientation, though your schedule's timing and specific order of events may be different. Our campus is large, so plan on wearing your walking shoes and sun protection! 

Transfer Sample Schedule

  • Tuesday, September 17
  • Program start time - 9:30 AM 
    Meet up with your Orientation Leader (OL) and small group 
    Campus tour led by your OL (lots of walking!)  
    Lunch
    Aggie Success
    Health, Wellness, and You!
    Dinner
    Manetti Shrem Museum exploration
    Program end time - 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday, September 18
  • Program start time - 8:30 AM 
    Meet up with your Orientation Leader (OL) and small group 
    Programming with your academic College
    Dive into Downtown
    Lunch 
    Transfer Networking Time
    Violence Intervention and Prevention Program
    Dinner
    Affinity spaces & social programs
    Program end time - 9:00 PM
  • Friday, September 20
  • Program start time - 11:00 AM
    Programming with your academic College
    Lunch
    Davisfest
    Campus exploration and classroom tours 
    Dinner
    Aggie Welcome Rally
    Program end time - 9:30 PM
  • Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 (OPTIONAL)
  • While we do not have transfer programming throughout the day on September 21, all transfer students are invited to the evening football game! Kick-off is at 7:00 PM. Tickets are free and will be sent to your UC Davis email address.

    September 22 also does not have transfer programming throughout the day, but all transfer students are invited to the evening social programs, starting at 7:30 PM. No tickets are required, but you must wear your lanyard and name badge. More information will be available in your Aggie Orientation Canvas page.

First-Year Sample Schedule

  • Friday, September 20
  • Program start time - 8:00 AM
    Meet up with your Orientation Leader (OL) and small group
    Aggie Success
    Programming with your academic College
    Lunch
    Davisfest
    Dinner
    Aggie Welcome Rally
    Program end time - 9:30 PM
  • Saturday, September 21
  • Program start time - 10:00 AM 
    Meet up with your Orientation Leader (OL) and small group 
    Health, Wellness, and You!
    Campus Tour led by your OL (lots of walking!)
    Lunch
    OL Group Mix & Mingle
    Violence Intervention and Prevention Program
    Dinner 
    Football game (free for students! Kick off at 7:00 PM)
    Program end time - 9:00 PM
  • Sunday, September 22
  • Program start time - 10:30 AM 
    Meet up with your Orientation Leader (OL) and small group
    Programming with your academic College
    Lunch
    Dive into Downtown
    Dinner 
    Affinity spaces & social programs
    Program end time - 9:00 PM