Residential Academics, is one component of the New Student Academic Services unit in Student Housing & Dining Services, which includes the UC Davis Orientation program and the academic year Residential Peer Mentor program. The academic support provided consists of one-on-one Peer Mentorship, academic success workshops, and much more. Residential Academics collaborates with several departments on campus, such as the Academic Assistance & Tutoring Center, the Internship & Career Center, and the four colleges to provide academic & career readiness support and tutoring within the residence halls.

Academic Peer Mentors

Making the academic transition into and through UC Davis can be difficult. Class structure, instructor interaction, academic rigor, expectations, and studying are all different from high-school or two-year institutions. Academic Peer Mentors are one source of support for new and continuing students. Academic Peer Mentors are current students who meet one-on-one with students to answer questions, share experiences and offer tips and guidance. Each student living in the residence halls and The Green will have an Academic Peer Mentor who they will meet during Aggie Orientation or the first week of classes.

Academic Peer Mentors are trained to assist students in all four colleges and can help: prepare for academic advising appointments, strategize for test taking and studying, explore and change majors, utilize campus resources, identify and help to resolve academic concerns, get engaged on campus and find community, learn to navigate technological systems (OASIS, Schedule Builder, Canvas, etc.) and support new students in academic pursuits. For Academic Peer Mentor hours of availability, refer to Residential Academic Centers.

Residential Academic Centers

The Residential Academic Centers (RAC) are academic hubs for studying, information, charging devices, and more. A Center is located in each living area: Segundo, Tercero, and Cuarto. The Residential Academic Centers, staffed by Academic Peer Mentors, are open from the first day of instruction until the quarter ends. Note: Residents may use any Residential Academic Center, regardless of the residence hall area they live in.

Segundo Area: Segundo Services Center, First Floor; 530-754-0279

Tercero Area: Tercero Services Center, First Floor; 530-752-5566

Cuarto Area: Shasta Hall, First Floor; 530-754-0278

Students may email questions to Residential Academic Support.

New Student Orientation, 530-752-4443 or orientation@ucdavis.edu, assists new students and their families with the transition to UC Davis. Orientation is mandatory for all incoming first-year and transfer students. Orientation consists of three required parts: Aggie 101, Aggie Advising, and Aggie Orientation. Aggie 101 is an online platform that helps students learn about UC Davis resources and prepare for academic advising and course registration. Aggie Advising provides you the academic advising support you need by completing a step-by-step process to plan an appropriate schedule and an opportunity to work with an academic advisor to address questions in preparation for your first quarter. Finally, Aggie Orientation is an on-campus experience for students to build community, find networks of support and resources, and get excited about being an Aggie!