New Student Advising

Get your first quarter started

Welcome! There is a lot to learn before you start your first class and we are here to help! As a student in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES), you will have access to dean’s office advisors, major advisors, and peer advisors to help you throughout your time at UC Davis – from orientation until graduation. Make sure to check back as we're constantly adding more information. In order to get your first quarter off to a smooth start, please complete the following steps:

 

  • Step 1: Complete Aggie 101
  • All incoming first year and transfer students must complete Aggie 101. Refer to your MyAdmissions checklist and follow the instructions on how to complete this online program designed to introduce you to key resources and provide you with information needed to be successful at UC Davis.
  • Step 2: Complete Aggie Advising course
  • Log in to your UC Davis Canvas account and complete the Aggie Advising course for CA&ES. We recommend you complete the course before class registration.
  • Step 3: Take placement exams for your major/college requirements
  • Complete the math and chemistry placement exams in order to enroll in the appropriate math and/or chemistry course.  

    If you have not satisfied the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR), take the UC Davis Writing Placement Survey at least two weeks prior to class registration.

  • Step 4: Review AP or IB charts
  • If you took Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams while in high school, check your scores to see if you receive credit toward a specific course or requirement.
  • Step 5: Check in
  • Now that you've completed the Aggie Advising course in Canvas (step 2), take a moment to assess how ready you are for Pass 1 class registration. If you're ready to go, that's great! But if you have questions, reach out to your major advisor and/or the CA&ES Dean's office via email or call us at 530-752-0108.

    During this time, you should also check out your major's website. Look for any upcoming virtual events happening in either June or July and familiarize yourself with your major's resources. 


    Now is a good time, to get in the habit of checking your UC Davis email regularly as you'll start seeing messages from CA&ES, your major and other campus resources.
  • Step 6: Complete "Life as an Aggie" activity
  • See how current and former students describe their experiences of coming to college. Then, reflect on your own thoughts and feelings about coming to UC Davis. Your thoughts will help give future students a better idea of what to expect, helping to improve their transition.

    Please complete the Life as an Aggie activity.

  • Step 7: Register for classes
  • Check Schedule Builder for your Pass 1 date and time.  Registration for first year starts on August 1 and transfer students starts on August 15.

    Visit the Office of the University Registrar’s Calendar for more information.

  • Step 8: Attend Family Chats
  • Invite your guardians to join you for CA&ES Family Chats on August 9 from 4:30 p.m., a one-time virtual event that highlights your upcoming academic journey and connects you with resources to help you succeed. This event is also a great opportunity to get any last minute questions answered.
  • Step 9: Attend CA&ES Aggie Orientation Events
  • Get excited about starting your fall quarter! This 2 ½ day program is your opportunity to start building networks of support, find resources, and begin your life on campus. If you have questions concerning your orientation, please visit the Orientation website for more information. For Parent & Family Orientation, please visit this website.

  • Step 10: Have a great first day of instruction!
  • First day of instruction is Wednesday, September 27. You got this!

Questions about Aggie Advising?

We're here to help! Email us at caesadvising@ucdavis.edu for assistance.