First-Year Seminars—Global Learning
First-Year Seminars are an exciting program of small, innovative classes that reflect a variety of intellectual interests. Limited to 19 students each, these unique courses promote critical thinking and community.
First-Year Seminars are credit-bearing classes (1-2 units) that are either letter graded or Pass/No Pass. You must sign up for them in schedule builder/ SISWEB like your other courses.
Global Learning Seminars are First-Year Seminars that will give you a chance to explore cultural diversity or learn about global challenges and how they are being addressed. You will also develop awareness and critical thinking skills that will help you thrive in an interconnected world.
First-Year Aggie Connections – Globally-Focused
First Year Aggie Connections (FYAC) groups together up to 25 students based on shared purpose, interest or theme. Connections meet regularly for one academic quarter and are led by staff or faculty facilitators who are passionate about the themed topics. Most connections are social opportunities and do not bear academic credit; a few connections offer one unit of academic credit for participation.
Globally-focused connections are FYAC’s that relate to global learning, diversity and identity. There are many examples of globally-focused FYAC’s which will be announced when Fall 2023 registration opens in June 2023.
Fall 2023 FYAC: Making the Most of Your Global University
Here at UC Davis, we aim to provide 100% of our students with global learning opportunities that change their lives and our world. This Connection is for all students who want to learn more about the global learning opportunities we offer at UC Davis. Each week we will be exploring different topics within global learning, including becoming familiar with campus resources and building skills to bridge differences. You will leave with knowledge that will help you identify your global learning goals and how they relate to your major and career, regardless of what you’re studying, as well as intercultural skills necessary for today’s workforce.
Learn More About First-Year Aggie Connections
Global Engagement Opportunity (GEO)
GEO is a living-learning community where you will engage in cross-cultural exchange and collaboratively learn about and address global issues in an equitable and sustainable way. Both domestic and international students are encouraged to participate and can choose to room together. Through friendships with students from across the world and participation in programming, your GEO experience will help you build global relationships, networks and awareness. This community is supported by UC Davis Global Affairs and is open to all students, whether domestic, transnational, or international, who are interested in participating in optional seminars, peer mentorship, and programming with a global focus.
Examples of Campus and Residence Hall Programs:
- Global issue-focused local field trip
- Global kitchen activity
- Global Learning kick-off reception
Residence Hall Location: Tercero Area – Cottonwood Hall for 2023-24.
Contact Information

Paula Levitt
Director, Global Experiential Learning
Global Learning Hub, Global Affairs
plevitt@ucdavis.edu