Student Life

Rylie Ellison is the 2019 recipient of the Neal Van Alfen and James MacDonald Graduate Student Support Fund Award for her research and leadership on treating animal waste to improve its potential for use as a fertilizer in agriculture.

Each year we honor a handful of undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in the areas of academic excellence, distinctive leadership and community or public service. Eight of these students will be honored at the CA&ES commencement ceremonies at UC Davis on Sunday, June 16. The awards include the College Medal for scholastic excellence, the Mary Regan Meyer Prize for serving humanity, the Charles Hess Community Service Award for outstanding public or community service and the Dean’s Circle Award for outstanding academics and community service.

UC Davis students competed well in the university’s inaugural trip to the Animal Welfare Judging Contest sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) at Colorado State University in November.

Altogether, 145 participants representing 22 universities competed in four categories: dairy goats, egg laying ducks, green iguanas and polo ponies. The species evaluated vary year to year. UC Davis had 14 undergraduate, graduate and veterinary students compete, as well as two coaches.

Picnic Day features a topographical Lego map of California

Lego lovers, UC Davis Picnic Day has a display made just for you.

Students from diverse backgrounds pursue agriculture

With four undergraduate colleges and over 100 majors to choose from, many students leave UC Davis without ever scratching the surface of the agricultural sciences. However, agricultural science is the backbone of education for the 7,491 students in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

The UC Davis Student Farm is one of the cornerstone examples of experiential learning of sustainable agriculture and food systems in Davis. The Student Farm, through various internships, volunteer opportunities, and employment opportunities allows students to gain knowledge through experiential learning by working on a sustainable organic farm. This video, produced by students, gives us a lens into what happens on the farm.

UC Davis’ many student organizations provide growth opportunities.

An important way UC Davis students gain the skills and experience they need is through involvement in campus clubs and organizations.

“There are a number of reasons why students should join clubs and organizations,” said Lili Bynes, co-director of CA&ES Undergraduate Academic Programs. “One is the sense of community that groups provide. Another is professional development opportunities. In personal development, what stands out immediately would be leadership growth and exploring the unknown.”

Activities prepare students for good jobs, bright future.

Choosing a major is the first challenge for incoming CA&ES freshmen. The next step is to participate in activities that help connect their studies to a rewarding career.

From its inception for alternative & organic research - to its development into a market and ecological garden - the Student Farm is all about innovation.

Since 1977, the 20-acre Student Farm has given thousands of students with an interest in sustainable agriculture plenty of hands-on opportunities through internships, courses, and part-time jobs.