Holistic U 2026
Welcome to graduate school at UC Davis!
Starting a graduate program is an exciting opportunity—and it also comes with a new set of academic, professional, financial, and personal responsibilities. To help you begin this next chapter with confidence, we invite you to Holistic U, an extended orientation designed for incoming graduate students who would benefit from additional time to learn how graduate school works, connect with the campus community, and identify the resources and relationships that can support their success.
Throughout the day, you will have opportunities to:
- Learn about resources related to academic success, student wellbeing, accessibility, family support, and other aspects of graduate life
- Learn about developing a strong mentoring network
- Meet representatives from academic and student-support offices across campus
- Hear practical advice from experienced graduate students about navigating common challenges and "speed bumps"
- Connect with graduate student organizations and communities based on your academic and professional interests
- Build connections with fellow incoming graduate students
- Explore campus through an optional afternoon tour. Register HERE!
Holistic U Details
🎓 Holistic U 2026
📅 Date: Monday, September 14, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Location: 1220 Walker Hall, The Graduate Center
📝 Interested in participating? Please complete the registration form.
What to Expect
9:00–9:30 a.m. — Registration & Light Breakfast
9:30–10:30 a.m. — Welcome to Graduate School
Meet members of Graduate Studies and the Holistic U organizing team and learn about graduate student advising, mentoring, IDPs, financial resources, and connections for navigating graduate school successfully
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Campus Welcome & Resources
Meet representatives from campus offices and services that support graduate students' academic progress, professional development, wellbeing, accessibility, and overall student experience
12:00–1:30 p.m. — Lunch with Graduate Student Groups: Meet Your Communities
Connect with graduate student leaders and organizations representing a wide range of academic disciplines, professional interests, and graduate student experiences
1:45–2:15 p.m. — Graduate School Jeopardy
Work in small groups to put your new knowledge to the test and discover resources you may want to use during your graduate career.
2:30 p.m. — Optional Campus Tour
Who Should Attend?
Holistic U is particularly recommended for incoming graduate students who want more than a traditional orientation—whether you are new to the university, new to graduate-level study, looking for practical advice about navigating graduate school, or simply interested in building connections and learning about the resources available to you.
Participation is optional and open to all incoming graduate students.
Come ready to ask questions, meet people, explore campus, and start building the knowledge and connections that will help you thrive in graduate school.
We look forward to welcoming you to Holistic U!
PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited seating, we may not be able to accommodate all interested students.
If you have any questions about Holistic U 2026, please contact Kevin Porter, Program Coordinator, GradPathways Institute, at [email protected].