Graduate Academic Achievement and Advocacy Program

Over 10 years ago, students on the University of California, Davis campus passed the Facilities and Campus Enhancement (FACE) Initiative, which led to the formation of a student-initiated and student-run recruitment and retention office.

Now known as the Student Recruitment and Retention Center (SRRC), the office is located in the Student Community Center and houses seven programs including the Graduate Academic Achievement and Advocacy Program (GAAAP). The component was created by a small group of dedicated graduate students of color. GAAAP coordinators provide support to current graduate students of color and recruitment of, and advocacy for, undergraduate students of color interested in pursuing a graduate education.

Luis Ramirez, current Student Director of GAAAP, thinks more focus should be placed on graduate school students. He has helped organize bi-monthly graduate application workshops, a mentorship program and graduate student panels. Upcoming events include sponsorship of graduate writing retreats and graduate specific campus climate talks. He and his co-worker, along with interns and volunteers, are also working to put on a pre-medical symposium.

Ramirez was hesitant to get involved because of his busy schedule, but once he became familiar with the work of GAAAP and the entire center, he knew he wanted to be a part of it. “The energy in the center made me want to be here," he says. Over the last year, the programs in the SRRC have serviced over 3,500 students.

GAAAP works to bridge the gap between the two student populations. "Not a lot of graduate and undergraduate students interact," Ramirez says. With programming and conversations, GAAAP is improving the connections between the two populations. The move from the basement of South Hall to the Student Community Center has also helped improve visibility of the programs offered in the SRRC. More students are benefitting from the resources available.

For more information about GAAAP, visit the GAAAP website. To get involved with the program, Ramirez suggests just walking into the Student Recruitment and Retention Center. "We're energetic and always available," he says. The folks over at GAAAP are always looking for students to intern and volunteer.