Theme Programs
Theme Programs are special interest communities within the residence halls. Theme programs provide an opportunity for students with similar interests to live in the same hall or on the same floor, creating a learning community that supports its residents by both providing traditional social and recreational activities as well as activities that are unique to the Theme Program.
Academic Theme Programs
Certain Theme Programs include the option to participate in an Academic Theme Program (ATP). In addition to living within the Theme Program community, ATPs provide residents the opportunity to participate in a one- or two-unit seminar during the fall quarter; once a week, faculty members lead discussions on a variety of topics related to the Theme Program. ATPs provide information about academic and career options and networking connections for internships and research opportunities. ATP residents are also required to contribute to the organization of program activities. Residents are not required to participate in the ATP program to be eligible for a related Theme Program.
How To Apply
Prospective residents who are interested in participating in a Theme Program need to indicate their interest when applying for housing by filling out the appropriate sections of the application. Theme Programs are located in specific halls and on specific floors, and locations are determined after the application deadline passes. NOTE: students are not guaranteed housing in a Theme Program, and are given consideration based upon the priority they assign to the Theme Program in their application relative to other assignment criteria (environment, occupancy and room configuration).
The Programs
A variety of Theme Programs are available. Descriptions of each program are meant to illustrate previous Theme Programs’ characteristics, and are not necessarily suggesting the expected characteristics of future programs. Theme Programs are successful – dynamic, flexible and custom - because they rely on the character and demand the participation of their residents; therefore, future Theme Programs will be similar but not identical to previous programs.
- African American & African
- Asian Pacific American Theme House
- Casa Cuauhtémoc (Chicano-Latino Theme House)
- Communicating, Learning, Leading Theme Program
- Davis Honors Challenge
- Engineering
- Environmental & Agricultural Sustainability Education
- Hammarskjöld International Relations
- Health Science Community
- Integrated Studies
- Leadership Exploration
- Multiethnic Program
- Music, Arts, & Performance
- Native American ATP
- Quiet Program
- Rainbow House
- Substance Free Community
- Wellness Community
- Women’s Community
African American & African
The African American & African Theme Program is open to students from all cultures who are interested in exploring African American and African cultures.
An ATP component is available. ATP participants will connect with the African American & African Studies Department and through community events to further their growth and social understanding. The ATP component offers a range of cultural, social, and educational programs including the Black Leadership Retreat.
Asian Pacific American Theme House
Residents who live in the Asian Pacific American Theme House (APATH) community share an interest in academic, personal identity, and leadership development. APATH has a strong relationship with the department of Asian American Studies (ASA), which offers an opportunity for ASA faculty to connect with students, and share tips and tools for academic success at the University.
APATH is also an Academic Theme Program (ATP). The APATH ATP provides a rich living-learning community for students, and offers an opportunity to take a one-unit exploratory, interactive seminar during the Fall. To get the most out of the community experience, residents in APATH are highly encouraged to participate in the Asian American Studies ATP. Participants share an interest in Asian American identity, culture, challenges, and leadership. This ATP is a wonderful way to not only learn about identity and academic success strategies, but to connect to the many great resources on campus.
Casa Cuauhtémoc (Chicano-Latino Theme House)
Casa Cuauhtémoc presents an opportunity to explore Chicano and Latino thought and culture in a cross-cultural setting. An emphasis is placed on promoting leadership and broadening residents’ cultural experiences. Casa residents develop an extensive range of cultural, social, and educational programs, including mask making for Dia De Los Muertos, supporting UC Davis’ La Raza Cultural Days, and various field trips.
An ATP component is available. ATP participants will, through an interactive seminar, be introduced to transformations affecting Chicano and Latino populations as a result of transnational Latino migrations and globalization. Faculty members from the Chicano Studies Program will lend particular attention to art, film, literature, virtual culture, politics, health, law, and history.
Communicating, Learning, and Leading Theme Program
Opportunities have never been greater to explore and contribute to the field of education. The Communicating, Learning, and Leading Theme Program offers opportunities to learn about social, cultural, linguistic, and economic issues in education, as well as trends that affect education both inside and outside the classroom. Participants will meet faculty working in education-related areas and learn about current UC Davis programs and research. Additionally, participants will explore a range of career options and internships related to education focused on learning, critical thinking, and policy development. Through weekly seminars, participants will engage in the learning process and discover the rewarding and challenging world of education alongside others who share their interests.
An ATP component is available.
Davis Honors Challenge
The Davis Honors Challenge (DHC) is an open-application, campus-wide program for highly-motivated students who want more challenging coursework, closer contact with faculty, and dynamic interaction with similarly-motivated peers. Students who are accepted into the DHC program may choose to live in the accompanying DHC Theme Program community. This close-knit, interactive community presents additional opportunities for DHC students to enhance their university experience, including opportunities to participate in workshops that help students prepare for academic success, graduate school, and the business world; to interact with professors in small-group settings; to engage in social events; and to attend field trips.
All incoming first-year students are invited to apply to the Davis Honors Challenge program. DHC applications are due in early June. Please visit the DHC website, submit an email, or call 530-752-9797 to obtain an application.
An ATP component is available.
Engineering
The Engineering Theme Program introduces students to both the different “branches” of engineering study and the abilities needed to become a successful engineer. Through brief assignments and participation in discussions, participants may deepen their understanding of the personal commitment required to study engineering, as they explore the range of Engineering majors and careers available upon graduation. Key goals of the program are to demystify all fields of engineering and to highlight the similarities and differences among them. This is an excellent program for those pursuing an Engineering major and for those who might consider it in the future.
An ATP component is available.
Environmental & Agricultural Sustainability Education
Students from all majors can study local, regional and global environmental and agricultural issues while participating in informal discussions with faculty through this specialty program. Seminars will explore issues related to the environment, agriculture and sustainability efforts from interdisciplinary perspectives through discussions, guest faculty panels, career exploration, and expeditions to research facilities such as the Tahoe Center for Environmental Research. Students will learn about green, sustainable practices, both on and off campus, as well as create projects and practices that have a green impact within their community.
An ATP component is available.
Hammarskjöld International Relations
The universal objectives of the house are to broaden awareness of international issues, provide opportunities for involvement in international exchanges and cultures, and develop a commitment to community service. Activities range from international dinners to get-togethers with professors and teaching assistants. Informal discussions of recent world news, foreign language practice, travel tips, debates, lectures, and community service are the kinds of events that are sponsored to help residents learn about the world in which they live and how they contribute to a global community.
Health Sciences
The Health Sciences Theme Program is a community of students exploring majors in the health sciences (medical, optometry, pharmacology, veterinary, etc.). Programs and activities related to the health sciences include informal discussion sessions with faculty about career fields, career planning workshops, cooperative study groups, and interacting with health science professionals. Community members will participate in a seminar that explores a variety of academic and health science career options (including medical school and veterinary school admissions), internship and career options, and the possibility of sharing classroom and lab experiences with those in similar majors.
An ATP component is available.
Integrated Studies
Integrated Studies is an honors program open only to invited freshmen. UC Davis Regent Scholars are guaranteed placement in Integrated Studies. Students in the top 3% of those who have filed a Statement of Intent to Register at UC Davis are invited to apply for any places not filled by Regent Scholars. Integrated Studies participants automatically live in the Integrated Studies residence hall community, located in Miller Hall in the Segundo Area.
Integrated Studies helps high-achieving students integrate knowledge gained from science, engineering, arts and humanities, and social sciences. Students are provided with challenging, participatory learning experiences in small, personalized learning communities. Participants are encouraged to explore academic options, share mutual interests, study and take courses together, and learn in a supportive atmosphere.
For more information about Integrated Studies visit the Integrated Studies website, e-mail the Program Manager, Jenny Moody or call 530-752-9760.
Leadership Exploration
How can you take the first steps toward meaningful involvement at UC Davis? How do you prepare to become a leader among your peers, in campus organizations, and eventually in your chosen profession? Through participation in the Leadership Exploration Theme Program, residents will live with students who share a mutual interest in becoming an involved and active citizen in a diverse campus community.
An ATP component is available. By participating in the Leadership Exploration ATP seminar series, students explore theories of leadership with engaging faculty and staff speakers, and develop an understanding of the skills needed to become an effective leader. Students will assess their own personality in terms of leadership skills and style in order to formulate a career and leadership path at UC Davis. They will spend time with student leaders to learn about their experiences with campus leadership. Moreover, students will begin to apply the knowledge they have gained to new situations.
Multiethnic Program
The ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and understand different cultures is an important skill in a global community. The Multiethnic Program provides peer support and activities for students who wish to expand their knowledge of different cultures. Activities include cultural events, faculty programs, and informal discussions about the appreciation of differences. MEP residents learn a great deal about others’ cultures as well as their own.
Music, Arts, & Performance
The Music, Arts, & Performance (MAP) Theme Program provides musicians, artists, dancers, performers, and students who have an interest or enjoy creativity with an opportunity to live with like-minded students. Activities include attending various campus events, teaching and learning new arts, creating community projects, and organizing events to showcase residents’ talents.
Native American ATP
Students from all backgrounds who share an interest in learning about Native cultures, using traditional Native American ways of communication, are welcome to participate in this community. Students will interact with faculty and staff to engage in an interdisciplinary curriculum that fosters deeper learning, connection and social understanding of the Native community. The program offers a wide range of cultural, social, and educational workshops, classes and programs designed to help students build community and enhance student success.
Quiet Program
The Quiet Program Theme Program is for students who desire to live and study in a calm, quiet community beyond the minimal parameters established by the residence hall noise policy. Program participants commit to honoring additional noise guidelines generally only required during late night and early morning “quiet hours”.
Rainbow House
Rainbow House is a community located on a single floor, geared towards students and allies of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex community who are interested in personal growth within a safe and supportive environment. The community promotes understanding about sexual orientation, gender, and other differences to enhance students’ leadership skills and multicultural awareness. Rainbow House provides an opportunity for students to connect with student groups and campus resources, such as the LGBT Resource Center. Through a variety of programs and activities, Rainbow House offers a dynamic experience for students wishing to build support and community ties.
Substance Free Community
All of our residence halls adhere to state laws regarding to alcohol and other drugs. To further support California law, Student Housing created the Substance Free Community for students who are committed to a lifestyle without any use of alcohol or other substances. Residents of the Substance Free Community agree to refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs, and to practice a healthy lifestyle. Participants plan and host substance-free events, programs, and activities. Students participating in this program will be required to sign the Substance Free Community Living Agreement.
Wellness Community
The Wellness Community offers students the opportunity to explore the natural environment through local excursions such as hiking, biking, and picnics within the Davis community. Students will engage in learning about healthful living, including nutrition, fitness, emotional well-being and positive social interactions.
Women’s Community
There are several women-only communities within the residence halls. Women’s communities provide an open and relaxed atmosphere where residents may discuss issues that affect them within society, the family, the university, and the residence halls. Residents participate in a number of programs that are provided by the Resident Advisor and other campus departments. Residents have stated that their community seems to build strong friendships among women. Programs may include guest speakers who discuss women’s issues (such as safety, health, and career), and women’s retreats and field trips.