Shadow an Aggie Experience

The Shadow an Aggie Experience program is designed to offer UC Davis staff, alumni and campus leaders an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a student. Through this program, campus leaders will gain a deeper understanding of student life, challenges and perspectives while allowing students to interact with and provide insights to campus leaders.

Program Objectives:

  • Foster a better understanding between campus leaders and students.
  • Provide campus leaders with insights into students' experiences, challenges and viewpoints.
  • Encourage open communication and dialogue between campus leaders and
    students.
  • Strengthen the sense of community and collaboration on campus.

Program Structure:

  1. Application and Selection Process: Campus leaders, staff, alumni and students can express their interest in participating by submitting an application for the Shadow an Aggie Experience. The VCSA fellow and committee will review applications, select participants and make pairings based on their interests and potential for productive engagement. Upon admission to the program, participants will be informed of their acceptance and receive an email with more information about their shadow session.
  2. Program Duration: The program will be offered once a year. Each shadow session will last half a workday (approximately 4 to 4.5 hours).
  3. Reverse Job Shadow Day: On the designated day, staff, alumni and campus leaders will spend half a workday with their assigned student by attending classes, participating in student activities and experiencing campus life from the student's perspective.
  4. Feedback and Reflection: After the shadow day, campus leaders and students will be encouraged to share their reflections and insights by completing a program survey.

Program Requirements:

  • Students and campus leaders must be committed to participating in the program for half an entire day (approximately 4 to 4.5 hours).
  • Participants are expected to engage in open and constructive dialogue during the shadow day.
  • Campus leaders are encouraged to maintain a journal of their experiences and insights.
  • Upon completing the shadow session, both students and campus leaders are encouraged to share their program experiences with the UC Davis community.
  • Students are expected to dress in their everyday attire. Staff and alumni are encouraged to dress in attire that students usually wear on campus (please avoid blazers, dresses, suits, suit vests, etc). Doing so will connect staff and alumni to the genuine student experience.
  • Participating students and campus leaders/staff/alumni will be given meal cards that allow them to eat lunch at any dining commons on campus.

Program Benefits:

  • Improved understanding between campus leaders/staff/ alumni and students.
  • Fostering meaningful connections between campus leaders/staff/alumni and students.
  • Campus leaders gain valuable insights into the student experience.
  • Students have the opportunity to interact with campus leaders directly.
  • Enhanced transparency and collaboration on campus.