The Academic Retention Initiatives at UC Davis comprise four multifaceted programs whose purpose is to:

• promote academic success among marginalized student populations.
• empower these students to engage the full measure of opportunity available at the university.
• grow as individuals and to find a sense of belonging and the support they need to realize their aspirations.

At the core of each Academic Retention Initiative’s work is understanding the specific needs of our four marginalized student populations and keeping a “pulse” on these communities, with specific reference to enrollment (in collaboration with Undergraduate Admissions) and attrition, retention and graduation (in collaboration with Undergraduate Education). This practice, alongside research on current strategies and best practices for retaining marginalized students, places the directors of the retention initiatives, the Division of Student Affairs and UC Davis as a whole in a position to make data-driven, research-guided decisions for the benefit of these dynamic student communities that we serve. 

Creating a diverse and inclusive community that reflects California and the world helps students with marginalized identities achieve, build resilience and feel the sense of belonging that is essential to their success both at UC Davis and in their post-graduation lives and careers. 

The Four Academic Retention Initiatives 

The Strategic African American Retention Initiative strives to promote academic success and increase retention and graduation rates of African Diaspora student success emphasizing community engagement and self-exploration.

The Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative is a conduit of support for Asian and Pasifika scholars as they navigate the university. Diverse programs and services provide culturally-specific support in order to empower and promote the successful degree completion of scholars who identify within these diasporas.

The Strategic Chicanx/Latinx Retention Initiative is focused on the academic, personal, and professional success of Latinx students as well as dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers that negatively impact the campus climate for Latinx students.

The Strategic Native American Retention Initiative is a multifaceted academic success program at UC Davis focused on increasing the retention, persistence and graduation rates of Native American students, in a culturally appropriate way.

Academic Retention Initiatives FAQ

• Where are the Academic Retention Initiatives located?
• Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative (SAandPIRI)
  Student Community Center (Room 2405)
  Contact SAandPIRI

  
  Center for African Diaspora Student Success (CADSS)
  South Silo (Room 270)
  Contact CADSS

  Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success (CCLASS)
  Memorial Union - 2nd floor
  Contact CCLASS

  Native American Academic Student Success Center (NAASSC)
  University House - The Native Nest
  Contact NAASSC

• Why were the Academic Retention Initiatives created?
• The Academic Retention Initiatives were created to serve and are committed to increasing the retention and graduation rates of underrepresented minority students. Specifically, they provide academic support and services to our student communities. They are designed to amplify and encourage hxstorically underrepresented and underserved student populations while also helping them to navigate and dismantle systemic barriers that negatively impact campus climate. These initiatives actively work to facilitate connections for students across the campus community, while also informing campus leadership of the needs of these communities.
• What is the difference between the Academic Retention Initiatives and the Community Resource and Retention Centers?
• Each Academic Retention Initiative (ARI) at UC Davis provides academic advising and support services for student success. The Retention Initiatives strive to promote academic success, increase retention rates and support time to graduation. This is done through a culturally relevant and multifaceted framework which emphasizes community engagement and self-exploration. Our goal is to build connection and strengthen community; our programming is focused on the following:
  
  —Academic, personal and professional advising
  —Sense of belonging
  —Support network
  —Student empowerment
  —Student development
  
  The Academic Retention Initiatives collaborate with many departments on campus, including the Community Resource and Retention Centers. The Community Resource and Retention Centers (CRRC) promote student-centered work that encourages and supports programs and services initiated by and for students. The CRRC’s priorities include implementing broad-based campus climate interventions to create a more inclusive campus environment and a sense of belonging for students to meet academic goals:
  
  AB540 and Undocumented Student Center
  Center for Student Involvement (CSI)
  Cross Cultural Center (CCC)
  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Resource Center (LGBTQIA RC)
  Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian Student Resources (MENASA)
  Student Recruitment and Retention Center (SRRC)
  Women's Resources and Research Center (WRRC)
   
• What services do the Academic Retention Initiatives provide?
• The services provided by our four Academic Retention Initiatives include, but are not limited to: academic advising, academic tutoring, academic and cultural programming, First-Year Aggie Connection seminars, basic needs support, professional development, Community Advising Network (CAN) counseling, study spaces and snacks.
  
  Some of our Academic Retention Initiatives offer additional services. Please refer to their individual websites and follow them on social media for a detailed list.
• How can I schedule an academic advising appointment?
• Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative (SAandPIRI)
  Schedule an advising appointment with Katherine Parpana, director, via the Advising Appointment System.
  
  Center for African Diaspora Student Success (CADSS)
  Schedule an advising appointment with Dionica Bell, director (email at dbbell@ucdavis.edu) or Maya Bell, associate director (email at mabell@ucdavis.edu).
  
  Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success (CCLASS)
  Schedule an advising appointment with Rodrigo Bonilla, director (email at rbbonilla@ucdavis.edu or schedule a meeting via Calendly).
  
  Native American Academic Student Success Center (NAASSC)
  Schedule an advising appointment with Michelle Villegas-Frazier, interim director of ARI and director of NAASSC (email at mavillegas@ucdavis.edu or schedule a meeting via Calendly).
  Schedule an advising appointment with Pamela Pretell, interim associate director (email at ppretell@ucdavis.edu or schedule a meeting via Calendly).

Spaces for Student Community — Academic Success Centers and Resources