Checklist for Success

Welcome to all our new Global Disease Biology students! We are so excited to have you here! Before you take your first steps towards being a student in the major, please review the following checklist items to ensure you’re on track. 

  • STEP 1: Complete Aggie 101 Modules
  • You must complete Aggie 101 through your MyAdmissions Portal.
  • STEP 2: Complete Aggie Advising Canvas modules
  • You should have received an invitation to the Aggie Advising Canvas page in your ucdavis inbox.

    If you did not, please make sure you have your @ucdavis.edu email address set up.

    Need help? Contact Campus IT here!
  • STEP 3: Register for and attend a GDB Department Workshop
  • Please register for a workshop to learn more about GDB, the Major requirements and ask any questions you may have! To register, please fill out this FORM. The workshop Zoom link can be found HERE. 

    Freshmen Workshop 
    Session: Tuesday June 23rd, 2026 | 10:00am-11:30am
    Register here: https://forms.gle/TBs2SqRg84Vo68Kf8

    Transfer Workshop
    Session: Wednesday June 24th, 2026 | 10:00am-11:30am 
    Register here: https://forms.gle/TBs2SqRg84Vo68Kf8
  • STEP 4: Schedule an Aggie Advising Appointment with a Major Advisor

  • You’re now ready to schedule an appointment with our GDB major advisor to address any questions or concerns you may have, to prepare you well for your first quarter at Davis!

    SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT:
    1. Visit appointments.ucdavis.edu.
    2. Click "Get Scheduled."
    3. Select "Plant Pathology, Nematology and Entomology Advising Center."
    4. Choose your major (i.e., "Global Disease Biology").
    5. Enter your contact information.
    6. Select a day, time, and type of appointment (remote, phone, or in-person).

    PREP FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT: 
    1. Write down any questions that may have come up during Aggie 101 or Aggie Advising Canvas modules! 
    2. Visit the UC Davis Catalog
    - Check for prerequisites to any courses you want to register for
    - Transfers: Explore potential Restricted Elective (RE) options (you can use the resources below to do so as well)
    3. Review our Admitted Students tab for information on major requirements, policies, and resources
    4. Bring your questions to your appointment!

    Check out these links for more information on the Major
    Major Requirements
    Restricted Electives Information
    Practicum Project Guide

  • STEP 5: Schedule your Chemistry & Math Placement Exams
  • Chemistry Placement Exam:
    If you plan on enrolling on CHE 2A in Fall 2026, you will need to take the Chemistry Placement Exam. If you do not, and you plan to take CHE 2A in Summer or Fall 2026, you will have another chance to take the Exam. 
    Click here to learn more about the Chemistry Placement Requirement and Exam information.

    Orientation 2026 Testing Window: Monday June 8, 2026 - Monday June 15, 2026
    Fall 2026 Testing Window 1: Wednesday September 2, 2026 - Tuesday September 8, 2026
    Fall 2026 Testing Window 2: Wednesday September 23, 2026 - Tuesday September 29, 2026

    Math Placement Exam: 
    The Mathematics Readiness Assessment (MRA) determines your level of preparation for college-level math courses offered at UC Davis. Incoming Freshmen will be notified about the Math Placement. They will be sent instructions and login information via email to their UC Davis email address. Visit the Math Readiness Assessment website for more details. 

    Orientation 2026 Testing Window: TBD
    Fall 2026 Session 1: TBD
    Fall 2026 Session 2: TBD

    Please see this website for information on other Placement Exams and Auditions.

    If you need special accommodations due to a disability, please contact the UC Davis Student Disabilities Center.
  • STEP 6: Register for Classes!

  • GDB Registration Dates

    Please check your specific Pass 1 and Pass 2 registration appointments on Schedule Builder or on your my.ucdavis.edu portal.

    Freshmen: 
    Thursday July 30th: 8am-Midnight

    **First Year Open Registration: Friday July 31st: 6am-Midnight**
     
    Transfers: 
    Wednesday August 12th: 8am-Midnight - New Transfer Student Registration (Group 1)

    Thursday August 13th: 8am-Midnight - New Transfer Student Registration (Group 2)

    Need to update your schedule? You will have more chances to do so during Open Registration, Pass Two, and Schedule Adjustment. See below for specific dates.

    All New Students Open Registration: August 14 - 16, 2026
    Friday, August 14, 2026: 6:00 am - Midnight 
    Saturday, August 15, 2026: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Sunday, August 16, 2026: 10:00 am - 6:00pm

    All Students Pass Two Registration: August 17 - 28, 2026

    All Students Open Registration: August 29 - September 14, 2026

    Schedule Adjustment: September 18 - October 27, 2026

    You can also find the calendar of registration periods at the Office of the University Registrar's Registration Calendar and this calendar for specific dates & times. 

    GDB Advising will have drop-in hours during your registration periods!
    Come ask for support if you need it. We will be on Zoom at Meeting ID 362-977-9393 on the dates/times below:

    Freshmen Registration
    Thursday July 30th, 2026: 7:45 am - Noon
     Friday July 31st, 2026: 7:45 am - Noon

    Transfer Registration
    Wednesday August 12th, 2026: 7:45 am - Noon
    Thursday August 13th, 2026: 7:45 am - Noon

Additional Resources:

Here are some additional resources to help you plan out your quarters here at UC Davis!

Questions about Advising?
We're here to help! Email us at [email protected] for questions, comments, or concerns.