Parents and Families

In the Know

In the Know is a free monthly e-newsletter full of useful articles that help families connect with UC Davis during their students' undergraduate experience.

Parents automatically receive the newsletter when their students register at UC Davis. Ensure you receive information by updating your email address

2024-2025 Academic Year 

Select articles from previous In the Know issues are below.

The Power of Knowing Oneself in Career Exploration

A student’s journey of career exploration is influenced by a variety of factors, including skills, interests, and goals. Another central element in career development is knowing oneself. This is now often referred to as recognizing one’s identity. Things like a student’s background, lived experiences, impact they hope to make with their life, and values play an integral role in shaping one’s professional aspirations and workplace expectations, which is why every student’s identities are absolutely important to take into consideration.

Understanding the Parent PLUS Loan: A Guide for Parents

One financial aid option available to parents is the Parent PLUS Loan, a federal loan that can help cover the cost of higher education for their dependent undergraduate children. Let's delve into what the Parent PLUS Loan is and how it can benefit both parents and students.

What is a Parent PLUS Loan?

Spring Break is a Great Time to Pause and Reflect

This article is written by The New Student Programs unit housed within Student Affairs and is comprised of Orientation and First Year Experience.  Our team is dedicated to supporting your students transition into and through UC Davis.

This month we are focusing on taking the time to pause and reflect.  Your student is two thirds of the way done with the 2024-25 academic year.  Spring break is a great time to pause and reflect on what the past 6 months have been like for you, and your student. 

Keeping in Communication with your Student: The Power of Being in the Right Major

This article is written by The New Student Programs unit housed within Student Affairs and is comprised of Orientation and First Year Experience.  Our team is dedicated to supporting your students transition into and through UC Davis.

This is the fifth part of a series where we highlight part of the academic transition your student might be experiencing and questions you can ask your student to help support them through this transition.

Keeping in Communication with your Student: Embracing Co-curricular Activities

This article is written by The New Student Programs unit housed within Student Affairs and is comprised of Orientation and First Year Experience.  Our team is dedicated to supporting your students transition into and through UC Davis.   

This is the fourth part of a series where we highlight part of the academic transition your student might be experiencing and questions you can ask your student to help support them through this transition.