If you saw me at Moove-In last weekend, you know I got a workout in! I was assigned to the only campus housing complex without an elevator. What stood out most wasn’t the exercise involved in getting boxes up three flights of stairs, but meeting three very different families, each so excited to see their student start life here at UC Davis. 

Their energy reminds me why we focus the summer months on improving facilities, services and safety. 

As the new academic year begins, here are some FOA updates you’ll run into around both the Davis and Sacramento campuses: 

• Curtains dropped on Touchdown Tower just in time for last weekend’s first home football game, revealing freshly painted logos and sparkling lights. Some of the scaffolding remains, as work to restore the water tower will be completed later this quarter.
• In Sacramento, the first campus housing complex just opened at Aggie Square, called ANOVA. FOA’s real estate team oversaw the development, and now Student Affairs is leasing the property with 103 units renting below market for UC Davis nursing and medical students.
• Vehicle and pedestrian detours continue around the future Resnick Center for Agricultural Innovation, as this impressive building takes shape. A new intersection with traffic signal, as well as cycle track and crosswalks are in progress too.
• You can choose between two parking apps now, as the Honk Mobile parking app is available in addition to AMP Park, depending on which features you prefer to use. Honk is also for use at Aggie Square in Sacramento, which is why I use Honk quite often.
• Did you know the speed limit on our campus is 15 miles per hour, for bikes and scooters? Now you do! The speed limit is not new, but FOA teams will be working this year to increase awareness, with new signage already getting started. Stay tuned for more!
• Many FOA teams are hiring new student employees, which can be a great launchpad for their careers and invigorating for FOA departments in both Davis and Sacramento. Did you know that UC Davis has the most student employees of any UC campus? 

The fall quarter is also busy with activities showcasing FOA staff efforts in other ways. The Fire Department is holding an event on the Quad, the Arboretum and Public Garden team has added new All-Stars to their favorite plant lineup, and did I mention football games? Hope to see many FOA staff members get their free tickets to the Staff Tailgate organized by Staff Assembly on Nov. 1. 

Our students are the “why” behind much of our work. When you have a chance, welcome a new student to campus. You are, after all, part of the team working every day to make UC Davis a thriving place to live, learn and work. Go Ags!