Community Advising Network (CAN)

The Community Advising Network (CAN) is comprised of a diverse team of counselors who are here to help students achieve their goals and address factors that may be affecting their academic success.  CAN Counselors are here to support students through informal consultations and/or through therapy.

  • Consultations
  • Informal meetings with a CAN counselor allows a student to obtain culturally relevant support without having to commit to 'therapy'.  Try us out for support with:

    - Belonging and community Building
    - Identity concerns (gender, sexuality, cultural, or more)
    - Campus resources
    - Community Resources
    - Study skills
    - Communication skills
    - Time Management skills
    - Learning/Discussing what therapy is
  • How to Schedule an Appointment in 2 Steps
  • Scheduling with a CAN Counselor can be easy and quick. First, see which CAN Counselor fits your needs by looking at their profiles below. Second, when you know who you would like to speak to send them an email with the days/times that work best for you over a two-week period, introducing yourself (emails are located next to their photos below). The CAN Counselor will reply back to you with possible meeting and follow up instructions. We look forward to hearing from you.
  • Therapy
  • Through Clinical Appointments, for time-limited therapy, CAN Community Counselors can help you cope with: 
    - Time Management
    - Academic Difficulties
    - Depression
    - Anxiety
    - Addiction Issues
    - Family Concerns/Expectations
    - Relationship Issues
    - Balancing Activism and Academics
    - Questioning Sexuality and Coming Out
    - Cultural Adjustment
    - Immigration Concerns
    - Stress Management
    - Trauma/Racial Trauma
    - Gender based violence
    - Sexual Assault
  • Outreach/Prevention
  • Prevention, education, engagement, community building, and more in regards to Mental Health and Wellbeing. 
    -  Tabling 
    -  Presentations on various subjects 
    -   Classroom presentations  
    -  Workshops 
    -  Speeches 
    -  Paneling 
    -  Interview

    For Staff/Faculty
    Informal meetings with a CAN Counselor allow staff and/or faculty to obtain relevant support in helping a student and/or student communities. 
    -  Consultation: one on one meeting 
    -  Collaborating on programming 
    -  Cultural Considerations on various topics 
    -  Workshops in/out of the classroom 
    -  Presentations on services/relevant topics 
                 -  Services offered:  Anxiety, Depression, Self-Care, Motivation, Time-Management, Study Skills, Testing Anxiety, Student Struggles. 
                 -  If you have an idea and it isn’t listed here, simply consult with a CAN Counselor to possibly collaborate on a tailored topic 

    Referring a Student:
    You can refer a student to a CAN Counselor for an informal consultation, with the student’s permission (student permission is absolute and vital). Simply send an email to the counselor of the student’s choice with the student cc’d on the email and encourage the student to follow up with the days/times that work best for them. OR have the student email the counselor directly with the days/times that work best for them and a short introduction. The counselor will follow up directly with the student.
  • Mission Statement
  • The goal of the CAN Program is to decrease barriers, thus increase access to mental health services for all students, especially students from underserved and marginalized communities.  This is achieved by the Community Counselors developing relationships, being visible, and being part of the communities that they work with.  For many students, it is more culturally congruent to speak to someone in their community about challenges that they are experiencing.  This approach helps to decrease the stigma of help seeking behaviors and of mental health specifically.
  • History
  • CAN was born out of the need for students to be served by those that represented them, their communities, experiences, and needs. Through student and University action, every UC was given additional funds to address the disparities in services for those of underrepresented/underserved communities. UC Davis utilized those funds to create the Community Advising Network (CAN), first and unique of its kind, to increase student access, cultural representation, and decrease stigmatization. 

“CAN We Chill” Summer Workshop Series

The Community Advising Network (CAN) team is hosting the “CAN We Chill” workshop series this summer. The series is a collection of events designed to help students recharge, connect with others, explore creative self-expression and practice stress-management skills. Whether you're looking to relax, meet new people, or simply have fun, “CAN We Chill” offers a welcoming space for all students.

Mood Board Collage

Join CAN Counselors for a fun and relaxing workshop to create a visual collage that reflects your summer vibe. Whether you're focusing on rest, growth, adventure, or balance, take a wellness break while setting summer intentions through creative self-expression. Connect with community and leave with a personalized vision for the season. All UC Davis students and staff are welcome.

Slime Time

Join CAN Counselors for an exciting and de-stressing slime making time. Whether you are a slime fanatic, enjoy slime Tik Tok or just want to try it out, this is the space for you! Enjoy connecting with your playful side, engaging in controlled creative chaos, connecting with others and taking home your very own slime. Be prepared for the possibility of slime puns. Slime flies when you're having fun! All UC Davis students and staff are welcome. 

  • Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
  • Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

  • Location: El Centro

    Due to construction, the outdoor entrance from the Coffee House will not be accessible to enter El Centro. Instead, please go up the stairs or elevators inside the MU to the second floor and enter through the hallway at Lotus Mana Center to get to El Centro located at MU 210.

Trivia and Bingo

Join CAN Counselors and test your knowledge in a fun and friendly game of trivia and bingo. Whether you are a champion quizzer or just somebody looking to meet new people, everyone is welcome for this exciting community event. All UC Davis students and staff are welcome.

Sound Play and Guided Meditation

Join CAN Counselors for a fun and relaxing workshop to explore different instruments used in sound baths as well as a guided meditation. Whether you're focusing on rest, growth, adventure, or balance, take a wellness break while exploring sounds and destressing during Summer Session II. Connect with community and leave more relaxed. All UC Davis students and staff are welcome.

  • Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
  • Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
  • Location: The Nest

Karaoke and Singalong 

Join CAN Counselors for Karaoke and Singalong. You are invited to take a wellness break and sing along with your UCD community and celebrate the end of Summer with us. Nothing like singing along to your favorite songs to relax and destress. All UC Davis students and staff are welcome.