Two big events this weekend will bring thousands of people to the campus: Decision UC Davis, for prospective freshmen; and the first 5K Stride for Aggie Pride. Both will go on, rain or shine, the organizers said.

The annual freshman “decision day” has previously been held on Fridays, and it put a strain on campus parking. That should not be a problem with this year’s Decision UC Davis, taking place on Saturday (April 6). Upwards of 5,000 prospective freshmen and their family and friends are expected for the daylong program.

As of midweek, more than 1,500 people had registered for the 5K Stride for Aggie Pride, to be held Sunday (April 7).

The student-organized event is a benefit for We Are Aggie Pride, which provides emergency funding to students in need, and the ASUCD Scholarship endowment, which provides tuition support for outstanding students.

Registration continues online, or you can sign up the day of the stride, starting at 8 a.m. at the north end of the Quad. Group stretching is set to begin at 9 a.m. and the run-walk at 9:30.

CoHo adds Sunday hours

The Coffee House is jumping on the bandwagon — initiating Sunday hours, starting this weekend.

The Memorial Union, home of the CoHo, added Sunday hours at the beginning of the 2012-13 academic year, allowing access to lounges and other open areas, in addition to the Games Area, which was already open on Sundays.

Now the CoHo will join in with coffee and pizza — an ideal menu for students and for anyone else on campus on a Sunday (like all the people in the Aggie Pride for Stride!).

The CoHo’s Sunday schedule: Swirlz — coffee, baked goods, ice cream, frozen yogurt and smoothies, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Ciao — pizza only, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Office of Research open house

There’s a lot more to research than the research itself. Just ask the Office of Research, which offers services relating to fund sources and collaboration, proposal development and budgeting, facilities and equipment, and communication and knowledge transfer.

You can learn all about all of this during the Office of Research open house, the second annual, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 15, at the Conference Center.

Vice Chancellor Harris Lewin, who leads the Office of Research, is scheduled to deliver welcome remarks. Others from the office also will attend, to chat with the target audience of faculty, professional researchers, research administrators and students.

“See how we’ve streamlined and improved our office to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction,” according to the organizers, who added that feedback and suggestions are welcome.

Admission is free and refreshments will be served, the organizers said.

Blood drive: April 16-17

Spring brings new life and another life-giving ASUCD Blood and Marrow Drive, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, April 16 and 17.

The Sacramento-based BloodSource will conduct the drive on the second floor of The Pavilion. From in front of the ARC Starbucks, enter The Pavilion’s northeast lobby (under “The Pavilion” sign), then take the stairs to the upper level.

People should eat before donating, and drink plenty of fluids, too. Also, be sure to bring photo identification.

The organizers said each participant will receive a free T-shirt and reward points.

To volunteer or ask eligibility questions, contact Brie Leon, (916) 416-9459 or brie.leon@bloodsource.org.

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