The Jewish Culture, Heritage, and Identity Faculty and Staff Association (JCHAIFSA) is one of UC Davis’ newest Employee Resource Groups. Chai means 'Life' in Hebrew, and it is widely understood as a symbol that expresses the importance and value of life itself within the Jewish tradition. The group's name, JCHAI, reflects this deep Jewish value.
UC Davis has launched a newly reimagined Addressing Antisemitism resource hub, reinforcing the university’s commitment to confronting antisemitism as an ongoing challenge, globally, nationally and on college campuses, including UC Davis.
Originally established in September 2022, the page has continued to evolve through sustained engagement with Jewish students, faculty, staff and community partners.
After 33 years of dedicated service to University of California, Davis, Mikael Villalobos, Ed.D., associate vice chancellor for campus community relations, will begin his retirement on July 1, 2026.
The Principles of Community Showcase on March 3 at the Betty Irene Moore Hall over at the UC Davis Health campus highlighted the power of collaboration across the Sacramento campus. Staff, partners and community members gathered to exchange ideas, recognize ongoing work and strengthen connections, creating an atmosphere of shared purpose and engagement.
🌟 Inspiration in the Arts is a partnership with the Mondavi Center
Art has a unique ability to bring people together—to help us pause, reflect, and reconnect with one another through shared experience. For several seasons, Inclusive Excellence has partnered with the Mondavi Center to elevate select performances that reflect the campus’s commitment to equity through artistic and cultural connection — making Inspiration in the Arts a signature collaboration for the UC Davis community.
On a sunny fall afternoon, the Activities and Recreation Center ballroom buzzed with music, laughter and conversation. A giant balloon arch adorned the entrance and dancers cheered on the more than 100 guests who arrived to celebrate the culmination of the 35th anniversary of the UC Davis Principles of Community.
Antisemitism is a persistent and evolving form of hatred that affects Jewish communities worldwide — and it is not absent from university campuses, including UC Davis. Acknowledging this reality is essential to addressing it. UC Davis is committed to fostering an environment where Jewish students, staff and faculty feel safe, respected and able to express their identity and culture without fear of discrimination or harassment.
The IDEA presents the 2025 Summer AAFSA Aggie Acknowledgements, a space to share the outstanding accomplishments of our faculty and staff. We are thrilled to recognize this talented group of people who endlessly inspire and consistently improve our communities. Congratulations to all!
