Inclusive Excellence strengthens organizational culture and leadership across UC Davis by creating spaces for learning, reflection and growth. Through workshops, book club events and university-wide initiatives, UC Davis equips leaders at every level. In 2024–25, the following efforts illustrated how thoughtful and service-minded learning and leadership are cultivated across the university.
Organizational Culture and Inclusive Practice
The Organizational Culture and Inclusive Practice (OCIP) series provides tailored, research-based workshops that help units strengthen leadership, teamwork and compliance while addressing workplace needs. Nearly 50 campus units engaged with Inclusive Excellence for consultations or training during the past year. OCIP sessions are legally aligned with federal and California regulations — including anti-discrimination laws (Title VI, VII, IX) and California laws/legislation (Proposition 209, AB 2925, SB 1287) — and are shaped by unit goals, ensuring that teachings translate into practical, actionable and empowered learnings.
Clinical Education to Support Excellent Patient Care
UC Davis Health embeds belonging into clinical education, preparing providers to meet patients’ diverse needs with skill and respect. Programs include Belonging & Inclusion Huddles, where care teams discuss real-world scenarios; self-paced learning modules on topics such as bias in clinical decision-making; and workshops on culturally responsive communication. These initiatives help clinicians reduce disparities, build patient trust and improve outcomes.
Advancing Learning Through Research and Dissemination
In addition to campus programming, Inclusive Excellence advanced learning and leadership through scholarly dissemination during 2024–25. Faculty and staff affiliated with Inclusive Excellence contributed to publications, conference presentations and invited talks, sharing research and practice-based insights on organizational culture, equity, leadership and community engagement. These efforts extended UC Davis’ impact beyond campus, informing conversations and practices across higher education, healthcare and public institutions locally, nationally and internationally.
Campus Community Book Project: Weathering
The Campus Community Book Project invited the UC Davis community to explore health equity through Weathering by Arline Geronimus. Lectures, discussions, and an author visit at the Mondavi Center connected research, lived experience and institutional responsibility creating a shared learning experience that encouraged reflection on how systems, stress, and inequity shape outcomes across communities.
Learn more about 'Weathering' Learn more about Campus Community Book Project
Presidential Perspectives on Leadership
Chancellor Gary S. May joined national leaders in a Presidential Perspectives conversation focused on mentorship, resilience, and leadership in higher education. His participation underscored UC Davis’s role in shaping national dialogue on organizational culture and leadership development, reflecting a commitment to learning that extends beyond campus boundaries.
Leading the Principles of Community Celebration
During the 2024–25 academic year, Inclusive Excellence led the universitywide celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Principles of Community, convening conversations that explored how these values continue to shape leadership, learning and organizational culture today. Read more about how UC Davis celebrated the 35th Anniversary of the Principles of Community.
Learn about the 35th anniversary celebration Learn more about the Principles of Community