Student success is at the heart of UC Davis mission. Through Inclusive Excellence, we convene partners across the university and throughout California to build networks of opportunity, learning and belonging for undergraduate and graduate students alike. Our goal is to ensure that every student — whether they are the first in their family to attend college or pursuing a nontraditional path — has the support they need to thrive.
Redwood SEED Scholars Celebrate First Graduating Class
For the first time in California higher education, students with intellectual disabilities walked the stage to receive their degrees as part of the Redwood SEED Scholars Program at UC Davis. This pioneering initiative, launched in 2020, redefines access to college by providing inclusive residential, academic and career experiences for these students. The graduation of the first cohort marks a transformative moment for families and for the broader higher education landscape by demonstrating what is possible when barriers are removed and belonging is prioritized.
Read about the first graduating class Learn more about Redwood Seed Scholars
UC Davis Achieves Hispanic-Serving Institution Eligibility
In 2025, UC Davis crossed a historic threshold by enrolling more than 8,000 Latinx students, making the university eligible for designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). This milestone reflects intentional efforts through our Avanza initiative, which strengthens advising, graduate pathways and campus infrastructure for Latinx students. Achieving HSI eligibility positions UC Davis to access new funding and partnerships that will expand student support and advance equity on a national scale.
Preparing the Next Generation of Health Professionals
The Office of Medical Pathways plays a critical role in supporting students and residents pursuing careers in medicine, nursing and the health professions. Through pipeline programs such as Avenue M, plus advising and mentorship, the office strengthens pathways into professional schools while advancing workforce diversity and health equity. Its annual outreach day — one of the largest of its kind on campus — connects hundreds of prospective students with faculty, trainees and resources. And their Health Equity Academy program offers a free “mini medical school” for high school students from economically and educationally adverse backgrounds and geographically underserved communities. Their efforts have helped UC Davis Health realize national recognition for inclusive excellence, leadership development and award-winning efforts to expand access to healthcare careers.
80%
Roughly 80% of UC Davis’ Visiting Elective Program participants matched in California according to most recent data available.
90%+
More than 90% of high school students enrolled in UC Davis’ Health Equity Program developed an increased interest in pursuing a career in healthcare or medicine.
Aggie Black Excellence
Doreen Joseph, Ph.D. candidate in computer science at UC Davis, is a steadfast advocate for building community across UC Davis. Her leadership exemplifies the purpose and promise of Aggie Black Excellence, an Inclusive Excellence–supported initiative that is designed to foster student belonging, leadership development and academic success. During the 2024–25 academic year, Aggie Black Excellence advanced an ecosystem of programming that connected students with mentorship, community-building opportunities and pathways to graduate and professional success. Through storytelling, convenings and student-centered engagement, the initiative elevated Black student experiences while strengthening institutional support structures and accountability for all students.
Read the Q&A with Doreen Joseph Learn about Aggie Black Excellence
PROMISE Engineering
As the West Coast affiliate of the NSF-funded PROMISE Engineering Institute program, UC Davis hosted graduate and Ph.D. students from both UC Davis and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in mentoring sessions, professional development workshops and research preparation activities designed to support students pursuing rigorous STEM majors and strengthen their readiness for graduate study. Led by Vice Chancellor of Inclusive Excellence Renetta Garrison-Tull, PROMISE participants also gained access to national and international professional networks and multigenerational mentorship opportunities, helping them navigate key transition points in their academic careers while reinforcing a sense of belonging in engineering spaces.
Words of Affirmation
In honor of the 35th anniversary of the Principles of Community, Inclusive Excellence launched a student-led campaign that embodied the Aggie spirit of belonging. Members of the graduating class wrote heartfelt words of affirmation to incoming first-year students — messages of encouragement and support shared with peers they would never meet. This simple yet powerful act captured the essence of UC Davis’ welcoming culture and demonstrated how the Principles of Community are lived out every day.
Learn about Principles of Community Read about the 35th Anniversary Celebration
“You are about to start an amazing journey! Savor it, enjoy it, the good and the bad. The hard times, late nights, the moments of doubt and fear. Also, the triumphant moments, the aced exams, laughs with classmates and new relationships.”
– CK
“If you're nervous that's ok. We all are, but we are all learning together. We're happy you're with us.”
– Rochelle
“Reach out and make connections - it's the best way to begin feeling at home in a new space!”
– Krista, Film Studies
“Remember: you're not alone in feeling the way that you do, you belong here, and it's a sign of strength to ask for help! UC Davis is lucky to have you :)”
– Anonymous