We affirm the dignity inherent in all of us.
At UC Davis, excellence and inclusion are inseparable.
That belief has guided us through years of progress, reflection and renewal. Within the University, Inclusive Excellence has an important and enduring mission rooted in the Principles of Community that have shaped UC Davis for 35 years and continue to guide us toward a more inclusive future.
In 2024-25, Inclusive Excellence highlighted one of the Principles’ most ardent commitments: “We affirm the dignity inherent in all of us.” These words remain our compass as we expand opportunities for students, strengthen pathways for faculty, improve health outcomes for patients, and create spaces for our community where dialogue and discovery can thrive.
This Impact Report represent a small snapshot of how Inclusive Excellence is empowering, engaging, equipping and elevating the UC Davis community—locally, nationally and globally. The stories that fill these pages are just a few examples of Inclusive Excellence in action. We invite you to explore this report as, together, we celebrate a year of progress upon UC Davis’s enduring commitment to dignity, respect and connection.
About Inclusive Excellence
8
offices and centers
40K
Annual visitors to Principles of Community site
50
campus partners requested our consultation and workshops
$54 million
Regional Investment in California’s Future*
*As the University of California's institutional lead in the three Northern California K-16 Regional Education Collaboratives, our division at UC Davis has enabled our partners to secure $54 million in funding to strengthen occupational pathways from Sacramento to the Oregon border. This funding empowers a network of K-12 school districts, California State Universities, California Community Colleges, and UC Davis units to advance workforce opportunities and supports local economies.
Guided by the UC Davis Principles of Community, Inclusive Excellence is pursuing work in seven key impact areas to advance the university’s strategic plan:
Expression and Understanding
Across UC Davis, Inclusive Excellence helps create spaces where people can listen, reflect and, even sometimes, disagree. Always grounded in the Principles of Community, we work hard to create an environment that engages, equips, empowers and elevates our community.
Learning and Leadership
Inclusive Excellence strengthens organizational culture and leadership across UC Davis by creating spaces for learning, reflection and growth. Whether someone is stepping into a new role, speaking up with confidence, or supporting the growth of others, we advance thoughtful and service-minded learning and leadership that is central to a thriving institution.
UC Davis Connection
Through committees, councils and affinity-based groups, Inclusive Excellence creates opportunities for students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members to engage meaningfully in university life and contribute to a culture grounded in dignity, respect and connection.
Community Engagement
UC Davis advances community engagement by working, not just for communities, but with communities to address shared challenges and expand opportunity. These collaborations generate shared solutions, local jobs, and stronger civic infrastructure.
Health for All
Health is foundational to opportunity. Our work expands access, grows the future health workforce, and supports community well-being through local partnerships and culturally responsive care.
Faculty Advancement
We support faculty in shaping meaningful careers that advance research, teaching, and service. When faculty are equipped to lead, mentor, and innovate, they elevate the academic strength and social impact of the university.
Student Empowerment
We bring together student-facing staff and units, faculty, scholars, student organizations, and community partners to create a coordinated network of support for all students. By investing in student thriving through these collective efforts, we strengthen the long-term promise of higher education—for individuals, families, and the state.
More Good News
UC Davis Recognized Nationally for Inclusive Excellence
During the past year, UC Davis earned national recognition for translating values into action. These honors — from academic accreditation and federal awards to workforce and employer rankings — highlight measurable progress in access, equity and institutional culture. Together, they underscore Inclusive Excellence’s leadership in modeling environments where people can thrive.
Principles of Community
Throughout 2024–25, Inclusive Excellence led UC Davis in marking 35 years of the Principles of Community, bringing together students, staff, faculty, alumni, and health partners in a shared reflection on belonging and respect. The anniversary underscored the Principles not as a historical statement, but as a living commitment carried forward across the university.
