The Origin of the Principles of Community
The UC Davis Principles of Community began as a student-led initiative within Student Housing in the late 1980s, rooted in the belief that fostering understanding and respect among diverse perspectives was essential for building an inclusive campus climate. Recognizing the need for a set of shared values to guide interactions and create a sense of belonging, student leaders came together to draft what would become a cornerstone of UC Davis’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Their work culminated in the adoption of the Principles of Community in 1990, making UC Davis one of the first universities in the country to establish a campuswide statement of values addressing equity, access, diversity, and mutual respect. This initiative reflected the university’s longstanding belief that supporting diversity and inclusion is integral to academic excellence and community building.
The Power of an Invitation
In 1989, UC Davis student Mikael Villalobos accepted an invitation that would shape his journey and the university’s future. By joining his fellow students in discussions to draft the UC Davis Principles of Community, he became part of a student-led movement that spurred a universitywide commitment to fostering inclusion and respect. Today, as Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus and Community Relations, he upholds these values in his work every day. On the 35th anniversary of the Principles, he reflects on their lasting impact and invites the UC Davis community to continue embracing and advancing this shared commitment.
How the Principles Shaped UC Davis
Living the Principles of Community
For UC Davis employees the Living the Principles of Community e-learning course is designed to promote inclusiveness and respect in the work and learning environments at UC Davis. Participants will become familiar with ways to integrate the UC Davis Principles of Community into their own workplaces and classroom, as well as the applicable policies and laws related to these activities.
Course length: Approximately 90 minutes
The Living the Principles of Community course can be accessed by university employees here. Enrollment is available through the campus UC Learning Center Learning Management System (LMS). UC Davis login credentials required.
This course is available for licensing and adaptation by other institutions.
The Principles of Community quickly became a foundation for many aspects of campus life. They established an expectation for how the university community would operate—with equity, respect, and freedom of expression at its core. The statement has been integrated into numerous programs and initiatives over the decades, including:
- Student Orientation and Leadership Development: The Principles are introduced to incoming students and serve as a guide for leadership training.
- Residential Education and Professional Development: Programs such as the Diversity Trainers Institute, established in response to recommendations from the Student Affairs Task Force on Campus Community, provide training on diversity, equity, and inclusion for students, staff, and faculty.
- The Cross Cultural Center: Opened in 1990, the Center supports dialogue and understanding about race, ethnicity, and intercultural relations, hosting events like "Race Relations: Taking Action for the New Millennium."
- Cultural Days Programs: These student-led initiatives, launched in 1979, celebrate the diverse heritages and current social issues of UC Davis’s community, promoting cultural awareness and collaboration.
From Vision to Practice
The Principles of Community have been reaffirmed multiple times since their creation, including significant revisions in 1996, 2015, and beyond. Each reaffirmation reflects the evolving needs and aspirations of the UC Davis community while staying true to the original vision of its student founders. The launch of the online Principles of Community course in 2010 and the establishment of the Diversity Trainers Institute further demonstrate the university's commitment to translating these principles into actionable education and dialogue.
Respect
In 2021, to celebrate the UC Davis Principles of Community virtually, a "4 words" social media campaign asked people to choose four words from the Principles that resonated most. The vote was for the words respect, equity, learning and community.
A Legacy for the Future
The Principles of Community remain as relevant today as they were at their inception. They continue to serve as a guide for creating spaces of mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration. The Principles stand as a testament to the power of student leadership in shaping a more equitable and inclusive university.
The story of the Principles of Community is not just a chapter in UC Davis history—it is an ongoing narrative that inspires students, staff, and faculty to uphold these values every day.