Pastries and Principles

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, staff members from across UC Davis gathered for a significant Breakfast with the Chancellor, honoring the 35th Anniversary of the UC Davis Principles of Community. 

Breakfast with the Chancellor is an an exclusive opportunity hosted by Staff Assembly to engage directly with Chancellor Gary May and senior campus leaders. The  ongoing program fosters open dialogue on issues that matter most to staff, from improving university operations and generating revenue to addressing challenges impacting the workplace experience.

To ground the discussion, participants were invited to reflect on two questions related to the Principles of Community:

• Can you share a time when a colleague or team member demonstrated one of the Principles of Community in a way that positively impacted you or your team?
• What’s one practice or value from the Principles of Community that you would like to see more deeply embedded across UC Davis, and what do you think would help us get there?

Staff shared stories of colleagues who exemplified inclusion, respect, and collaboration—principles that are not only aspirational but actively lived out across the university. The responses reflected a deep sense of pride and belonging. Some described how welcoming environments helped individuals thrive while fostering stronger, more connected teams.

Participants emphasized the importance of relationships—how cultivating trust, communication, and shared purpose within teams leads to greater engagement, resilience, and innovation. Many saw these relationships as a foundation upon which a more connected and supportive campus culture could continue to grow.

The strength of UC Davis lies in the values we uphold together, the participants said, and determined that these kinds of conversations are helpful in shaping an inclusive and vibrant campus for all.