The Principles of Community By Community. For Community.
At UC Davis, we don’t just imagine a better world—we cultivate it. Thirty-five years ago, seeds of student activism planted the foundation for something extraordinary: the Principles of Community. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a defining ethos—a mantra deeply rooted in UC Davis excellence and the belief that every person in our Aggie community deserves to thrive.
Integration into University Life
At UC Davis, the Principles of Community are more than ideals—they’re woven into the fabric of university life. Explore training and educational opportunities designed to inspire respect, inclusion, and equity. Learn about programs that bring these values to life, fostering a culture where everyone belongs. Access a collection of resources to support your journey in making these principles a meaningful part of your UC Davis experience.
Principles in Action
The Principles of Community come alive through events, celebrations, and everyday actions that unite our Aggie family. Join us for annual gatherings that honor our shared values, spark personal and group engagement, and celebrate our collective progress. Browse an archive of past activities for inspiration and ideas to continue building a community where everyone thrives.
Toolkit
Bring the Principles of Community into your daily life with our comprehensive toolkit. These practical resources and customizable materials are designed to help you promote respect, equity, learning, and community in ways that are both meaningful and engaging. Whether you’re planning an event, leading a group, or looking for personal growth, this toolkit has what you need to make a difference.
Principles of Community Statement
The University of California, Davis, is first and foremost an institution of learning, teaching, research and public service. UC Davis reflects and is committed to serving the needs of a global society comprising all people and a multiplicity of identities. The university expects that every member of our community acknowledge, value, and practice the following guiding principles.
We affirm the dignity inherent in all of us, and we strive to maintain a climate of equity and justice demonstrated by respect for one another. We acknowledge that our society carries within it historical and deep-rooted injustices and biases. Therefore, we endeavor to foster mutual understanding and respect among the many parts of our whole.
We affirm the right of freedom of expression within our community. We affirm our commitment to non-violent exchange and the highest standards of conduct and decency toward all. Within this context we reject violence in all forms. We promote open expression of our individuality and our diversity within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity and respect. We further recognize the right of every individual to think, speak, express and debate any idea limited only by university regulations governing time, place and manner.
We confront and reject all manifestations of discrimination, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender and gender expression, age, visible and non-visible disability, nationality, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, religious/non-religious, spiritual, or political beliefs, socio-economic class, status within or outside the university, or any of the other differences among people which have been excuses for misunderstanding, dissension or hatred. We recognize and cherish the richness contributed to our lives by our diversity. We take pride in all our achievements, and we celebrate our differences.
Policy
Related Policies
While the Principles of Community are not official University of California, Davis policy; the Principles are connected to existing policies. The Principles do not do not replace existing policies, procedures or codes of conduct.
Policy Quick Reference for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Additional information regarding UC administrative policies and procedures is available on the Administrative Policy website. Access official policies. Have your UC Davis administrative policy and procedure questions answered at PolicyWonk (Beta).
- "Reject violence in all forms"
Student: 102.08-10; 102.12, 102.24
Faculty: APM-035
Staff: 380 §80; 390 §30; 400§20
Health: Policy ID: 1616
- "Confront and reject all manifestations of discrimination:
Student: 102.09, APM-015 §2A
Faculty APM-015 §2A; APM-035
Staff: 380 §10; 400 §15
- "Freedom of expression"
Student: 102.13-16
Faculty: APM-010; APM-015A §2C
Staff: 400 §01
The Principles in Policy
The Principles of Community are connected to UC Davis policies. Please click on the hyperlinks in the statement at left to see its connections to UC Davis policies and potential consequences for policy violations.
Reflection and Ongoing Commitment
Let’s remember our Principles of Community, which starts with this simple yet powerful sentence: We affirm the dignity that is inherent in each of us. —Chancellor Gary S. May
Communications resources
Coming Soon! To ensure the Principles of Community are effectively communicated across all UC Davis audiences, we’ve developed a suite of tailored resources for campus communicators. These assets are designed to help you integrate the Principles into your messaging, events, and outreach efforts, fostering greater awareness and engagement throughout the university community.