Principles of Community

Group of people in a workshop setting engaging in an activity, the words "Celebrating" with a colorful "35 Years of Community" graphic overlay.
The Principles of Community

By Community. For Community

Read the Principles

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.
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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.
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Inspiration

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.
Renetta Tull

Advancing the UC Davis Way

In this message to the university community, Vice Chancellor Renetta G. Tull reflects on how the Principles of Community shape the UC Davis Way. She introduces a structured framework — including numbered and lettered references — that provides a practical tool for leaders, teams and campus partners to cite and apply the Principles in their work.

Principles of Community Gallery of Materials

The Principles of Community belong to everyone at UC Davis. To help you celebrate, share, and live these values in your own spaces, we’ve created a gallery of materials—including posters, digital backgrounds, and the iconic Dynamo spiral. These visuals are designed to help units, teams, and individuals highlight the Principles in presentations, gatherings, and everyday communications.

Materials are free to download and customize. Some Canva templates require a paid Canva seat to edit. We’ll continue adding new materials, so check back for updates—or request customized versions to fit your unit’s needs.

For additional guidance on inclusive and accessible communications, visit the Accessibility & Inclusivity guide for communicators, created by UC Davis Strategic Communications.