uc davis nursing staff smiling with one another

UC Davis & UC Davis Health Among Best Employers for Diversity

Forbes Recognizes UC Davis & UC Davis Health as Best Employers for Diversity

We’re one of the best and most diverse and we’ve got our employees to thank for it.

2019 Highlights

  • Implementing UC Davis’ new payroll system, UCPath, allowed our employees to:
    • Self-identify veteran and disability status, race, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation, which UC uses to better understand the makeup of our population and ensure the University is implementing appropriate diversity and inclusion programs.
    • Provide a preferred or lived name in place of legal name, which allows members of the LGBTQIA community to use a name that aligns with their gender identity.
  • Created the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which builds the capacity of UC Davis to do the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This is the first recognition for the Davis Campus and the second year running for UC Davis Health in the annual Forbes survey that recognizes US employers for excellence in cultivating diversity through inclusive practices. For 2020, UC Davis joins the list at 52nd among the Best Employers for Diversity ranking, and UC Davis Health’s standing has improved to 101st.

UC Davis Workforce Diversity Improving Year Over Year

We’re a stronger organization for it, one that better reflects the students and patients we serve, and one better able to fulfill our teaching and research mission. However, the Best Employers for Diversity award recognizes UC Davis for more than its commitment to workforce diversity. The survey asked 60,000 employees across the US to evaluate their employer in topics around gender equality, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQIA, age and general diversity. Additionally, the award assessed the quality of outreach, training, educational and development opportunities offered by employers.

“UC Davis does a wonderful job involving employees in developing inclusive programs and events, and helping colleagues feel welcome,” notes Chief Human Resources Officer, Christine Lovely. “Employee Resource Groups are working alongside UC Davis departments to improve services in all the areas Forbes highlights, which really speaks to the depth of UC Davis’ commitment to diversity.”

Our Principles Define Us

Part of Forbes’ survey assesses general diversity, specifically whether employers appropriately respond to incidents of discrimination, respect individuals and value their differences, and promote free and open expression of ideas, opinions and beliefs.

"We are extremely pleased to be recognized by Forbes for our commitment to diversity. UC Davis upholds its Principles of Community, which advocate equity, justice, respect and understanding,” affirms Renetta Garrison Tull, Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “We have come a long way, and we have a ways yet to go. We’ll continue making progress in reflecting the patients and students we serve through our outreach and innovative initiatives, but it’s equally as important to develop a respectful culture and a climate that supports personal and professional growth. We understand that diversity makes us a stronger organization and will continue to strive for inclusive excellence in everything we do. Our mission includes making sure that our students, faculty, and staff represent California -the most diverse state in America. We remain committed to our goals.”

soaring to new heights celebration uc davis 2019
More than 700 people attended Soaring to New Heights, April 10, 2019, in The Pavilion at the ARC. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

What Makes UC Davis the Best

  • Principles of Community: Valuing individuality and fostering new ideas that make UC Davis a leading institution.

  • Work-life Balance: UC Davis supports faculty, staff, students, and retirees in their pursuit of a balanced lifestyle.

  • Professional Development: Employees can advance their career with classes offered through training and development.

  • Extraordinary Benefits: UC Davis' benefits program is just one way we demonstrate our dedication to your success and well-being both throughout your career with us, and afterwards.

  • Commitment To a Diverse Workforce: We are committed to cultivating a diverse workforce that reflects the students, patients, and community members we support.In order to accomplish our goals, we conduct significant outreach in the communities we serve and offer Employee Resource Groups that support and retain a diverse workforce.

  • UC Davis’ Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision guides our commitment to cultivating a welcoming and inclusive campus community for all individuals. The plan orients our efforts toward our goal of inclusion excellence; meaning an environment where all members of our community are encouraged and supported to work, study, and learn in a way that allows each of us to reach our full potential.

  • Soaring to New Heights Celebration: An annual awards ceremony that honors staff and faculty for their contributions to diversity awareness, disability awareness and campus safety.

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