FOA Goals

Employees in the Finance, Operations and Administration division work together to make UC Davis better every day

These articles report progress and achievements related to FOA's Strategic Goals, which focus on stewarding university resources, engaging people in our diverse workforce, cultivating indoor and outdoor places, enhancing safety and prioritizing customer service.

Blurry photo of presenter addressing seated audience in bright classroom

New Orientation Session Strengthens Support for Research Administrators

May 19, 2026

FOA Goals

Contracts and Grants Accounting launched a new Research Administrator Orientation session to strengthen communication, improve support and help departmental research administrators navigate post-award processes more effectively.

Before and After versions of covered services carve out form - Before looks like a PDF form and After looks like a clickable survey

How Simplifying PDF Forms Makes Work Easier for UC Davis Employees

May 05, 2026

FOA Goals

FOA's "Year of Re-Form" took steps to simplify more than 30 administrative forms, to reduce employee time spent on complicated, policy-driven requirements -- such as requesting a carve out from UC's Covered Services policies. Staff members from Supply Chain Management and Admin IT worked together to streamline processes with DocuSign and other online services.

Timeline graphic with arrow, starts at 2006: Increased Cal/OSHA presence on campus. Also includes 2014: EH&S has no way to track departmental IIPPs to ensure compliance. 2016: Partnered with Admin IT to develop our own IIPP software. 2018: AggieDocs Pilot + DocuSign trial run. 2020: No IIPP for year. 2021: New DocuSign Solution Pilot. 2024-2026: DocuSign drives most successful compliance rates!

How DocuSign Helped Make Injury Prevention Plans at UC Davis Much Easier

April 28, 2026

FOA Goals

UC Davis has achieved a remarkable 99% compliance rate with this Cal/OSHA requirement, after employees in Safety Services combined forces with Administrative Innovation and Technology to redesign the annual IIPP process to be more efficient and user-friendly.

New Training Sessions Help Build Core Accounting Knowledge

by Jennifer Eting
April 22, 2026

FOA Goals

Learn how teams in Accounting and Financial Reporting and the Office of Business Transformation are helping staff build essential accounting knowledge for everyday work in Aggie Enterprise.

Group of young people riding bikes, an electric scooter, and a skateboard on a campus path

How Do You Improve the Way 40,000+ People Move on Campus Every Day?

by Katie Hetrick
April 20, 2026

Moving Forward Together has created a campus transportation plan that is informed by 3,000 voices, with 100-plus proposed improvements to UC Davis roads and paths. The plan is open for feedback April 21–May 4.

Smiling woman at bright office desk with dual monitors, laptop and potted plant

New Tools, More Data: FacilitiesLink Updates and New November Deadline

by Katie Ferguson Hetrick
April 14, 2026

A young woman hands a cardboard box to a smiling man at a service counter.

Gunrock Express Provides On-Campus Shipping

by Crystal Ross O’Hara
February 10, 2026

Gunrock Express now offers a convenient on-campus location for shipping, packaging and drop-off services at the Scientific Store on La Rue Road.

A group of people walking together on a lighted pathway at night.

Lighting Safety Walk Highlights Security Upgrades and Next Steps

by Brenda Dawson
January 27, 2026

UC Davis has committed $20 million to campus security improvements — and made progress with updated outdoor lights, cameras, call boxes and building security — some of which were highlighted at the 16th annual Campus Safety Lighting Walk.

A group of volunteers pose in the Cruess Hall courtyard

Weed Out Stress: Gardening That Restores the Campus — and Your Mind

by Katie Hetrick
December 12, 2025

FOA Goals

The Arboretum and Public Garden wrapped up its final Weed Out Stress event of the fall, but the momentum is just getting started. The pilot season brought new energy to campus landscapes and gave dozens of volunteers a chance to unwind, dig in, and connect with nature.

UC Davis Facilities employees stand with Gunrock mascot and UC Davis cheerleaders during half time at a football game

Teamwork Lights up Touchdown Tower

by Scout Mata
December 10, 2025

FOA Goals

A Facilities Management team was highlighted during a recent UC Davis football game for their work on the shining refurbishment of “Touchdown Tower.”

A UC Davis Distribution Services staff member moving a cardboard box onto a pallet that has several other boxes on it.

How ‘Last Mile’ Deliveries Make Campus Safer and Greener

by Brenda Dawson
November 12, 2025

This behind-the-scenes change in campus deliveries has real impacts, as Supply Chain Management reduces truck traffic on campus, cuts vehicle emissions, and increases transparency for UC Davis customers — while bringing in more revenue to campus from third-party vendors.

The Story Behind UC Davis’ Touchdown Tower Transformation

by Katie Hetrick
November 05, 2025

Affectionately known as “Touchdown Tower,” this 162-foot utility landmark just received a full restoration and now features two UC Davis logos and programmable LED lighting, transforming it into a new symbol of Aggie pride.

What Employee Engagement Looks Like in FOA

by Clare Shinnerl
October 23, 2025

FOA employees are engaged — and it shows. Our Employee Experience Survey results are strong, with FOA’s scores higher than campus averages and an impressive 73% participation rate.

Two images: people arrange colorful objects together on a table. And the glass facade of the Resnick Center rises on campus.

How Campus Planning Shapes the UC Davis Experience

by Scout Mata
October 08, 2025

The Campus Planning team in Design and Construction Management makes sure that the built environment on campus comes together to create safe and enjoyable experiences for the students, employees and community members who live, work and learn here every day.

Narcan at UC Davis: What You Need to Know, in New Video

by Judy Norkin
September 22, 2025

FOA Goals

Opioid overdoses can happen to anyone. Watch a new video about where to find Narcan on campus and how to use it.

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