2025 Year in Review

FOA works to make UC Davis better every day by delivering thoughtful, innovative and responsible stewardship of university resources.

In addition to keeping UC Davis systems operating smoothly on a daily basis, FOA leaders identify strategic goals each year for improvements and innovations. These goals cut across five key themes:

Stewarding Resources: Maximizing business effectiveness through responsible and innovative stewardship of financial resources.
Engaging People: Fostering an inclusive, engaging and rewarding workplace environment for our diverse workforce.
Cultivating Place: Maintaining and improving our indoor and outdoor spaces while keeping operations and experiences smooth.
Enhancing Safety: Advancing safety awareness, emergency services and risk management for a thriving community.
Prioritizing Service: Expanding a customer-centric culture, focused on continuous service improvement.

FOA's mix of teams

The division is home to 1,700 staffers who provide critical campus services at UC Davis and UC Davis Health, including:

Administrative Innovation and Technology
Budget and Institutional Analysis
Design and Construction Management
Facilities Management
Finance
Fire Department
Human Resources
Police Department
Safety Services

More About FOA

2025 Year in Review with FOA

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.

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.

UC Davis firefighters train on i-gel device with UC Davis Health certified registered nurse anesthetist.

UC Davis Fire Department and UC Davis Health Experts Partner to Enhance Prehospital Cardiac Care

by Jennifer Eting
September 18, 2025

UC Davis firefighters gain hands-on experience with an advanced airway management device called “i-gel” through training with UC Davis Health certified registered nurse anesthetists.

UC Davis Health employees smiling and talking at welcome.

UC Davis Health New Employee Welcome Returns On-site

August 14, 2025

FOA Goals

After five years as a virtual program, this biweekly event’s return to the Sacramento campus was made possible by a dedicated project team of stakeholders from across Human Resources.