phd education uc davis

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Important Updates

• The priority filing date for the 2024-25 FAFSA and CADAA has been extended to May 2, 2024 . Visit Apply for Financial Aid for details.
• The Department of Education has announced they will send information from the 2024-25 FAFSA to schools in mid-March. This may result in a delay in financial aid packaging and offers for the 2024-25 academic year. While awaiting your financial aid offer, we encourage you to utilize the UC Davis Financial Aid Estimator  to estimate your potential aid.

Ph.D. in Education

How to understand your cost of attendance.

Cost of Attendance is an estimated budget that the school uses to help students maximize financial aid opportunities. This budget is estimated using direct and indirect costs that a student will incur while enrolled in an academic program.

Direct Costs: Charges included in the cost of attendance that the student/family pays directly to the college. Actual charges may vary by student. For example, students may have different housing options or may enroll in a part-time program.

Indirect Costs: Estimated expenses in the cost of attendance that are not paid directly to the institution. These items include Books and Supplies, Housing and Food, Personal Expenses, and Transportation.  

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education

• Footnote (1)
• The tuition, fees, and charges posted here are estimates based on currently approved amounts. These figures may not be final; actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California or, as authorized, by the President of the University of California. Accordingly, final approved levels and charges may differ from the amounts shown .  For the most recent tuition and fee amounts, please visit the  U C Davis Tuition and Fees  website.  
• Footnote (2)  
• For estimates of off-campus housing costs near the UC Davis campus please review:  Housing Costs Near UC Campuses . For more information on actual off-campus rental costs please visit the  Student Housing  website. 
• Footnote (3)
• If eligible for Federal Direct loans the Cost of Attendance will be $252 higher on your MyAwards than what is displayed here. The average Direct Loan fee for Graduate students is $252. Please note that this fee component will be displayed in your budget whether or not the loans are accepted.

Dissertations & Preprints

Search for dissertations completed at the University of California, Davis and other institutions.

Preprints refer to papers that have not yet undergone peer review.

• Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) This link opens in a new window The Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the adoption, creation, use, dissemination and preservation of electronic analogues to the traditional paper-based theses and dissertations. This website contains information about the initiative, how to set up Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) programmes, how to create and locate ETDs, and current research in digital libraries related to NDLTD and ETDs.
• Open Access Theses and Dissertations This link opens in a new window OATD.org aims to be the best possible resource for finding open access graduate theses and dissertations published around the world. Metadata (information about the theses) comes from over 1000 colleges, universities, and research institutions. OATD currently indexes 2,311,795 theses and dissertations.
• EdArXiv This link opens in a new window A free, open source database developed by education researchers in collaboration with the Center for Open Science. Includes articles under review (preprints), working papers and unpublished work.
• Social Sciences Research Network / Economic Research Network (SSRN/ERN) This link opens in a new window See EduRN . The Education Research Network on SSRN is an open access preprint server. SSRN provides the opportunity to share different outputs of research such as preliminary or exploratory investigations, book chapters, PhD dissertations, course and teaching materials, presentations, and posters among others.
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Research Support

• Last Updated: Feb 1, 2024 1:25 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.ucdavis.edu/education

Quick Links +

Phd program in per.

The UC Davis physics department is one of a few departments in the country that has a physics education research (PER) group. PER PhD students have the same basic requirements as all other physics PhD students including the same physics core classes, the same written preliminary exam, and a oral qualifying exam. For more information on the department's general requirements go here.

During the second year, PER students may take a varity of classes depending on their interests and needs. A typical student will take a number of courses in the Education Department and/or the statistics department depending on their interests and abilities. (Go here for the current UC Davis Education Department course list.)

After a student has passed the written preliminary examination, they will start preparing for their oral qualifying examination. Each student's qualifying exam is a talk organized by the student on their own particular research. The qualifying exam is usually taken in their third year of study.

UC Davis PER Graduate students are currently studying: graduate instructor training, graduate instructor-student classroom dynamics, undergraduate physics epistemologies, reformed graduate student education, reformed physics curiculum for undergraduate pysics majors, gender difference in undergraduate physics, and reformed "block curriculum" (math, chemistry, biology and physics) for freshman undergraduates. Research is not limited to these areas.

Please contact David Webb If you are interested in joining the PER group at UC Davis.

Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program at UC Davis

Grad school decisions!

• by Carole L Hom
• April 10, 2024

There's lots of celebratory joy out our way... our PREP scholars have made decisions about their destinations for next year.

• Andrew Barber is joining the Immunology program at Johns Hopkins as a Vivien Thomas Scholar and NSF GRFP Fellow.
• Cameron Vasquez is going to the Program in Integrated Biological Sciences at the University of Michigan, with a UM Rackham Fellowship and NSF GRFP fellowship.
• Cassandra Morris will return to the frozen north -- the University of Wisconsin's Cell and Molecular Biology program.
• Christian Torres has elected to remain in PREP@UC Davis for another year with a research switch to a developmental biology lab
• Daniela Hernandez is going to the Program in Integrated Biological Sciences at the University of Michigan, with a UM Rackham Fellowship and NSF GRFP fellowship. If you're getting a d éjà vu moment here, you're not incorrect: see "Cameron" above.
• Dianah Anderson will be in the Integrated Life Sciences program at the University of Georgia with an NSF GRFP fellowship
• Ellianna Damonzonio , undergrad extraordinaire, will be at UC Irvine's Cell and Molecular program in the Cancer Biology track. Zot zot zot!
• Emari Mann will return to her roots in the Chemistry PhD program at the University of Delaware. And she also will be supported by an NSF GRFP fellowship.  

Primary Category

College of Biological Sciences

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology brings together a diverse group of faculty members who are deeply intrigued by fundamental biological questions. Their research transcends traditional boundaries, spanning plants, animals, and microorganisms. The department equips undergraduates with an understanding of biological principles at the molecular and cellular levels, and also makes significant contributions to graduate education across several graduate programs. To foster interdisciplinary excellence, the department maintains two state-of-the-art research technology cores: Light Imaging Facility, which specializes in live cell imaging, and the Bio Electron Microscopy Facility, which supports research across different spatial resolutions.

Undergraduate Programs

More information about CBS majors and minors

Graduate Groups

Biological Electron Microscopy Facility

BioEM provides electron microscopy imaging services encompassing a spatial resolution scale from imacromolecular assemblies, subcellular organelles to tissues.

Light Microscopy Imaging Facility

The Light Microscopy Imaging Facility specializes in live cell imaging and super-resolution methods for a wide variety of applications.

Cal Poly Humboldt and UC Davis Announces New Native Physician-track Program

by RUDY AGUADO

EUREKA, Calif. — California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt (Cal Poly Humboldt) along with the UC Davis School of Medicine has created the state's first post-graduate education program to help prepare Native American students for medical school at UC Davis. The program is set to begin this fall semester 2024.

"This program is focused on increasing the numbers of doctors who serve our native communities,” said Dr. Antoinette Martinez, co-founder of the Huwighurruk tribal health program. “Ideally, these doctors will be American Indian or Alaska Native doctors, our shortages for Indian Health, tribal health care are huge and there are so many vacancies throughout California and in the nation for physicians."

The Huwighurruk Health Post-Baccalaureate program is a post-graduate program at Cal Poly Humboldt aiming to enroll pre-med students interested in healthcare for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

"This program is important because when physicians are best paired with patients that look like them that maybe speak the same languages have similar experiences, health outcomes improve," said UC Davis School of Medicine Program Administrator for Tribal Health Initiatives, Angel Santellano.

The program combines culturally focused curriculum with science courses, with a focus on tribal traditions and values. Eligible students will receive a stipend for tuition, expenses, plus a mentorship with local native physicians. The program emphasizes community and connection in native culture.

"We have an opportunity to increase our physician workforce and emphasize this for native peoples who will help serve our communities in California, both tribal and urban," said Dr. Martinez.

An April 22 information sessions from 5to 6 p.m. For more information about the Huwighurruk program, contact [email protected].

Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

Admission criteria.

In order to enroll in this program, we recommend you hold either a high school diploma, GED or an advanced degree. In addition, participants need both word processing and basic Internet skills. 

About The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

The paralegal profession continues to be one of the fastest growing career opportunities in the country. A recent survey conducted by ALM Research, a leading source of business intelligence for legal professionals, also indicates compensation for paralegals is rising steadily above the cost of living. Acquire the knowledge you need to enter the paralegal profession through the acclaimed Paralegal Studies Certificate Program, offered online every quarter. Program highlights include:

• Instructors who are licensed attorneys
• Individual access to LexisNexis and Westlaw online legal research
• Lecture notes, exercises, diagrams, charts, forms, templates, writing and research labs, and mock exams (exams must be taken in English) accessed through the ParalegalSpace website
• The UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education online Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is in compliance with California Business & Professions Code 6450 through 6456 regulatory standards for paralegal education

This dynamic certificate program provides you with the skills you need to enter this exciting profession.

Why choose this program over other paralegal programs?

The expertise of its instruction, provided by members of the bar association, result is an unparalleled and dynamic educational experience. According to the 2020 Salary Survey by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), paralegals who obtained their training from paralegal certificate programs are among the highest paid.

Who should enroll?

• Legal staff who wish to enhance or advance their careers by earning a professional credential
• Career changers looking for a professional career with strong compensation
• Those involved in legal matters who want to gain a clearer understanding of legal processes
• Those considering law school (this program gives you a distinct advantage)

Comprehensive Program

Excellent resource materials--including, texts, workbooks and interactive study support site. Access to a website with additional resources only for program participants, including lecture notes, mock exams, templates and forms, online citation assistance, online court rules, textbook summary and quizzes, and practice exercise questions. Please feel free to test drive our online support materials and experience the UC Davis Paralegal Studies Certificate Program. To visit the test drive site, please go to http://essentialskillsforparalegals.com/main/testdrive/ucdavis/index.html .

Statement Regarding California Regulatory Requirements

The UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education online and classroom Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is in compliance with California Business & Professions Code 6450 through 6456. The California regulations require that a paralegal program offer either 24 semester units or an equivalent amount of hours related to law. This course meets or exceeds the regulatory standard of 360 educational hours. In addition, students earn up to 21 quarter units of academic credit for the program. Students should expect to devote at least 360 hours of academic work.

Program Outline

Introduction: paralegal studies certificate program essentials.

Explore legal ethics, legal terminology, legal research and writing, pleading preparation, utilization of forms and form books, legal analysis, client correspondence, interviewing, investigation, citation forms, the specifics of evidence, trial preparation and how to manage your clients.

Advanced Topics

Build upon the introductory portion with more in-depth study of those topics as well as preparation of discovery documents, e-discovery, motions, notices, legal technology, employment strategies, and online legal research with both LexisNexis and Westlaw.

California Procedures for Paralegals

Explore litigation procedures in the state courts of California, from both an academic, as well as a law practitioner's point of view. Receive step-by-step instruction on how to:

• Prepare summons and complaints
• Obtain default judgment
• Prepare answers and cross Complaints
• Evaluate and draft various pretrial motions and discovery requests
• Prepare cases for trial and trial related documents and motions
• Enforce a judgment after trial

In addition, learn the California court system and basic appellate processes, how to interpret and apply California Code of Civil Procedure, California Rules of Court, as well as various local court rules and legal forms.

Tort Law for Paralegals

Gain an understanding of laws pertaining to personal injury, product liability and malpractice. Examine the intentional torts of battery, assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of mental distress, trespass to chattel, trespass to property and conversion. Analyze negligence, breach of duty, causation and damages, liability issues and defenses, and malpractice.

Contract Law for Paralegals

Contracts are involved in virtually every field of law. Focus on the specialized skills of contract drafting, analysis and litigation. Examine several kinds of contracts and draft a contract as a part of your course requirements. Learn about remedies for non-performance (i.e., breach of contract) and third party contracts.

Program Designers

Alyssa Navallo and Daniel Barber are paralegals and nationally-recognized educators who have designed, developed courses and consulted for paralegal programs at some of the most highly respected universities in the United States, including Duke University, DePaul University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, Emory University, Rice University, the University of Miami, the University of Tennessee, Xavier University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Academic Units 21 Section Number 242PLG300 Instruction Method Online class

Section Notes

The Paralegal Studies Certificate program is offered each quarter. Tuition is due in full at time of enrollment. Students who enroll in this course will have six months to complete the program from the course start date. This is a self-paced course and requires strong time-management skills. Students are encouraged to plan accordingly. Materials, which are approximately $800, are not included in the cost of tuition. Please contact [email protected] with any questions about the Paralegal Studies Program. If you anticipate needing any Disability Accommodations, please contact our Student Services representative PRIOR to enrolling in this course. The accommodations must be organized before starting the program. Please contact Tina Ehrke at (530) 757-8727 if you would like to register for a course and you have disability-related needs or concerns. https://cpe.ucdavis.edu/student-services/disabilities

Enrollment Policies

Drop requests (withdraw with a refund) will be approved, less a $30 processing fee, if the request is received by the Refund Deadline: November 1, 2024. Refunds and/or enrollment transfers will not be approved after this date

Requests to withdraw must be received in writing via email before your allotted time has expired. Send an email to [email protected] requesting a withdrawal. You will need to include your name, the course title and the course section number. Following the proper withdrawal procedure will ensure an appropriate grade assignment.

Technical Requirements

Section course materials, essential skills for paralegals, basic contract law for paralegals, personal injury and the law of torts for paralegals.

• Student Jobs at Unitrans & Equal Employment Opportunity
• Introducing ZipPass!
• 2023-2024 Academic Year Bus Service
• Who's that person helping on the double deckers?
• General Information
• Comments, Complaints, & Commendations
• Charter Service & Connections
• Lost & Found
• Unitrans Staff
• Unitrans Guidance Documents
• City of Davis/Unitrans Non-Discrimination & Title VI Civil Rights Notice
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
• Unitrans Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
• Advertising with Unitrans
• Unitrans Interior Art Project

Working for Unitrans, An Equal Opportunity Employer!

Apply to be a bus driver! Join one of the campus' largest student employers with high wages ($19-$20.50/hour) and flexible shifts! Applicants are expected to be present for at least one summer session and summer trainees receive AggieCash on training days to help with meals! Click here to apply .

Considering being a driver? Here are some frequently asked questions! For more info, you can always reach out to our Human Resources Manager who is an undergraduate just like you! Email [email protected] .

Are there any requirements to apply?

Only two! You need to have a Class C Driver’s License (your regular driver's license for a car) for at least one year at the time you apply and you must be a UC Davis undergraduate student graduating no earlier than Fall 2025.

What if I don't have a Class C Driver's License yet or haven't had one for a full year?

Not to worry...we have other student jobs available such as administrative and office clerks, marketing assistants, and shop/support services assistants that do not require a driver's license.  Check out all of Unitrans' job postings at vacancy.ucdavis.edu.  

What is the starting wage?

The current training wage is $16.00/hour and the current driving wage is $19.00-$20.50/hour.

How long is training?

About 140 Hours total. 70 hours of "Driver Training" as known as behind the wheel training + 70 hours of in-service training also known as "Route Training". For all training, you are with an assigned trainer.

What is Driver Training?

Driver Training is when you work one-on-one with a driver trainer as they teach you how to drive a bus and get you accustomed to Unitrans policy and procedure. They also help prepare you for your DMV permit test and your Class B License test which is what you will need to be able to drive a bus in service. It may seem intimidating but it's actually fun and you have a trainer nearby at all times to help out.

What is Route Training? 

Route Training is when you drive buses in service under the guidance of a Route Trainer. You will be working on learning how to drive the bus safely and efficiently in service with customers, as well as solidifying your knowledge on company policies, routes, and practicing your multi-tasking and problem-solving skills. By route training, you know how to drive the bus and you have your license. We focus on making you comfortable with customers and on being the best, safest driver possible.

What is the training process like?

The process starts with Driver Training. This training is divided into 15 phases of 2-4 hours each. Each phase focuses on a different set of routes to drive, procedures, and / or skills. At the end of Driver Trainer, a driver should be able to conduct a DMV Pre-Trip Inspection (checking out the bus before you start driving to make sure its safe), maneuver the bus around objects (skills), and operate the bus safely on the streets of Davis. Then you move on to Route Training. In this part of training, you will be evaluated each week by the Route Trainer to see if you are capable of driving busses in service by yourself. You will finish training when you pass the evaluation. 

How does scheduling shifts work?

You get to pick your shifts on a seniority basis through the company website once you've become a solo driver. Your shift picking time known as your "Priority" time is based primarily on the amount of hours you have spent working in the company. The process itself is very similar to how to register for classes here at UC Davis.

Because you get to pick your own shifts, you are able to work around your class schedule and have the flexibility of choosing how your work day looks! Shifts typically come in one hour increments.

How long are shifts?

Most shifts are one hour long to best fit into busy student schedules but we have some shifts that are also 2-3 hours long.

How many hours would I work a week?

It depends on the quarter! A safe estimate would be around 14-15 hours per week. However, you may also ask for reduced hours if needed and there are many other drivers who are willing to cover your shifts!

Got more questions? Reach out to us at [email protected] . Ready to apply? Go to vacancy.ucdavis.edu !

Unitrans is an Equal Opportunity Employer!  Unitrans does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class in any of its policies, procedures, or practices. This nondiscrimination policy includes fair treatment in all Unitrans programs and activities including the application process, employment, promotion, and termination. Unitrans is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.  More information on Unitrans' equal employment opportunity practices can be found in the ASUCD-Unitrans Equal Employment Opportunity Program . Click here for our Equal Employment Opportunity policy statement .

We get many inquiries from folks in South Africa seeking employment with Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions or Unitrans Passenger, which are not affiliated in any way with ASUCD-Unitrans here at the University of California-Davis.  Please refer to this link for more information:   https://unitrans.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/Browse.aspx  .

Try ZipPass! Have your bus pass on your phone!

No need for cash and paper passes anymore. Go paperless and ride Unitrans with ZipPass! ZipPass is your one stop shop for Unitrans, Yolobus, Causeway Connection, and Sacramento RT passes!

Simply purchase your fare directly from the ZipPass app, show the driver or conductor the activated pass, and enjoy your ride! You may board through either the front or rear door with ZipPass. The driver or conductor will instruct you to tap your activated pass screen to verify your pass is valid.

Click here to download ZipPass for Android !

Click here to download ZipPass for Apple iOS !

Available on ZipPass:

• Single Ride • 10-Ride Ticket • Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Passes • Senior, Youth, and Customer with Disability Passes*

*Contact Unitrans at 530-752-2877 or [email protected] to activate these options.

Not Available:

• Undergraduate AggieCard

Need more info? Click here for a comprehensive How-To guide and Frequently Asked Questions ! You can also call 530-752-2877 or email us at [email protected]!

Unitrans Service 2023-24 Academic Year

Due to an on-going student driver shortage, Unitrans services are reduced from pre-pandemic levels. The following service levels are planned for the 2023-24 academic year:

B, C, D, E, F, G, J, K, L, M, P, Q, V-EX, V-LT, W, and Z lines will operate twice per hour

A line will operate one time per hour

Additional service will be added if driver staffing improves. Service restoration priorities will focus on addressing customer crowding and demand as well as restoring 30 minute service on all lines.

For the most up-to-date Unitrans bus schedules, go to unitrans.ucdavis.edu/routes .

Riding Unitrans

Unitrans expects crowding on the A, C, D, G, J, K, M, P, Q, W, V, and Z lines. Students should plan to take bus trips arriving 30 minutes before morning classes start to provide ample time to get to campus. If staffing levels permit, Unitrans plans to follow the regularly scheduled buses with higher capacity buses to serve riders in the morning when many classes start. Board through front door only on single deck buses.

We Are Hiring Drivers

Unitrans will gradually restore service as driver staffing improves, but we need student drivers. Unitrans is one of the most unique student employment experiences on campus. Where else can you learn to drive a vintage London double decker bus? Unitrans is completely student operated, offers flexible shifts in one-hour increments and pays among the best wages on campus ($18.50-$20.00/hour). Unitrans also provides great work experience and lots of supervisory and management opportunities to UC Davis students. Apply now ! 

Want tips on how to ride Unitrans, watch this video !

Those are conductors!

Have you ever wondered who that Unitrans employee is helping you ride safely on the double decker buses?

That's a conductor!

Conductors ensure the safety of Unitrans double-deck buses and customers while assisting the driver in verifying & collecting fares and monitoring operations. Conductors will communicate with customers and the bus driver to make sure everyone makes it to their desired bus stops safely and as timely as possible. It's really important that you listen to their directions!

Why do conductors and drivers sometimes not let customers go to the top deck of the bus?

That's easy! The conductors are trying to get you to school and home as quickly as possible! The double decker buses are much slower than a single deck bus and the more people there are upstairs, the more likely that your trip will take longer and be delayed. On low ridership trips, the conductors, at their discretion, may not allow customers upstairs. If a bus starts to become full though (about 20 people standing downstairs), they will allow customers go upstairs. The conductor has your safety and schedule always in mind!

Why do conductors and drivers ask me for my pass/AggieCard/fare/etc.? Isn't Unitrans free?

Unitrans is not free and fare/pass is required to ride. Unitrans fares and passes (including the undergraduate AggieCard/Registration Card) pay for a vast majority of the Unitrans budget. Fare evasion and non-payment directly impacts our ability to serve our customers and improve service. Please be respectful and always have your pass or fare ready before boarding the bus. Not only does this ensure customers pay their fair share but with your pass/fare ready, the boarding process is faster for all customers!

How do I know who the conductor is?

The conductor will typically be standing in between the driver and the reserved wheelchair area near the front of the bus. The conductors will also typically be wearing a lanyard with "Unitrans Conductor" on it. Please listen to and follow their directions for your safety.

But who are they?

Conductors are UC Davis undergraduates just like most of our customers! The conductors have your safety and schedule in mind so please be kind! A thank you on your way out the door is always appreciated.

Alternate Languages

For general Unitrans information in Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, click link below.

Información general en español  (Spanish)

一般資訊  (Manderin Chinese)

한국어 일반 정보  (Korean)

韓国語の一般情報 (Japanese)

If you have limited hearing or speaking ability, a specially-trained Communications Assistant (CA) can relay telephone conversations for all of your calls. Dial 7-1-1 for assistance.

Service Hours

Day Service

Monday-Friday 7:00am – 8:10pm departure.

Night Service

Monday-Thursday 8:30pm – 10:35pm departure. There is no night service on Fridays except during Finals service.

Weekend Service (G, K, M, O, P, Q, U)

9:00am – 6:10pm departures with P & Q line departures at 8:00am. Runs most Saturdays, Sundays, and selected holidays.  All lines go to/from MU Terminal.

Unitrans Business Office

The Unitrans Business Office is located at 5 South Hall, providing pass sales and information. Office hours are Mon-Fri, 7:30am – 6:00pm during regular service (8:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00-4:00pm during the summer).

Telephone hours are Mon-Fri 7:30am – 6:00pm during regular service (8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-4:00pm during summer). Automated bus arrival information is available via NextBus at all times service is operating.

Unitrans operates a variety of service types depending on the day of the week and the time of year. Click here for the August 2023 - July 2024 service calendar . Note: Subject to change based on campus, city, and county health conditions.

Customer Policies

The following policies apply to all customers on Unitrans buses and at Unitrans bus stops and terminals. Customers who chronically ignore and break Unitrans Policies may be banned from riding Unitrans. Customers will be warned prior to banning.

• No eating, drinking, or smoking (including vaping) on the bus.
• Have exact fare or pass ready (including UC Davis undergraduate AggieCard) when the arrives. Drivers do not carry change. 
• Copies, images, and digital versions of passes are not valid fare, including versions such as UC Davis OASIS, non-ZipPass digital images, and photocopies.
• Laptops and other electronics may be used on board, provided they do not disturb the driver or other customers and headphones are used.
• Do not run after the bus. For safety reasons, customers will not be picked up after the bus has closed its doors and moved away from the curb.
• Rollerblades or roller skates are not permitted to be worn in the bus at any time. Customers must wear proper attire and footware. Customers may not board wearing swimsuits or barefoot.
• Please stow backpacks, luggage, and other portable items under the seats or on your lap. Do not block the aisle.
• Only qualified service animals or animals contained in a secure carrier (including emotional support animals) are allowed on the bus. No other animals will be allowed onboard. Please note, emotional support animals must be in a secure carrier. Any animals not under the control of the customer will be asked to leave the bus.
• No standing forward of the white or yellow standee line in the front of the bus or in the back stairwell.
• On double decker buses, please do not walk or sit on the stairs while the bus is in motion. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop.
• To ensure a timely ride, the conductor may close off the top deck of the double decker bus on low volume customer trips. Please follow the conductor or driver's instructions.
• Please keep hands, arms, and other body parts inside the bus at all times.
• Show consideration to older customers, families with small children, pregnant people, and customers with disabilities by vacating seats toward the front of the bus/
• Unitrans strives to provide a safe space for all customers . If a passenger is bothering or endangering other customers, the driver, the conductor, trainers, or the bus, they will be asked to leave the bus, and if necessary, police will be called.

Bicycles and Scooters on Buses

If space permits, bikes are allowed on the bus on the last run of the day, and are allowed all day during Weekend Service. Bikes and scooters that fold up are allowed on the bus at any time as long as they are folded, under the control of the customer, and not blocking the aisle. Customers with bikes and scooters that are not folded up will not be allowed to ride unless it is the last trip of the day or weekend service.

Unitrans is well-known for our three historic London doubledecker buses as well as four  modern doubledecker buses . The doubledeck buses run on six lines (B, E, F, G, J, V) in regular service during the academic year, and their times are noted on the printed schedule. One of the historic London doubledecks has been converted from a diesel engine to run on clean natural gas. Unitrans’  CNG doubledeck  is unique in North America, and perhaps in the world. Although the doubledeck bus is the symbol of Unitrans, most of our service is provided by  modern buses  fueled by CNG and starting in 2022, zero-emission electric buses.

All single deck buses and modern doubledeck buses are equipped with lifts or ramps for customers using mobility aids.

Our Drivers

All Unitrans drivers and supervisors, as well as most support staff, are UC Davis students working part-time. Our drivers undergo extensive training and testing prior to going into service. Unitrans safety record is among the best among public transit systems in the U.S. All of our employees pride themselves on providing safe and friendly service. Our unique workforce is one of the many things that makes Unitrans such a special service here in Davis!

How To File

en español       中文

All customer comments, both positive and negative, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility comments will be reviewed by Unitrans staff and responded to if requested.  Do you believe you were discriminated against based on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, gender expression, actual or perceieved sexual orientation, or age?  Click here for infomation on filing a Title VI Civil Rights complaint .

Customers may send their comments to the Unitrans Business Office by mail, email, phone, or in person. Written and in-person comments can be directed to:

Attn: Assistant General Manager of Administration

1 Shields Avenue

5 South Hall

Davis, CA 95616

Email: [email protected]

Phone (530) 752-2877

Every complaint will be investigated and responded to within 14 calendar days of receipt. Complaint resolution will be in writing or verbal as requested by the customer. Resolution of urgent complaints, including ADA complaints, will occur within five calendar days.

When filing a customer complaint, riders are encouraged to provide:

• The customer’s name, address, email address, and/or telephone number
• Date and time of the incident
• Details of the incident such as bus route, location, etc.

Complaints and comments are logged and tracked in an internal database. Customer confidentiality will be protected upon a customer’s request when investigating and resolving complaints. Anonymous service complaints, however, cannot be responded to.

Charter Services

Are you a large group visiting UC Davis in a bus or a charter bus operator looking for bus parking on campus? Please click here for contact information and to review guidelines .

Interested in chartering a Unitrans vintage double decker bus, modern double decker bus, or single deck bus for a special event? Contact Unitrans at 530-752-2877 or [email protected] to ask for availability. See rates below. Charter service is generally limited to the City of Davis and to weekends during the academic year. Requests for single deck bus charters outside of the City of Davis will be reviewed on a case by case basis and are limited to a 15 mile radius to/from Davis during daylight hours on weekends only. Double decker bus charters are limited to Davis city limits only and due to overpass, underpass, and tree clearance issues, double deckers can only operate on a very limited number of streets in Davis.

*Rates subject to change. Call or email for more information. Estimate and billing will include charges for 30 minutes before and after your requested charter times to accommodate driver report time and required safety procedures.

Due to Federal Transit Administration rules, for all charter requests, Unitrans must contact local private charter companies and provide private charter companies with an opportunity to provide the requested charter service. If a private company expresses interest, Unitrans cannot provide the charter regardless of cost . If there is no interest from a private company, Unitrans can provide the service. Unitrans will inform all prospective customers of this regulation.

Special Services

In addition to regular fixed-route service described in the "Routes" tab, Unitrans also provides additional services on select days.

Day before Thanksgiving Service  – To supplement Yolobus Route #42, Unitrans operates a shuttle from the UCD Memorial Union to the Sacramento Airport on the day before Thanksgiving, running hourly from 10:00am to 7:00pm (buses leave the MU on the hour).  The Unitrans Airport shuttle makes stops along Anderson Road and at Marketplace Shopping Center on Covell, then travels express to the airport.  Regular fares apply.

Picnic Day  – On Picnic Day (typically 2nd or 3rd Saturday in April), Unitrans runs expanded weekend service from the Memorial Union Terminal. Please see our Picnic Day schedule supplement for details which will be posted one week in advance of Picnic Day.

Connections

Unitrans connects with several transit systems in Davis.

YoloBus provides service to Sacramento, Woodland, the Sacramento Airport, as well as within Davis and throughout Yolo County.  YoloBus  connects with Unitrans at the Memorial Union and at many common stop locations throughout Davis.

Davis Community Transit  provides demand responsive service within Davis, including ADA complementary paratransit service.

Amtrak / Capitol Corridor  trains serve downtown Davis and Unitrans provides direct service to the station with the A and Z lines as well as a special Amtrak shuttle on Sunday evenings when regular Unitrans service does not run.

Other inter-city services available on the UCD campus include  Fairfield and Suisun Transit , the  UCD Med Center Shuttle , and the  UC Berkeley Shuttle .

The Lost and Found policy at Unitrans is consistent with UC Davis' campuswide procedures. High value items (such as cell phones, wallets, purses, keys, and Aggie ID cards) are turned in to the UC Davis Police Department the day after they are found on the bus.

Click here for details or to search the UCD Police database for a high-value item.

All other items (such as books, umbrellas, jackets, mugs) are brought to the Unitrans Business Office at 5 South Hall, generally the day after they are found on the bus. Because of space limitations, they are only kept in the main office for a week.  Unitrans donates all unclaimed items to local charities.

If an item is left on a bus, passengers are allowed to search the bus for their lost item. It is against Unitrans policy to ask drivers over the radio to search a bus for a lost item as it may jeopardize the security of the item.

Although we will do our best to help you find a lost item, Unitrans is not responsible for any items left on a bus.

Career Staff

City of davis short range transit plan & other documents.

A short-range transit plan (SRTP) is a five- to seven-year planning document that provides policy and financial direction to guide future transit planning, service operation, capital investment, and policy decisions. SRTPs may also provide broad direction for a period of up to ten years.

The current City of Davis SRTP covers fiscal years 2014/15-2020/21 and provides policy and financial direction necessary for continued successful service implementation by Unitrans and Davis Community Transit.

The Unitrans General Manager Annual Report provides an overview of the past year's performance and provides key performance indicator updates. Click here for the FY2022-23 report .  Click here for the FY2021-22 report .  Click here for the FY2020-21 report .

Interested in our annual operating budget? Click here!

Unitrans is committed to clean zero emission technology! Click here for our official zero emission transition plans !

Unitrans completed a Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan as required by the Federal Transit Administration in 2019. Click here for the most recent TAM Plan .

For the Unitrans Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan, click here .

Every three years, Unitrans performs an on-board customer survey. Click here for the Fall 2020 Customer Survey report featuring COVID-19 related questions . For the 2017 Customer Survey Report,  click here. .

Every quarter, the General Manager provides a service update report to the City of Davis and Unitrans Advisory Committee (UAC). Below are links to recent General Manager's Reports.

January 25, 2024 Report

October 26, 2023 Report

July 27, 2023 Report

April 27, 2023 Report

Non-Discrimination, Title VI Civil Rights, and ADA Notice

En español/In Spanish

用中文/In Chinese

Unitrans, as a recipient of Federal Transit Administration funds, is committed to providing quality transit service to all customers and follows all federal non-discrimination rules and regulations, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Equal Employment Opportunity program. The Unitrans Non-Discrimination Policy states that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, gender expression, actual or perceived sexual orientation, age, or ability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity operated by ASUCD Unitrans.

For additional information, email [email protected], call 530-752-2877, or mail us at Unitrans Assistant General Manager, 1 Shields Avenue, 5 South Hall, Davis, CA 95616. If you suspect a violation of any of these policies, see below for complaint procedures or please contact the Unitrans Assistant General Manager by email at [email protected], call 530-752-2877, or mail us at Unitrans Assistant General Manager, 1 Shields Avenue, 5 South Hall, Davis, CA 95616, and your complaint will be directed to the appropriate agency and staff for review.

Click here for the complete  City of Davis/Unitrans Title VI Civil Rights Program & Language Assistance Plan .

See  this brochure  for more details. For information on protections against national origin discrimination (both English and non-English materials), please visit the  U.S. Department of Justice  web site.

Filing a Title VI/Discrimination Complaint

Federal law requires Title VI complaints (complaints alleging discrimination based on race, color, or national origin) be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged incident.

If you feel that you have been subjected to discrimination and wish to file a complaint, please download and complete this  form / f ormulario / 形式  and mail it to Unitrans, ATTN: Assistant General Manager-Administration, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, or fax your completed form to (530) 752-6350.  You may also scan and email your completed form to  [email protected] , or drop it off in person to the  Unitrans Business Office  located at  5 South Hall on the campus of the University of California-Davis.

Who can file a complaint?

Any person who believes that they have, individually, or as a member of any specific class of persons, been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (Title VI) or religion, gender identity, gender expression, actual or perceived sexual orientation, age, or ability may file a discrimination/Title VI complaint with Unitrans.  A complaint must be filed within 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination.

Title VI/Discrimination Complaint Resolution Process

All complaints alleging discrimination including those under Title VI based on race, color or national origin in a service or benefit provided by Unitrans will be recorded in Unitrans’ customer service database and immediately assigned a complaint number.

The Unitrans Assistant General Manager-Administration will review the complaint and will provide appropriate assistance to complainants, including those persons with disabilities, or who are limited in their ability to communicate in English.

The Unitrans Assistant General Manager-Administration will investigate a discrimination complaint including a formal Title VI complaint within ten (10) working days of receiving the complaint. In instances where additional information is needed for assessment or investigation of the complaint, Unitrans staff will contact the complainant in writing within 15 working days of receiving the complaint. Failure of the complainant to provide the requested information by a certain date may result in the administrative closure of the complaint.

Based upon all of the information received, the Unitrans Assistant General Manager-Administration will conduct an investigation and prepare a recommendation for review by the General Manager. The General Manager will determine if the complaint may be administratively closed, or if a written response is needed. If a written response is needed, the Unitrans Assistant General Manager-Administration will send the response to the complainant and advise the complainant of his/her right to file a complaint externally.

The complainant also will be advised of his/her right to appeal the response to federal and state authorities as appropriate. Unitrans will make its best efforts to respond to a discrimination complaint including a Title VI complaint within thirty (30) working days of its receipt of such a complaint, unless a complaint is filed with Unitrans and an external entity simultaneously as noted previously.

How will I be notified of the outcome?

The Unitrans Assistant General Manager-Administration will send a written response to the complainant on the decision and advise the complainant of his or her right to file a complaint externally.   Unitrans will make its best efforts to respond to discrimination complaints including Title VI complaints within thirty (30) working days of its receipt of such complaints.

In addition to Unitrans’ complaint process, a complainant, persons alleging discrimination based on race, color, or national origin as it relates to the provision of transportation services and transit related benefits may also file a complaint with the  Federal Transit Administration  Office of Civil Rights by writing to the following address:

Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights Attention: Complaint Team East Building, 5th Floor – TCR 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590

Or email: [email protected]

Information on Services for Customers with Disabilities

En español

In Chinese/用中文

If you have limited hearing or speaking ability, a specially-trained Communications Assistant (CA) can relay telephone conversations for all of your calls. Call 7-1-1 for assistance .

Unitrans offers fare free service to customers with qualifying disabilities who apply for fare free service, are approved, and are issued a Unitrans Disabled Pass. For more information, see "Fare Free Service" below.

Unitrans has a fleet of 40 modern single deck buses and 4 modern double deck buses, all equipped with a ramp or lift and a kneeling feature to ensure customers with mobility aids and mobility limitations can board the bus. Unitrans' 4 vintage London double deck buses are  not  equipped with a ramp or lift and as a result, are not Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. These buses only operate on the B, E, F, and G lines and only during "Regular" service. To determine if a vintage London double deck bus is operating, look for the "DD" symbol above the scheduled trip in the Unitrans printed bus book, look on the PDF schedule link for each route on this website, or call us at 530-752-2877.

Fare Free Service

Unitrans offers fare free service to customers with qualifying disabilities. For criteria and to apply, click here for the application . You may also call 530-752-2877 or visit us at our office at 1 Shields Avenue, 5 South Hall, Davis, California for more information or to apply. Without this pass, customers must pay $1.25 per ride. En Español .  中文

Need curb-to-curb paratransit service?

Davis Community Transit (DCT) provides local curb-to-curb paratransit service in the city of Davis during all Unitrans operating hours. For more information, applying for DCT service, and ride reservations, go to their website at  https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/parks-and-community-services/davis-community-transit  or call 530-747-8240.

Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation related to the ADA

In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), Unitrans will not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in its services, programs, or activities.  Unitrans will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in all of its programs, services, and activities.  Anyone who requires a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity of Unitrans, should contact:

Unitrans Assistant General Manager, Administration 1 Shields Avenue Davis, CA  95616 [email protected] (530) 752-6525

Note that the ADA does not require Unitrans or any other transit system to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its program or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.  Complaints that a program, service, or activity of Unitrans is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to the AGM for Administration.

Filing an ADA Complaint ( presentar una queja ; 提出投訴 )

To file an ADA related complaint, you can call us at 530-752-2877, email us at [email protected] , come to our office located on UC Davis campus in South Hall, Room 5, or mail us at:

Attn: Assistant General Manager, Administration 1 Shields Avenue Davis, CA  95616

When filing a customer complaint, customers are encouraged to provide:

If you would like to file an ADA complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration which oversees Unitrans regulatory compliance, click here .

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed on all Unitrans buses.  Any other animals brought on board such as pets must be fully contained in a carrying device and must not cause any disturbance to other passengers.

Requesting the Lift/Ramp or Kneeling Feature

Unitrans drivers are happy to assist any passenger who needs the lift/ramp to board the bus upon the passenger’s request.  Not all passengers want to have the lift/ramp deployed, and they could be hurt if a driver starts to lower the lift/ramp at the same time that a passenger is attempting to board the bus.  Consequently, drivers are instructed not to assume that any passenger needs the bus lift/ramp, unless the passenger is on a mobility device such as a wheelchair or scooter.  If you need the assistance of the bus lift/ramp to make it easier to board the bus, just ask the driver and he/she will be happy to do so for you.

What are the rules for mobility assistance devices?

Unitrans bus lifts and ramps comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are able to accommodate a “wheelchair” as defined in the ADA regulations. A wheelchair is defined as "a mobility aid belonging to a class of three- or more-wheeled vehicles, usable indoors, designed or modified for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered."  The wheelchair must not block the aisle or exits nor interfere with safe evacuation of passengers in an emergency.  

Mobility devices that are not primarily designed for use by individuals with mobility impairments, such as shopping carts, are not allowed on Unitrans buses.  Also, bicycles and skateboards are not considered "devices primarily designed for use by indviduals with mobility impairments,"  Bicycles are not allowed on board Unitrans buses EXCEPT for the last trip on weekdays and on weekend service if the driver determines that it is safe to do so.  If a bicycle can be folded so that it can be stowed under a seat or on the passenger's lap, then it may be brought on board at any time.  Skateboards may also be brought onto Unitrans buses as long as they are stowed under a seat or on the passenger's lap.  

 Securement: All passenger seats must be secured. Passengers seated in a wheelchair or other mobility aid must permit drivers to secure their device to the floor of the bus.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program & Triennial Goal-Setting Methodology

View/Download : Unitrans Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

View/Download : Unitrans FFY 2021 - 2023 Goal-Setting Methodology

Unitrans, on behalf of the City of Davis, has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations published under U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Title 49 CFR Part 26.  The City receives Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and as a condition of receiving this assistance, the City has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49, CFR Part 26. 

It is the policy of Unitrans to ensure that DBEs as defined in Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT-assisted contracts. This Policy serves to outline specific actions, which will be taken by Unitrans to create a level playing field and foster equal opportunity in all federally funded contracting opportunities.

March 5, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE:  ASUCD-UNITRANS

FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION DBE GOAL:  FEDERAL FISCAL YEARS 2024 – 2026

View/Download;  Proposed Unitrans FFY 2024 - 2026 Goal-Setting Methodology

In accordance with 49 CFR Part 26.45(g), Unitrans, as a recipient of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) assistance, announces a proposed Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) overall program goal of 2.5 percent for Federal Fiscal Years 2024-2026. This race-neutral goal represents the percentage of work to be performed by certified DBE firms on federally assisted projects. The methodology used to determine the proposed goal and rationale will be available for public inspection for thirty (30) days from the date of this notice upon request.

Unitrans will be hosting a webinar for public participation to present the methodology for establishing the proposed DBE goal, provide an opportunity to the public for comments, and questions about the Airport’s DBE program and proposed DBE goal.

Public Participation Webinar Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.  

REGISTER NOW

Unitrans and the U.S. Department of Transportation will accept written comments on the proposed goal for 30 days form the date of this notice. Written comments to the Unitrans DBE Liaison Officer, Teri Sheets, may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:

1 Shields Avenue, South Hall Room 5

University of California, Davis

Davis, CA 95616.

Written comments can also be sent directly to the FTA, Karin Vosgueritchian, Regional Civil Rights Officer, 888 S. Figueroa St, Ste 440, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

Information

UNITRANS ADVERTISING PROGRAM - UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR 2024-2025 AVAILABLE

Click here for the Unitrans Ad Sales Guidelines - FY 2024-2025

Unitrans offers poster advertising inside single deck buses and on the exterior of the vintage double deck buses, modern double deck buses, and single deck buses.

Interested in wrapping an entire Unitrans bus? Unitrans is piloting vehicle wraps on a limited number of vehicles. For more information and pricing, click here .

Don't know who to contact to produce your ad media?  As a courtesy, here are a couple of options...

UC Davis Reprographics, (530) 752-2679 ,  reprographics.ucdavis.edu

Vivas Office Branding, Inc,, (415) 260-0537, vivasinc.com 

Please note that Unitrans does not endorse any company's products or services, nor do we provide any guarantees of performance by any vendor.  Clients are solely responsible for engaging with a vendor to produce and deliver their ad media.  Unitrans will add vendors willing and able to produce ad media to Unitrans' specifications to this list as they come to our attention.

For questions, inquiries, or to be added to the wait list, please contact:

Jonah Messinger, Unitrans Advertising Sales Representative, at  [email protected]  or (530) 754-5838.

Starting in November 2023, the goal of the Unitrans Interior Artwork Project is to showcase artwork from community members and to give Unitrans riders a more pleasant riding experience. 

An open invitation for submissions to the Davis community was broadcast, utilizing flyers, email and word of mouth to spread the message about the Unitrans Interior Artwork Project. Most artists who participated were either students at UC Davis or Davis High School.   

Artists were allowed to create whatever type of art they wanted as long as it followed campus policies and guidelines. Artists could either design their artwork digitally and have it printed out or design their art directly on a provided poster board in whatever medium they felt most comfortable with. Artists could also design a range of sizes of artwork, with some artists creating over 2200 square inches of media. The flexibility given allowed for a diverse set of artwork to be created, from painted landscapes to digitally designed anime characters.   

All artists who submitted artwork that met the project guidelines had their piece installed. 

Artwork installations took place throughout January and February of 2024. The artwork is expected to remain installed until Labor Day 2024. 

As a new project for Unitrans, we are looking for feedback from the community for how this project can grow and continue in a positive way.  We would greatly appreciate it if you could fill out this feedback form.  

For questions or comments related to the Unitrans Interior Artwork Project, please contact the project manager, Jonah Messinger ( [email protected] ).  

How To Ride

I've never been on Unitrans or on a bus. How do I ride the bus?

Just watch this short video to learn how to ride the bus here in Davis! It's easy! Click here for video!

Or click here for a short description of how to ride and valid fares . This information is also found at the beginning of the printed Unitrans bus schedule available on all buses and at the terminals.

Transit Passes

Where can I buy a transit pass? 

Passes are available at the UC Davis Campus Store in the Memorial Union, UC Davis Downtown Store , the Unitrans Business Office (Room 5 in South Hall on UC Davis campus), and on your smartphone by downloading the ZipPass app!  Please note that fares are subject to change and are not refundable.

Is it possible for UC Davis employees and grad students to purchase passes at a lower cost?

Transportation Services has suspended their GoClub program so no staff and graduate student discounts are available at this time.

Where can I get a Unitrans Senior Pass?

Available by sending a completed request form to Unitrans. Go to unitrans.com/fares for more information or call 530-752-2877. Unitrans senior passes are also available to passengers 60 years and older at the Senior Center at A St. & 7th St. and at the Unitrans Business Office at 5 South Hall on the UCD campus.

Commendations & Complaints

How do I file a complaint or a commendation?

If you wish to make a commendation or complaint about our service, please call Unitrans information at 752-BUSS (2877) or send us an email. If your complaint or commendation is about a particular incident, please provide as much information as possible and applicable, including the bus line, the four-digit number on the vehicle, the location, the direction of travel, and the time of day.

How does someone make a complaint related to a federal requirement such as Title VI, EEO, ADA, or any other suspected violation of civil rights?

Unitrans, as a recipient of Federal Transit Administration funds, follows all federal non-discrimination policies, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity.

No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

See the Department of Justice website or this brochure for more details, including translations to languages other than English.  To make a complaint about any suspected violation of federal requirements, please contact the Assistant General Manager for Administration directly by email or by calling 530-752-2877.  The AGMA will direct your complaint to the appropriate agency.

Travel Outside of Davis

How do I get from Davis to Sacramento or Woodland?

Yolobus route 42 goes to Sacramento, West Sacramento, and Woodland. Go to www.yolobus.com or call 666-2877 for more information. UCD undergraduate students ride Yolobus for free by showing the driver their registration card.

How do I get to Berkeley or the Bay Area from Davis?

The UC Davis Berkeley Shuttle can take UCD affiliates from Davis to Berkeley. Call 752-UBUS or the shuttle web page for details. If you need to get elsewhere in the Bay Area or anywhere in California, try Amtrak. Their station is located on Second St. at H St. (on the Unitrans A-line bus). Go to www.amtrak.com, or the Capitol Corridor or call 1-800-USA-RAIL for information.

Bus Arrival Information

Is there a mobile app for getting real-time bus information?

Yes, there are several mobile apps that use publicly-available real-time data for Unitrans bus locations.  Unitrans real-time data is powered by NextBus, and apps for iPhone and Android, as well as other means of mobile access can be found at http://nextbus.cubic.com/Mobile-Access .  The NextBus apps include updated alerts for lines and bus stops, which may be important in getting correct information.

Many of our riders use the “Bus” information from the UC Davis Mobile App .  That app generally provides updated and complete information for the bus system (including alerts), but it is not under Unitrans control.   This is an excellent app for many purposes, but we also encourage use of the actual NextBus app for the most complete and accurate information.

If you use another app to access Unitrans data, please check on whether the app is using the most up-to-date Unitrans schedule and also provides alerts.

How can I find the 3-digit stop number for my bus stop?

The 3-digit stop number provides a way to get automated next bus information 24 hours a day.  The number is located on the bus stop sign to the right of the Unitrans doubledecker logo (under the word “Stop #”).  If you need to look up the stop number online, use the stop time predictor on the Unitrans home page.  When you select a line and a stop, you will see the time predictions.  To the right of that, there is a phone symbol and the stop number for that stop is shown there.  That also shows the direct dial phone number for NextBus information, which is 530-204-5529.

Why do buses that are “Out of Service” sometimes show up on the NextBus map and time predictions?

Sometimes when a bus is late and/or crowded, a 2nd bus (called a “tripper” bus) is dispatched to that line.  Often, the extra bus will serve the stops ahead of the regular bus, getting to those stops on time or slightly late.  Because those stops have been served, the regular bus can go out of service, which allows it to bring its passengers to the terminal faster and arrive closer to on time than would be possible if it were to serve all the remaining stops.  Generally, this is an efficient way to serve all the passengers on a line with timely service, but it can lead to confusion when using NextBus.  That is because there will be a period of time when the system will see two buses as being in service on the same run, and it will show predictions for both buses. The use of trippers can also cause a predicted time to change quite suddenly, because the bus that was late is replaced by a bus that is on time.  The use of trippers can also cause a predicted time to change quite suddenly, because the bus that was late is replaced by a bus that is on time.   We recommend that customers remain aware of the scheduled time when arriving at a bus stop and get to their stop 2-5 minutes BEFORE the scheduled arrival. If you see two predictions that are close together, use the schedule time or the earlier prediction to plan your arrival time at the stop.

Bus Charters

Can anyone charter a Unitrans bus?

Unitrans buses can be used for private charter services within Davis, but charter service can only be provided under certain federally-mandated conditions. One condition is that the charter must first be offered to any private bus company that may want to bid on it. Also, charters can never be provided for elementary or secondary school functions. Call (530) 752-2877 for more information.

Bus Routes & Service

Is the T line just for junior and senior high students?

The T line is sometimes considered to be similar to school buses, but it is actually a public transit bus open to all riders. The route and times are designed to supplement the regular lines that may not offer as convenient service to the Davis secondary schools. Because the focus of this route is on the secondary schools, the daily times change based on the school schedules. These times are published on the Unitrans web page and in our printed schedules so that any rider can use these services like any other Unitrans bus line. For more information about Federal Transit Administration regulations regarding provision of school service, click here .

Why do the regular lines not run on Friday nights?

While Unitrans is a full public transit system, it is operated by employees who are also full-time students at UC Davis. The number of hours in service each day is quite extensive and places many demands on the time of the student employees. Friday nights have traditionally been periods of low ridership demand, and not offering service at these times provides some rest time for our drivers.

Why don’t more buses serve Downtown Davis?

Unitrans buses are routed to maximize the efficiency of the service.  Because roughly 90% of our riders are destined for the UC Davis campus, the two campus terminals at the MU and Silo are the primary “hubs” for the system.  The bus lines that serve East Davis and South Davis serve downtown directly on their way to or from the UCD campus providing frequent service along 1st St (W and M lines), 2nd St (A line), 5th St  (E, P, Q and M lines), and B St (L & M line).  For service from West Davis and North Davis, passengers can make an easy transfer at either terminal to one of these lines.  Sometimes the same bus continues downtown and there is no need to get off the bus.  In other cases, you need to change buses, but the wait is usually less than 5 minutes and is never more than 10 minutes.  Click on your line for a listing of transfer times during Regular Service to and from downtown:  B , C , D , F , G , J , K , P/Q , V .

Can I take Unitrans to the Mondavi Center?

Not directly.  The closest bus stops are the Shields/Art Building stops along Hutchison Drive (A, L, W lines). These stops are about 1/3rd-mile from the Mondavi Center. Monday-Thursday service operates until 10:10 p.m. (10:35 on the W-line) and Fridays until 8:10 p.m.  There is no weekend service near the Mondavi Center.  Please check the printed schedule or call Unitrans information at 752-BUSS (2877).

How do I get to Aggie Stadium for football games and other weekend events?

Fans can use Unitrans for travel to and from afternoon football games, as well as service to (but not from) evening games.  Service to Aggie Stadium is provided by the V line, which run hourly on Saturdays and Sundays.  Click on " Routes " to see the schedule.

Customer Accommodations

How does someone make a request for reasonable accommodations or modifications related to the ADA?

It is very difficult for me to board the bus without the ramp.  Why doesn’t the driver lower the ramp for me?

Unitrans drivers are happy to assist any passenger who needs the ramp to board the bus upon the passenger’s request.  Not all passengers want to have the ramp deployed, and they could be hurt if a driver starts to lower the ramp at the same time that a passenger is attempting to board the bus.  Consequently, drivers are instructed not to assume that any passenger needs the bus ramp, unless the passenger is on a mobility device such as a wheelchair or scooter.  If you need the assistance of the bus ramp to make it easier to board the bus, just ask the driver and he/she will be happy to do so for you.

What if I have a group that is traveling on the bus, such as a school field trip?

If you are traveling in a group, we suggest buying 10-ride tickets in advance. This will both save money and speed the boarding process. Just be sure to have purchased enough rides to cover all the passengers in both directions (for example, a group of 20 people would need four 10-ride tickets [=40 rides] to accommodate 20 passengers going and 20 passengers returning). Also, if a large group is traveling, you may want to check with Unitrans information (752-2877) to see if the bus is likely to have enough room to carry everyone. If not, you may want to split the group up, with some either riding an earlier time or a nearby line. Unfortunately, virtually all Unitrans buses are in service throughout the day, and it is usually not possible to add an extra bus for group trips.

Are pets allowed on Unitrans buses?

Only service animals are allowed on Unitrans buses.  Any other animals brought on board must be fully contained in a carrying device and must not cause any disturbance to other passengers.

Unitrans bus lifts and ramps comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are able to accommodate a “common wheelchair” as defined in the ADA regulations. A common wheelchair is defined as being not more than 48″ in length or 30″ in width (measured 2? above the ground) and not weighing more than 600 pounds when occupied. If a wheelchair user has one that exceeds these specifications, that individual should contact us for assistance. Securement: All passenger seats must be secured. Passengers seated in a wheelchair or other mobility aid must permit drivers to secure their device to the floor of the bus.

Bus Operations

On a double deck bus, why do conductors & drivers sometimes not let customers go to the top deck of the bus?

That's easy! The conductors and drivers are trying to get you to school and home as quickly as possible! The double decker buses are much slower than a single deck bus and the more people there are upstairs, the more likely that your trip will take longer. On low ridership trips, the conductors and drivers, at their discretion, may not allow customers upstairs. If a bus starts to become full though, they may let customers go upstairs. The conductor and driver have your safety and schedule always in mind!

I am running to catch the bus, but the driver closes the door and drives away.  Why doesn’t the driver stop to let me on the bus?

When the driver is getting ready to leave, he/she is looking around to ensure that it is safe to pull the bus out into the traffic lane.  Consequently, it is likely that the driver may not see you coming before pulling out of the stop.  Once the driver pulls away from the stop, it is generally no longer safe to allow a passenger to board a bus.  Unitrans places the safety of its customers and employees as the number one priority, and drivers will not take any action that would potentially put someone’s safety in jeopardy.

Buses are often really crowded, especially at peak times.  Is there a legal limit on how many people can be on a bus? 

Unitrans follows all of the rules and regulations that apply to the provision of public transportation services in order to maintain the safety of our passengers. On behalf of the City of Davis, Unitrans provides a regularly scheduled, fixed-route passenger bus service throughout the City and is subject to the rules that apply to urban transit services, not those that apply to school bus services.  The full text of the regulation is included at the end of this answer.

Given the high demand for Unitrans service, especially at peak times, as well as budget constraints that limit our ability to fund more buses and more bus drivers, there is no question that some buses are very crowded.  Our goal is to safely transport as many passengers as possible to their destinations and we do not want to leave riders behind.  Although this may be uncomfortable at times, it is not unsafe.  If a passenger feels that a bus is too crowded, he/she may decline to board the bus and take another bus instead.  When the driver sees that the bus is completely full and can carry no additional customers behind the white safety line, the driver will inform customers waiting at bus stops that he/she cannot take additional passengers.  Unitrans will make all attempts to send out a “tripper” bus (if both a bus and a bus driver are available) to pick up those customers.  Note also that Unitrans monitors ridership data on all runs and provides statistics on bus crowding as part of its ongoing reporting program.

The specific rule for the transportation of passengers on regularly scheduled transit service comes from the California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Section 1217 (e), which reads as follows:

“(e) Standing Passengers. A vehicle shall not be put in motion until all passengers are seated, and all passengers must remain seated while the vehicle is in motion. Standing passengers are permitted only on a bus (except a school bus, SPAB, or youth bus) operated in regularly scheduled passenger stage service or urban and suburban service by a common carrier or publicly-owned transit system, and equipped with grab handles or other means of support for standing passengers, and constructed so that standing room in the aisle is at least 74 in. high.” (emphasis added)

Why do some buses go out of service before they get to my stop?

This can happen on the more frequent lines, especially at the times when buses are scheduled 10 minutes apart. If the first bus is late, it may start picking up people expecting to take the next bus. This makes the early bus later and sometimes the following bus catches up to it. At that point, there is no sense having both buses follow each other into the terminal, so the first bus will go out of service to bring those people on the bus to their stops faster (while the second bus picks up at the remaining stops).

What is the meaning of the orange flags that are sometimes held out at the back of the double deck buses?

These reflective, orange flags warn traffic of a stopped or slow-moving vehicle, as an extra precaution. We use these flags whenever a double deck pulls into or out of a stop, navigates around a hazard (such as a double-parked delivery truck) or travels over railroad tracks. When a bus is pulled over at a stop, the conductor extends the flag to indicate that passengers are getting off the bus in order to alert other vehicles of their presence.

Why are there no bike racks on Unitrans buses, like other transit systems?

This seems ironic, since Davis is known for its support of bicycling. However, unlike other larger cities, the entire city of Davis can be easily traversed by bicycle, so most people who might want to use the bus for a portion of their trip can simply cycle the entire distance in Davis. Also, the high use of bikes in Davis makes it more similar to European cities, which typically do not use bike racks.  Note that there may be occasions when transporting your bike is necessary and this is accommodated in two ways. All YoloBus buses have bike racks and these routes cover much of Davis. In addition, bikes are allowed to be carried inside Unitrans buses on the last trip of each day and all day on weekends (except Picnic Day).

I sometimes see someone standing very close to the bus driver and talking the entire time I’m on the bus.  It seems that this would be distracting to the driver and unsafe for the passengers on the bus.  Is this allowed while the bus is moving?

Unitrans constantly recruits for and trains new drivers, in both classroom and behind-the-wheel settings.  After the driver is tested and receives his/her Class B drivers license, the driver is allowed to drive the bus with passengers and is accompanied by a Unitrans route trainer to assist the driver in becoming more knowledgeable of Unitrans’ bus routes and on-the-road operating conditions.  The route trainer is positioned close to the driver so that the trainer can help take control of the bus should the need arise.

Please be assured that all Unitrans drivers receive a significant amount of training before being assigned to driver shifts, so the safety of our passengers is always our number one priority.

Bus Schedule

Why is my bus sometimes late?

Unitrans makes every effort to stay on schedule. However, we are not able to guarantee that service disruptions or schedule changes will not occur due to uncontrollable circumstances such as accidents, road conditions, unexpected high passenger loads, or weather. We attempt to deploy additional tripper buses whenever routes get behind or the passenger loads are unexpectedly high. We also provide real-time information with predicted bus arrival times (via NextBus), and that information is available at all times via phone (752-2877 or 530-204-5529) and text , in addition to our web page .

Why is there not a time shown for my bus stop on the Unitrans schedule?

Due to space constraints on the schedule we are not able to include times for every stop on each bus line. As such, only timed bus stops are presented in the schedule. To determine when a bus is scheduled at your nearest bus stop, just look at the time the bus is scheduled at the timed stop located before your stop and be at your stop by that time. This will ensure that you will not miss your bus. If you do want to find out the approximate time the bus stops at your specific stop, try using our on-line services such as Google Transit or NextBus.

Why do the bus schedules change during the year depending on the UC Davis calendar?

Although Unitrans buses are used by the entire Davis community, over 90% of the riders are UCD students. With the reduced number of riders during times when UCD is not is session, it is not cost effective (or as environmentally beneficial) for the service to run as frequently. Click here for the calendar showing what type of service is provided each day .

What is the story behind the double deck buses running in Davis?

Unitrans’ symbol is the London double deck bus. Two of these buses were purchased back in 1968 direct from London to attract people to use the service. Unitrans is the only transit company in the United States to use authentic London double deck buses in daily service. The vintage buses were joined in 2010 by two modern double deckers For more information, see the About Unitrans section of our web page.

Transit Information

Where is the Unitrans Business Office?

The Unitrans Business Office is located in the basement of South Hall (Room 5) on the campus of the University of California-Davis. 

I need information in the bus schedule translated into another language.  How do I get this information?  How much does it cost?

As part of our commitment to civil rights and accessibility to all, Unitrans works to provide transit information in Spanish and Mandarin, which are the two non-English languages spoken most frequently within the City of Davis.  Upon request, Unitrans will translate any information that we publish into any language and provide it to anyone free of charge.  Please send translation requests to Unitrans at [email protected] , and please specify the specific information and language translation needed. 

Who do I contact for more information?

Our contact information is available online at  https://unitrans.ucdavis.edu/about/unitrans-staff/

Contracting Opportunities

What are the current Unitrans / City of Davis goals for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs)?

Unitrans and the City of Davis, as recipients of Federal Transit Administration funds has a three-year goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in federally funded contracts.  The current goal for DBE participation is 1.0%.  The full DBE Program Plan is available here .  Note that a  list of certified DBE firms is available from Caltrans , as part of the statewide Unified Certification Program.

Jobs at Unitrans

Driving buses looks fun! How can I get a job at Unitrans?

Unitrans is a student-operated system and part-time jobs are available to any UC Davis undergraduate, including drivers, mechanics, and office staff. We are always looking for new people! You can see our job listings and get an application at the ASUCD Job Board on the third floor of the Memorial Union building or go to vacancy.ucdavis.edu/ .

I live in South Africa and hold a commercial drivers license.  How can I get a job with Unitrans?

We get many inquiries from folks in South Africa seeking employment with Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions or Unitrans Passenger, which are not affiliated in any way with ASUCD-Unitrans here at the University of California-Davis.  Please refer to this link for more information:   https://www.unitrans.co.za/index.php/careers/  

Wondering if a bus stop is easily accessible?

Unitrans has a list of all bus stops and notes where parking and other issues may make it difficult for the bus to stop directly at the bus stop sign.

Bus Stop List in Stop ID Order

Bus Stop List in Alphabetical Order by Location

Can Unitrans put a bench at all bus stops so that I have a place to sit while waiting for a bus?

You can request a bench or shelter by calling 752-2877 and Unitrans will log the request. Please note that additional amenities are dependent on requests, ridership, available land, and funding. Requested improvements may not be possible.

Why do some bus stops have shelters but not others?  How does Unitrans decide where to put up a shelter?

Shelter placement is determined by requests, stop usage, available public land, and funding. You can request a bench or shelter by calling 752-2877 and Unitrans will log the request. Requested improvements may not be possible.

How often are bus stops cleaned? Who can I call if the bus stop needs cleaning?

Most bus stops are cleaned at least once a week by either Unitrans or City of Davis staff.  If you see that a bus stop needs maintenance, please contact Unitrans at (530) 752-2877 or [email protected] and provide the location of the bus stop and the stop ID number shown on the bus stop sign.

How can I report graffiti at a bus stop?

Please contact Unitrans at (530) 752-2877 or send an email message to [email protected] , and provide the location of the bus stop (including the bus stop number if possible).  Unitrans and the City of Davis strive to clean up graffiti generally within 24 hours of receiving a report.

I know that smoking is not allowed at the Unitrans bus terminals on campus.  What about bus stops off campus?

The City of Davis Municipal Code states that smoking is prohibited in any place where people are using or waiting for a service, including bus stops.

How can I ride a double deck bus?

The vintage double deck buses run hourly on the E & F lines and occasionally on the G line. Check the printed schedule (or online pdfs) and where you see a DD symbol above the run, that is when a vintage double deck bus may be in service.  The modern doubledecker buses run on the G, J, and V lines on the runs that leave/arrive on the hour and half-hour.  The  Live Map  shows the location of doubledecker buses in real time. Vintage double deck buses only run during regular service and not during breaks or summer.

Why do I still see diesel buses being run by Unitrans?

Unitrans has converted all of its single-deck fleet to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and is now converting all single deck buses to electric power, but most of the double-deck buses are fueled by 100% renewable diesel. Double deck bus RT2819 has been converted from diesel to CNG, and all the other double-decks use very clean diesel engines either as original equipment (modern double-decker buses) or as conversions (vintage double-decker buses). The modern double deckers will eventually be replaced with zero emission buses.

Can Unitrans run smaller buses?

Unitrans has exceptionally high ridership for a system of its size, carrying over 18,000 riders per day in our community. This translates to over 50 passengers per bus hour, which is higher than many large urban transit systems. Although not every bus is full for every trip, all carry a full load at various times throughout the day. If the same number of riders were to be carried on smaller buses, there would need to be dozens more buses in operation throughout the day, representing a significant increase in the cost to provide the service as well as more traffic on the streets. Ideally, we could have different size buses for different times of day, but that would also represent a very significant cost increase above current funding levels. Unitrans has several 20-passenger shuttle buses that are used in special services when a full-size bus is not required, but these cannot accommodate the number of passengers who ride the regular lines.

Lost and Found

What happens if I leave something on the bus?

The Lost and Found policy at Unitrans has recently changed to be consistent with the UC Davis campuswide procedures. High value items (such as cell phones, wallets,  purses, and Aggie ID cards) are turned in to the UC Davis Police Department (the day after they are found on the bus).

Click here for details or to search for an item.

All other items (such as books, keys, umbrellas, jackets, mugs) are brought to the Unitrans office at 5 South Hall (the day after they are found on the bus). Because of space limitations, they are only kept in the main office for a week.

Although we will do our best to help you find a lost item, Unitrans is not responsible for any items left on a bus.  Please note that there are different buses with different drivers on each line throughout the day, and it may not be possible for us to track it down until it is turned in the next day.  Please try to be extra careful to check that you have all your personal items with you prior to leaving the bus.

Can I ride Unitrans & Yolobus for free?

All UC Davis undergraduates pay for Unitrans & Yolobus in their undergraduate registration fees. By showing a Unitrans or Yolobus driver your valid undergrad registration card, you may ride without paying the cash fare. Other riders can also ride without paying a fare by buying a pass for unlimited rides or getting a Senior Pass. Discounted 10-ride tickets are also offered, and are particularly valuable for occasional riders.

I forgot my registration card at home.  Can I still ride without paying?

Without a valid pass or registration card, a passenger must pay the full cash fare.

I am a UC Davis graduate student. Why can’t I ride for free?

Graduate students do not pay for Unitrans in their registration fees like undergrads do.

I have a Woodland or Los Rios Student Access card. Can I ride Unitrans for free?

Unitrans does not accept Woodland Community College student cards. For Los Rios Community College, Unitrans accepts the student access cards for valid fare ONLY if the student has a valid Sacramento RT bus pass sticker attached to the access card.

I have a Yolobus / Sacramento Regional Transit pass. Can I use it on Unitrans?

Unitrans accepts printed Yolobus and Sacramento Regional Transit (Sac RT) passes and transfers. Unitrans also accepts Amtrak and Fairfield/Suisun Transit passes and transfers as valid fare.  However, electronic-only media such as Yolobus stored value cards and Sacramento Connect Card cannot be used on Unitrans as valid fare.  That is because they cannot be verified by the bus driver.  If you are using a Connect Card on Yolobus and wish to transfer to Unitrans, please request a printed transfer from the Yolobus driver, and then use that as your fare when boarding Unitrans.

Are fares not collected at the Silo and MU terminals?

As a convenience to riders, buses at the terminals are left open even when a driver is not present.  Rather than check fares for some passengers but not all, Unitrans drivers do not check for anyone’s fare at the terminals.  In effect, fares at the MU and Silo terminals are on the honor system. We ask that cash paying customers please pay their fare into the farebox at the terminals before boarding. Fares and passes pay for Unitrans service. Without this revenue, service levels may be impacted and our ability to reduce crowded buses and improve reliability is impacted.

What is the policy on issuing transfers?

For a passenger paying with cash or a 10-ride ticket, the driver or conductor will issue a transfer if another bus is needed to complete your trip. Transfers are good for one hour and can be used as many times as you want during that one hour.

A Brief History & General Information

Over 50 years ago, Unitrans was founded in 1968 as the University Transport System, when the  Associated Students of UC Davis  purchased two  vintage London double decker buses  to operate on two routes. In 1972, Unitrans was opened to the general public, with partial funding from the  City of Davis . Since that time the ASUCD/City of Davis partnership has continued, and now Unitrans provides public transportation service to the entire city with 48 buses on 18 routes, carrying 4 million customers/year (over 22,000 on a typical day).  More detailed information regarding current statistics can be found in the most recent  General Manager’s Annual Report , the most recent  Triennial Performance Audit , and the  City of Davis Short-Range Transit Plan .  A map showing the number of riders boarding at each stop on a typical day is posted  here .

Each day, Davis residents ride buses to get to destinations throughout the City. Many customers are students going to/from UCD, but the system is also used extensively for trips to places such as downtown, junior and senior high schools, library, hospital, neighborhood shopping centers, medical offices, senior center, theaters, and the Farmers’ Market.  Buses serve these locations every weekday from 7am-11pm, and the weekend from 9am-6pm. Buses run more frequently during the UCD academic year when ridership is higher, and less frequently during the summer and breaks. You can pick up a printed schedule at most public buildings or use this website to get more details. The printed schedule and website include a  calendar  showing the type of service running each day of the year, or just call 752-2877 (BUSS) to check.

Anyone can ride Unitrans for $1.25 cash fare, and many types of prepaid discounted tickets and passes are available. One special fare category includes UCD Undergraduate students, who can show a valid undergrad ID instead of a cash fare, because they pay a portion of their quarterly ASUCD fee to Unitrans. Seniors (60+) may also ride free with an ID card available from the Senior Center. More information on fares and passes is available on the  “Fares”  page or by calling 752-2877.

GTFS - General Transit Feed Specification

Unitrans creates and maintains its own GTFS. This file is updated approximately every three months. For most current GTFS, click on the following link:  https://unitrans.ucdavis.edu/media/gtfs/Unitrans_GTFS.zip

UC Davis Graduate Studies

Funding your graduate education.

There are many resources available to help defray the costs of your graduate education. 90% of UC Davis graduate students receive some form of financial support. Many of our graduate students fund their graduate education through a combination of the funding sources below. 

To help you feel more prepared in funding your graduate education, we suggest exploring the different types of funding sources available to graduate students and understanding their requirements.

Explore the University of California's What's Next UC Graduate Studies brochure for more helpful information on funding your graduate education and financial assistance resources. 

Types of Funding

Graduate students at UC Davis are supported by four main types of funding: financial aid, fellowships, academic employment, and student loans. Keep reading to learn more about each type.

• Academic Employment

An academic appointment is student employment at UC Davis. Many graduate students receive academic employment at UC Davis. The most common academic appointments are Teaching Assistant (TA) positions or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions, though there are various other appointments as well.

Academic appointments pay a salary, not a stipend, and there are minimum qualifications to be employed at UC Davis, such as staying enrolled full-time and remaining in good academic standing . Learn more about academic employment at UC Davis .

• Fellowships

Fellowships are free monetary awards given to graduate students, similar to scholarships given to undergraduates. There are two types of fellowships: Internal Fellowships (UC Davis Fellowships) Internal fellowships are administered through Graduate Studies. They can provide financial support in the form of a stipend or "living allowance,” tuition and fees, Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (NRST), research, travel or any combination of these. Graduate Studies administers approximately $6.6 million dollars in internal fellowships annually.

Graduate Studies offers an extremely limited number of external scholarships to international students. Most international students do not receive internal fellowships.  Learn more about Internal Fellowships at UC Davis . External Fellowships  External fellowships are funds from organizations outside UC Davis. You may have heard of some of the sponsors already—the National Science Foundation, Fulbright, and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation are all examples of sponsors who give external fellowships to graduate students, but there are hundreds of sponsors out there with funding. The External Fellowships advisors in Graduate Studies can help graduate students through the process of applying for these fellowships.  

Final Notes About Fellowships Sometimes fellowships have research or reporting requirements attached to them. Fellowships typically pay a stipend and not a salary. To be eligible for fellowships, you have to be sure to fulfill obligations such as maintaining full time enrollment and a minimum GPA.

When it comes to applying for fellowships, pay particular attention to deadlines: - At UC Davis, the internal fellowship deadline is your program's priority deadline. - Most external fellowship applications are due before university applications.

• Financial Aid and Student Loans

Student Educational Loans Student loans are funds borrowed from an external source with the expectation that they will be paid back. UC Davis Financial Aid administers federal and state loans for graduate and professional students, and also administers various short-term loan programs for graduate students with unexpected need. Only 2% of graduate students at UC Davis rely on loans to fully fund their education. You must complete a FAFSA application each year (ideally in March) to calculate your Financial Need to determine your eligibility for educational loans.

Candidate Candids – Drew Davis

A conversation with Moscow City Council Candidate, Drew Davis.

Interviewer: Aiden Anderson

Election: Moscow City Council Seat, 2023

Note: This video and its contents is to be used in its entirety and for informational purposes only.

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