By Bonnie Shea, director of communications, Global Affairs

The University of California, Davis, has been named as the only university to earn the 2020 Platinum Institutional Award for Global Learning, Research and Engagement from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, or APLU. As the highest honor from APLU’s Commission on International Initiatives, the award recognizes UC Davis’ institutional achievement in developing and implementing comprehensive and inclusive strategies across global learning, research and engagement.

Founded in 1887, the APLU has 246 institutional members and is dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“UC Davis shares APLU’s strong commitment to public service, to providing access to high-quality global education for all students, and to tackling global challenges through research and engagement,” said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May.

Global initiatives are woven throughout UC Davis’ Strategic Plan, “To Boldly Go,” including the campus goal of Global Education for All, which aims to provide 100% of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with global learning opportunities that help them build global awareness, explore global diversity, and pursue global action.

“Students can gain critical knowledge, skills, perspectives, and networks in many ways and in many locations,” said Vice Provost and Dean of Global Affairs Joanna Regulska. “Through global academic, experiential, and leadership opportunities across campus, the region, and the world — including remote offerings — we are preparing students to collaborate with a diversity of people and places.”

UC Davis is also committed to global research, engagement and partnerships that advance the global good in California and around the world, including through strong engagement with all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“We are addressing shared global challenges such as feeding a growing population, climate change, inequalities, advancing health and more, so we can help shape a better tomorrow,” said May.

In addition to recognition from the APLU, this year UC Davis shared the top ranking among U.S. universities for diversity and internationalization, was named a recipient of the Simon Award for Comprehensive Campus Internationalization, and was recognized as a top producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars, Gilman Scholars, and Peace Corps volunteers.