As an ASUCD official, Steven D. Lee knew all about UC Davis' commitment to respect one another and the differences among us — values that are embodied in the campus's Principles of Community.

But it struck him one day last summer that "Davis" is more than a university set off by itself. "Davis" is the campus and the city that surrounds it. And, he thought, the university's centennial in 2008-09 would be a perfect time to celebrate the city-campus connection.

At the time, he was waiting for an elevator in Mrak Hall, on his way to the registrar's office. On the wall between the two elevators he saw a framed copy of the Principles of Community; similar copies are posted all over campus.

He proposed that "Davis" — campus and city — craft a joint set of principles. He suggested the Principles of One Community, recognizing a bond that is more than 100 years old, dating to when the people of Davisville lobbied the state government to pick their town as the site of the University Farm.

Associated Students President Kareem Salem appointed an executive task force, and, with Lee as chair, the task force collaborated with campus and city leaders to draft the Principles of One Community. Now, after seven months of work, the document is ready for signing — at a ceremony set for March 4 in Freeborn Hall. A reception is scheduled for noon and the signing at 1 p.m., by campus, city and Davis school district representatives.

Lee, a second-year student from San Jose, said: "I really wanted to make a statement that says, even though as individual students we are only here for four years, as a group we are a permanent part of this community and will continue contributing to it for years to come."

Lee, a double major in political science and communication, was chair of the Associated Students' External Affairs Commission when he came up with the idea for the Principles of One Community. Today, he serves as the director of the ASUCD's Office of City and County Affairs. Additionally, he is a member of the city's Human Relations Commission and the City-UC Davis Student Liaison Commission.

Gary Sandy, director of Local Government Relations for the Office of Government and Community Relations, said: "It's important to recognize that Steven Lee provided the inspiration and leadership for the Principles of One Community. His dedication to the campus and the community has been extraordinary.

"His vision of a cooperative, collaborative and unified community, and his willingness to work toward that vision, sets him apart."

The Principles of One Community will not replace the campus's Principles of Community. The campus principles affirm "the right of freedom of expression within our community and affirm our commitment to the highest standards of civility and decency towards all," while the new document affirms "the inherent value of each and every member of our shared community."

The new document begins by affirming "that the people of the city of Davis, and the students, faculty and staff of the University of California, Davis, constitute one diverse community and strive to sustain one that is united and mutually respectful."

The document delves into our shared history, dating from the University Farm's establishment in 1905 and the arrival of the first students in 1908, and states that UC Davis and the city today continue to foster "an informed and dynamic college town community."

"UC Davis and the city are partners in building and shaping our community," the document states. "Together they seek to nurture, foster, welcome and recognize students, faculty and staff as members of the community."

Rahim Reed, associate executive vice chancellor for Campus Community Relations, said: "We've always thought of ourselves as one community. We live and work here, and our children go to school here."

He noted that the university already has its Principles of Community and the city has a Statement on Principles of Community Tolerance. "With the new document, we want to bring these principles to life after we go home.

"When we cross A Street, to leave campus, we are still one community, and all the principles of civility and respect for the inherent dignity within each of us must go with us. We will be a stronger community for this."

Mayor Sue Greenwald said: "Davis is a university community. To me, that's always been an important part of our mission as a city."

The mayor added that neither campus nor city should take the relationship for granted. This is especially important, she said, as the city grows. With growth, she explained, there is a decline in the percentage of city residents affiliated with the university.

So, she said, a document like the Principles of One Community is one way "to maintain and strengthen" the relationship.

Lee listed other signatories as the city's Human Relations Commission and the City-UC Davis Student Liaison Commission, the Davis Joint Unified School District, and the ASUCD and its External Affairs Commission, as well as UC Davis, the Academic Senate, Academic Federation and Staff Assembly.

"The great thing is that we all came together in one voice on the Principles of One Community," said Sheila Allen, president of the school district board of trustees. "I love what it says, that what makes a community is all the parts coming together."