If UC Davis is like some of the campuses i've visited improper locking technique is usually to blame for bike theft more than anything else.

Do you currently have a bike or will you be purchasing one, and where? How long of a commute will you have as well? What will you be carrying?

Pretty much any bike can be used as a commuter. If you have something already and it fits no reason on getting something else.

I can understand your hesitation about something flashy and expensive, but if locked properly you probably won't have many problems. Probably replace the skewers with locking ones. Get a good Ulock for your rear wheel and frame and lock it to a rack. Use the cable lock for your front wheel, frame, and lock it to the rack as well. Probably get a saddle leash as well.