September 2021 News Archive

ACE Fellow in the Office of the Chancellor

I’m pleased to introduce Jason Smith, Associate Professor of Public Health at Cal State East Bay who will serve as a 2021-22 ACE Fellow in the Office of the Chancellor.

Systemwide review of UC Pest Management Policy

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy on Integrated Pest Management (“IPM”).

Graduate student studying New Orleans' Latin American connections

Rafael Delgadillo, a UC Santa Cruz doctoral student in Latin American and Latino Studies, is looking at how New Orleans' colonial foundations set a tone for its distinctiveness

Campus indoor face coverings requirement continues

Face coverings, in addition to the vaccinations and our testing program, continue to be a key element of our campus mitigation plan.

Following approval of Long Range Development Plan, campus invites local leaders to collaborate on framework for sustainable implementation

Campus, city and county leaders signed an agreement earlier in the week that lays the groundwork to start formal discussions about charting a path forward and resolving concerns

Regents overwhelmingly approve campus long-term development plan

I am delighted to pass along the news that the UC Board of Regents earlier today overwhelmingly endorsed our vision, unanimously approving our 2021 Long Range Development Plan.

Stem cell agency funds research training program at UC Santa Cruz

A $4.9 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine supports a pre- and postdoctoral training program in systems biology of stem cells at

Environmental governance expert Sikina Jinnah appointed to Harvard University’s SCoPEx advisory committee

Jinnah was appointed to an independent advisory committee that will make governance recommendations for a proposed experiment intended build understanding of the potential efficacy and risks of stratospheric

Wild, wild life

Alumnus Sebastian Kennerknecht cares so deeply about animals that he built a career in wildlife conservation photography to help fight for their

Slug Strong update: small number of campus cases, flu shots available

The fall quarter has been off to a great start. We are so proud of how everyone has risen to the challenges of providing proof of vaccination, getting tested and wearing masks. 

Slugs converge on Santa Cruz business district for Downtown Day

Returning and beginning students explore local businesses, take part in boisterous scavenger hunt in event created in partnership with Downtown

NIH funds Center for Live Cell Genomics at UC Santa Cruz

The NIH Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science program has awarded $13.5 million over five years for a new center to advance genomics in biomedical

New BBQueer Fest dance and arts festival co-produced by UCSC dance professor Gerald Casel

Beginning on September 30, Santa Cruz will host the first annual BBQueer Fest—a four-day dance and arts festival organized by and for QTBIPOC artists and community

Natural Reserve System was instrumental in biologist’s ascent to grad school

UCSC graduate student Tim Brown works atop eastern California’s highest ranges, seeking to understand why a sparrow-sized mountain bird is riding the 'escalator to

UC Santa Cruz joins Excelencia in Action Network to help advance Latinx student success

UC Santa Cruz has joined the Excelencia in Action Network.

Mellon Foundation grant will support national initiative in Latinx studies

Through a three-year, $5 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, UC Santa Cruz will be part of a national initiative in Latinx studies called “Crossing Latinidades:

In Memoriam: David Kaun

Professor Emeritus of Economics David Kaun, a pioneer faculty member, passed away on Sept. 9. He served in the Economics Department for about 50 years and was also

Seymour Marine Discovery Center will reopen in October

Beginning in October, guests will once again be welcomed back inside to visit the Seymour Center’s interactive exhibits and enjoy a brand new display featuring stunning photographs of

NOAA awards recognize scientists in Fisheries Collaborative Program

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded its prestigious Bronze Award to three researchers affiliated with the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) at UC Santa Cruz.

SlugCents to introduce financial triage survey to campus

UCSC’s financial literacy program, SlugCents, is launching a survey measuring how the campus program affects persistence and retention on campus.

Stellar new faculty strengthen campus research, teaching

To build on existing research strength and branch into new areas of inquiry, UC Santa Cruz has recruited 40 new tenure-track faculty members for the academic year that

Celebrating the start of a new academic year

We begin this 2021-22 academic year with high hopes. We’re excited to have returned to primarily in-person instruction for the first time since March 2020.

Alumna Kathryn Sullivan appointed to President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

President Biden has announced 30 of the most distinguished leaders in science and technology as members of his President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), including

UC Santa Cruz releases final Environmental Impact Report for LRDP

UC Santa Cruz has released the Final Environmental Impact Report that supports the proposed 2021 Long Range Development Plan.

Slug Strong Update: Successful move-in; asymptomatic testing available 

Each week, we will provide the campus with helpful updates and summaries of the measures underway to support the health and well-being of our UC Santa Cruz community. 

Systemwide review of Sustainable Practices Policy

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on the proposed updates to the existing Presidential Policy on Sustainable Practices.

Move-in 2021: Relief and excitement as students return to campus

A campus kept quiet for 18 months because of the COVID-19 pandemic came back to life as students moved in before the start of the fall

UCSC’s Colligan Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory honored by Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley

The Colligan Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory at UC Santa Cruz has been honored by the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley with the 2021 Phil Rather Award for Leadership

With AAU, HSI distinctions, UC Santa Cruz to join in discussion on serving, supporting Latinx students

UC Santa Cruz—one of only four universities that is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a member of the Association of American Universities—will be represented in a panel discussion, “A Critical Dialogue on Leading Innovation, Scholarship, and Solutions Centered on Servingness.”

Postdoctoral scholars critical in advancing research mission

With experience, training, and ideas of their own, postdoctoral scholars play an important role in furthering research at

UCSC Vice Chancellor Sarah Latham to join Brown University

Sarah Latham, our longtime Vice Chancellor for Business and Administrative Services, has been appointed the new Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration at Brown University.

Campus launches back-up care program

We are delighted to announce that the new UC Santa Cruz subsidized back-up care program for employees and students is now officially up and running.

Undergraduate Education launching search for Kresge College provost

The new Kresge provost will be the academic leader of the renewed Kresge College, leading its curriculum and faculty, the academic journey of its students, interdisciplinary faculty collaboration and engagement across campus, and connections with alumni and supporters.

Solar parking canopy goes online, providing UCSC with 2 megawatts of renewable energy

The solar photovoltaic canopy will provide the campus with clean, reliable electricity for at least 20-years and save the campus an estimated $6 million on its energy bill.

Felicity Schaeffer named Baskin Foundation Presidential Chair for Feminist Studies

Felicity Amaya Schaeffer, the new Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation Presidential Chair for Feminist Studies, plans to address the most pressing issues of the department’s focus on social

Fall 2021 Campus Move in September 16 - 19, 2021

This week we are preparing to welcome more than 9,000 residential students to our campus community. University Housing will open its doors for large-scale move-in activities beginning Thursday, September 16 and continuing through Sunday, September 19.

Update on winter quarter instructional planning

As we return to operating as an in-person university, we will continue to follow public health requirements and guidance.

Asymptomatic Testing Requirements and Logistics

Vaccinated students living on campus must get a COVID-19 test within five to seven days of moving to UC Santa Cruz.

Manel Camps appointed faculty director of UCSC Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development

UCSC has appointed Manel Camps, professor of microbiology and environmental toxicology and provost of Crown College, to serve as the director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial

UCSC wins funding for new programs to support underrepresented doctoral students

Grants from the UC Hispanic Serving Institutions Doctoral Diversity Initiative will prepare students for faculty careers in biomedical sciences and Latin American and Latino

Pairing research excellence and status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, UC Santa Cruz launching new programs to advance educational equity

Committed to creating educational equity that will help lead to real, transformative change, UC Santa Cruz will launch an array of new programs to support the success of

The writing on the wall: exploring the cultural value of graffiti and street art

Doctoral candidate’s research interprets graffiti’s deeper meaning among Latinx and Black urban subcultures in Los Angeles.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

September provides our campus with two platforms to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans and share with the public the important role UC Santa

Recommitting to strengthening student success was the prevailing theme of campus leadership gathering

UC Santa Cruz leaders discussed multi-dimensional, campuswide strategies to strengthen the undergraduate and graduate experience to support the success of students and help prepare them for successful careers

Three-year Equity Compensation Program for non-represented staff

Today we are sharing our decision to implement specific changes to staff compensation practices for non-represented staff, building on the work of our staff compensation task force and acknowledging the voices of other campus advocates.

Giving Day 2021: Widening the circle of support

Giving Day, UC Santa Cruz’s wildly successful and fast-paced 24-hour crowdfunding contest, returns on November 3, with a strong emphasis on programs designed to support students in these

Karen Tei Yamashita to receive 2021 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters

UC Santa Cruz emerita professor of literature Karen Tei Yamashita will be awarded the 2021 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters from The National Book Foundation, presenter

Breaking barriers, helping others up

UC Santa Cruz chemistry associate professor Laura Sanchez reflects on what helped her succeed and how she has tried to help others do the

Building community connections and STEM identity with science in the garden

A pilot program funded by the Packard Foundation brings science into the home environment through

Important information regarding fall quarter 2021

We look forward to welcoming back our students, again offering in-person activities and sporting events, opening additional facilities for campus use, and feeling that energy that we’ve sorely missed and that makes our Slug community special.

2021 Transportation Updates

Welcome back, Slugs! As our UCSC community gears up for the 2021-2022 academic year, we want to make sure you have all the transportation and parking information you need.

Instructors with Household Members at High Risk for COVID

To align with other UC campuses and based on feedback from our own instructor community, I write today to inform you that we have established an additional process where instructors (including GSIs and TAs with instructional responsibilities) may request a modification to their work duties and responsibilities due to a member of their household being moderately to severely immunocompromised.

Downtown Day to welcome UCSC students back to downtown

The celebration, scheduled for Sept. 24, is a chance for new and returning students and the community to connect with downtown Santa

Engineer Leila Parsa honored by Japan’s Nagamori Foundation

Leila Parsa, professor of electrical and computer engineering, received the Nagamori Award given by Japan’s Nagamori Foundation to commend those who have made innovative technological

ARCS Foundation scholarships support UCSC graduate students

Sixteen UC Santa Cruz graduate students have received scholarships worth a total of $160,000 from the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation for the 2021-22 academic

Researcher honored for work in UCSC-NOAA Fisheries Collaborative Program

James Gilbert, an associate project scientist in the Institute of Marine Sciences, was recognized by the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center with its Staff of the Quarter

Mandatory COVID policy takes effect tomorrow, Sept. 9

The University of California’s systemwide mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy takes effect at UC Santa Cruz tomorrow, Sept. 9.

California gubernatorial recall election

Voting is a citizen's fundamental right, and UC Santa Cruz urges you to let your voice be heard.

UC Santa Cruz course tutorial wins national online learning award

Three UC Santa Cruz staff members have been honored for creating an online instruction tutorial last year after the campus shut down and suspended in-person teaching because of

Upcoming closures for Student Health Center and CAPS

The Student Health Center and will be closed some days in September for mandatory staff trainings.

UCSC exceeds fundraising goals in effort to bring Afghan visiting scholars to campus

A fundraising campaign that kicked off Aug. 27 raised almost $250,000 as part of ongoing efforts to bring Afghan thought leaders and their families to safety on the

Help us prepare for future campus emergencies

Take extra precautions with mountain lions, coyotes spotted on campus

As in-person activity at the residential campus continues to ramp up, the UC Santa Cruz Police Department encourages people to be extra aware of their surroundings after receiving reports of a mountain lion and multiple coyotes exploring the campus core.

Long Marine Lab seawater intake repair wins environmental engineering award

The seawater intake repair project at the UC Santa Cruz Long Marine Lab was named the 2021 Environmental Engineering Project of the Year for the American Society of

Farmers GroupSelect Auto, Home, Renter Insurance Offering

University of California Partnership Programs (UC Partnership Programs) and Farmers GroupSelectSM recently announced the expansion of a multicampus program that provides personal auto, homeowners, and renters insurance products to faculty and staff at UC Santa Cruz.

Astronomers create the first 3D-printed stellar nurseries

Researchers can now hold stellar nurseries in their hands thanks to 3D printing, revealing features often obscured in traditional renderings and

Psychologist shares tips for studying smarter this school year

Assistant Professor of Psychology Hannah Hausman and colleagues translated findings from more than 100 research papers to offer students and teachers a guiding framework and practical tips for

UCSC signs $3M state contract to deliver a public health data platform for pathogen genomics

The one-year, $3 million contract with the California Department of Public Health will galvanize pandemic-related genomic data analysis efforts for the public

Critically important: UC Vaccine Policy compliance required by Sept. 9

We are writing today to describe the steps you can take to get your fall quarter off to a strong start.

Enhanced wetland on UCSC’s Coastal Science Campus will benefit threatened frogs

Construction of a seasonal pond within an existing wetland area in the Younger Lagoon Natural Reserve will create potential aquatic breeding habitat for the California red-legged

First steps in re-envisioned approach to campus safety

Today we share information about a number of the steps our campus is taking, or will be taking soon, in this continuing effort.