April 2011 News Archive

President Yudof to speak about proposed education budget cuts

University of California President Mark G. Yudof will speak Friday, May 6 at a Senate Budget Committee hearing on the economic and business impacts of proposed education budget cuts.

Strawberry & Justice Festival Takes Place at CASFS Farm on May 5

This year the Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS), UCSC’s Food Systems Working Group, and University Café are hosting a free, campus-oriented event on the theme of strawberries and social justice. The event will take place at the CASFS farm on Thursday, May 5 from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Keeping score: solar-powered "green" scoreboard is the first of its kind in campus history

Wells Fargo Bank is donating the first permanent outer playing field scoreboard in the campus’s history. The scoreboard will be solar-powered.

Destiny and development in the Mayan tradition of midwifery

Barbara Rogoff is accustomed to choosing what she will write about. But with her most recent book, "Developing Destinies: A Mayan Midwife and Town," the project chose her.

Reminder: Staff Appreciation Picnic Tuesday, May 10th

The Staff Advisory Board would like to remind all UCSC staff members that the staff appreciation picnic will be May 10th, 2011, starting at 11:30 a.m. on the East Field.

Center cultivates innovation to propagate home-grown businesses

The Center for Entrepreneurship at the Baskin School of Engineering is aiming to create a focused academic program to incubate business and technology development.

From farming to pharmaceuticals, entrepreneurs sprout at UCSC

A true culture of entrepreneurial spirit has gripped the campus—thanks to an intentional focus on innovation, a growing crop of young entrepreneurs, and the stewardship of Silicon Valley veterans.

Uncommon People / Alan Richards and Edmund Burke -- A revolt against humiliation

Why did the Arab uprising happen? What are its implications for Americans?

Uncommon People / Steve Gliessman: Planting the roots of agroecology deep in Santa Cruz

Agroecology is an interdisciplinary concept that extends beyond organic farming, and is widely known and taught in universities worldwide -- thanks in part to UCSC Agroecology Program founder Steve Gliessman.

Uncommon People / Azadeh Moaveni: The seeds of a writer were sown at UCSC

At UCSC, I learned what a potent tool writing could be in narrating, and thus owning, my experience in America.

UCSC Alumni Regent sought

UC Santa Cruz alumni are being sought to fill a spot as a voting member of the UC Board of Regents.

Philanthropy Focus / Stephen Bruce gives back by looking to the future

For the past two years, Bruce (Cowell '79, economics) has brought international scholars to UCSC to discuss the global economic crisis as part of the Bruce Initiative on Rethinking Capitalism.

Letters policy

Review welcomes letters and publishes them in its online and print editions; please read our policy.

Analysis shows personal contact reduces tension and prejudice

In a new book, "When Groups Meet: the Dynamics of Intergroup Contact," Thomas F. Pettigrew, an international expert on racism, and Linda R. Tropp, associate professor of psychology

Information from UCSC Police

On Sunday, April 24, 2011 at approximately 1:00 A.M, four UCSC students were robbed by a group of men near the corner of Laurent and King streets on westside Santa Cruz.

Princeton Review honors UCSC's history of sustainability

The Princeton Review has given the campus a prominent, detailed and highly complimentary entry in a brand-new guidebook that profiles eco-friendly North American colleges and

International Playhouse brings multicultural comedy to campus

Two Cowell students awarded scholarships for study abroad

Two students were recently awarded Cowell College Scholarships for their upcoming study abroad experiences.

Digital Arts exhibition showcases interactive new media art

“If plastics could speak, what would they say?” So begins graduate student Meredith Drum in the written description of her project, "Louisiana Re-Storied," for the UC Santa Cruz

Gift establishes Hellman Fellows Program to support junior faculty

The Hellman Fellows Fund has approved a gift of $625,000 to establish the UCSC Hellman Fellows Program.

Denim Day is April 27: Wear your jeans

Take a stand against rape, sexual assault and dating violence.

UCSC in the News

Biologist Patrick Robinson was quoted in a story about humpback whale migrations on NPR's All Things Considered.

Campus Earth Summit keeps sustainable conversations going

The all-student organized Earth Summit on April 22, now in its 10th year, brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to share ideas and strategize on how

More "green" recognition for health center

UCSC art alumni exhibition on view at Porter College through May 7

Feedback, an art exhibition currently running through May 7 at the Porter College Faculty Gallery, presents the work of a variety of UCSC alumni who are active and

College Nine celebrates 10 years with film, performances, receptions

Nine is 10. College Nine celebrates its 10th anniversary May 13-15 with a multitude of events including "Peace on Fire: Global Blues, Poetry, & Politics," a spoken-word

Chancellor co-hosts California Forward event

UC Santa Cruz Chancellor George Blumenthal will co-host a California Forward public forum on Thursday, April 28, in downtown Santa Cruz.

Phage hunters

A unique genomics class offers motivated freshmen the opportunity to do first-hand research.

Helping minority students pursue research

Two programs that support minority students pursuing biomedical research careers are active and thriving on the UCSC campus.

Diversity and Community Building Study begins next week

UCSC’s Diversity and Community Building Study begins next week.

Psychology professor links cultural identities, educational success

In her new book, UC Santa Cruz psychology professor Catherine R. Cooper examines how culturally diverse youth can develop pathways to college without losing ties to their families,

Slug men's tennis swings through Southern California

The Slug tennis team returned from a road trip to Southern California on April 15 and 16 with three solid wins under their belt.

From the chancellor

Chancellor George Blumenthal acknowledges the budgetary challenges facing UC Santa Cruz this spring.

Senior Slugs pay it forward with student-to-student philanthropy project

This year, 21 UCSC seniors are asking classmates to help fellow undergraduates pay for their education. Council members hope to inspire 15 percent of their class to contribute,

Your turn

A sampling of reader reaction to recent issues of the UC Santa Cruz Review

Masthead

Spring 2011 Review masthead

From the editor

UC Santa Cruz is a place that's different from anywhere else--it's fertile ground for the imagination.

Eye on alumni: Celebrating 45, looking forward to 50

In celebration of the 45th anniversary of UCSC's first class, we've produced profiles of 45 alums who are having an impact on our world--plus five young up-and-coming alums in anticipation of the campus's 50th.

Hot dates

Mark your calendars for upcoming UCSC signature events

Well-known alumni writers discuss their craft in May 1 symposium

UC Santa Cruz alumnus David Talbot, founder of Salon.com and best-selling author of "Brothers: The Hidden History of the Kennedy Years," will kick off "A Writer's Life: A

This is UCSC

UCSC news and briefs

Brain farm

UCSC's fertile environment has nurtured an impressive crop of creative projects and thinkers.

Photos from another successful Scholarship Benefit Dinner

Review Magazine: Photos from another successful Scholarship Benefit Dinner.

Three UCSC professors elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Three UCSC faculty are among 212 leaders in the sciences, arts, humanities, business, public affairs, and nonprofit sector, who have been elected this year as fellows of the

UCSC in the News

The San Jose Mercury News ran a front-page story about the Center for Games and Playable Media, with quotes from director Michael Mateas and students in the computer game design program.

Scholarship winner reports from National Conference for Media Reform

Corinne Warnshuis, a fourth-year sociology major at UC Santa Cruz, reports from the National Conference for Media Reform in Boston after winning a scholarship to attend.

Our University – budget, advocacy and HR news for UC faculty and staff

Read the latest issue of Our University.

UCSC looks ahead with Inventing the Future of Games

University research and an enthusiasm for bridging disciplines mark the pathways to the future of games, according to speakers at the first-ever Inventing the Future of Games symposium,

UCSC Literature professor Karen Tei Yamashita wins California Book Award

Karen Tei Yamashita--professor of literature and co-director of the Creative Writing Program at UC Santa Cruz--has been honored with a 2011 California Book

UC Santa Cruz increases access for California students seeking freshman admission

Numbers released today (April 18, 2011) by the UC Office of the President show that UC Santa Cruz offered admission to 17,917 prospective first-year students from California high schools – an increase of more than 1,100 – out of the record 26,136 California high school seniors who applied. UCSC also increased offers of admission to out-of-state and international students.

Mock trial team honored for "fair play" and character at nationals

The UC Santa Cruz mock trial team competed with spirit in a prestigious national competition held from April 15-17 in Des Moines, Iowa. While they did not walk away with a top prize, this group of underdogs wowed the judges with its character and conduct.

Budget comments and suggestions

Many of you have asked about how to suggest ways to trim costs, increase revenue, or make operations more efficient — suggestions that may or may not have appeared in the broader documents from principal officers.

UCSC Farm & Garden’s Annual Spring Plant Sale slated for April 30 and May 1

The UCSC Farm & Garden’s Spring Plant Sale takes place Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, in the Barn Theater parking lot at the base of the UC Santa Cruz campus, near the intersection of Bay and High streets in Santa Cruz. The sale will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Saturday, members of the Friends of the Farm & Garden enjoy priority early entry starting at 9 a.m.

Hellman Fellows Program

I am pleased to announce that UC Santa Cruz has been invited to join the Hellman Fellows Program.

"Ramen & Beer" showcases student film works

UCSC's Film and Digital Media Department will celebrate its second annual showcase in the Santa Cruz Film Festival on Thursday, May 5, from 5-7 p.m, at the Del Mar Theatre in downtown Santa Cruz.

Baby falcons draw viewers to nest cameras in annual ritual

It's that time of year again, when thousands of online viewers are captivated by adorable baby falcons huddled together in their nest

More Zipcars in the Santa Cruz Community

Based on the success of the Zipcar program both on campus and in the Santa Cruz community, I am pleased to announce that three additional Zipcars are now available in Santa Cruz for use by all UCSC students, staff and faculty.

Beyond Earth Day: UC Santa Cruz students launch Earth Week 2011

Earth Week is one of the most far-ranging and ambitious student-run sustainability events in UCSC history, with a Campus Earth Summit, lagoon clean-up, climbing wall and much

Message to faculty and staff regarding '4-20'

A message to faculty and staff describes the special transportation measures that will be in place on Wednesday, April 20.

Message about unsanctioned '4/20' event

In a message to UCSC students, Student Affairs vice chancellor Felicia McGinty describes the challenges that '4-20' creates for the campus—and provides detail about operational changes in effect that afternoon.

Bioinformatics expert Ed Green awarded Searle Scholars grant

The Searle Scholars Program has awarded a $300,000 research grant to Richard E. (Ed) Green, assistant professor of biomolecular

Carnival Cruz and Prediction Walk/Run

On Friday, May 13, UCSC Wellness brings a mini-vacation to all students, staff, and faculty via Carnival Cruz and the Prediction Walk/Run.

Staff Appreciation Picnic Tuesday, May 10th

Please join the Staff Advisory Board and Chancellor George Blumenthal for the Staff Appreciation Picnic on Tuesday, May 10th, from 11:30-1:30 p.m. on the East Field (OPERS).

UCSC creates new major in robotics engineering

A new major in robotics engineering at UC Santa Cruz is the first of its kind in the UC

SocDoc graduate director wins Guggenheim Fellowship

Renee Tajima-Peña, graduate director of the masters Social Documentation program at UC Santa Cruz, has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for

UCSC in the News

UCSC history alumnus Cary Joji Fukunaga (1999) has been receiving media acclaim for his new feature film, Jane Eyre, including articles in USA Today, the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Jose Mercury News, the Village Voice, salon.com, and more.

Labor activist to speak on the rise of right-wing populism April 21

Bill Fletcher Jr., a longtime labor activist, will present a free, public lecture, "Right-Wing Populism and the Crisis of Organized Labor," 4 p.m. Thursday, April 21 in Humanities I, Room 210, at UC Santa Cruz.

Nuclear policy expert to discuss implications of Fukushima nuclear plant disaster April 19

Daniel Hirsch, a UC Santa Cruz lecturer on nuclear policy, will give a free, public lecture Tuesday, April 19 on the aftermath of the current nuclear plant disaster in Japan.

UCSC hosts Jewish Maccabiah Day games

Jewish students from from a number of college campuses came to UC Santa Cruz last Sunday (April 10) to compete in the first Maccabiah Day in Northern California.

Second Rethinking Capitalism conference attracts large audience

The second Rethinking Capitalism conference at UC Santa Cruz April 7-9 attracted attentive audiences – much from the Santa Cruz community – for three days of discussions on

Center for Visual and Performance Studies to host conference on Pasolini

On April 29-30, the UCSC Arts Division’s center for Visual and Performance Studies (VPS) will host an international conference titled "Pasolini’s Body: New Directions in Pasolini Scholarship" at

Professor to create large photographic work for African embassy

The U.S. State Department has commissioned associate art professor Elliot Anderson to create a large-scale photographic work for a new embassy in Zambia,

Cuban video project screens rural documentaries April 15 at UCSC

Short video documentaries produced by Cuban campesinos will be shown Friday, April 15 when Cuban filmmaker Carlos Rodriguez visits UC Santa Cruz as part of a tour of

Center for Sustainable Energy and Power Systems wins Business Journal award

A 2011 Energy Award for Best Conservation Leader recognizes Baskin School of Engineering's efforts to address energy sustainability through research and

Cosmology and particle physics are focus of public talk on Monday, April 25

Princeton University physicist Curtis Callan will give a free public lecture on cosmology and particle physics on Monday, April

Proposed Employee-Initiated Reduction in Time Program

The University invites your comments regarding the proposed Employee-Initiated Reduction in Time (ERIT) Program.

UC System-Wide Committees

Students, please take a larger role in the decisions being made at the UC Office of the President by serving as a representative on several critically important committees

Underdog UCSC mock trial team headed to national championship

The UCSC mock trial team placed in the top six at the Opening Round Championship Series in Irvine in March, and grabbed UCSC a spot in the National

Harry Berger focuses on the beauty and chaos of still life in Lecture

New atlas takes a graphic approach to global inequalities

In 2001, the UC Atlas of Global Inequality went online at UC Santa Cruz. Now, millions of hits later, the interactive research project has been turned into a

Cutbacks and concerns: Staff Advisory Board Forum addresses impacts of $19 million budget cut

Chancellor George Blumenthal spoke of inevitable layoffs, the need to raise revenues, and the far-ranging impacts of ongoing $19 million budgets cut at the Staff Advisory Board Forum

Campus fun with Carnival Cruz and Prediction Walk/Run

On Friday, May 13, UCSC Wellness brings a mini-vacation to all staff, faculty, and students with the Carnival Cruz and the Prediction Walk/Run.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

In an ongoing effort to promote a safe, healthy campus environment, we are writing to remind you that April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Celebration of Sophía G. García-Robles’ Life

A community celebration of the life of a beloved Financial Aid and Scholarship Office staff member, Sophía Guadalupe García-Robles, will be held the afternoon of Saturday, May 14, 2011 at an off-campus location.

Elliot Aronson wins UC distinguished emeriti award

Elliot Aronson, emeritus professor of psychology at UC Santa Cruz, has been named winner of the 2010 Constantine Panunzio Distinguished Emeriti Award given to outstanding University of California

History alum winning acclaim for second feature film

UCSC alumnus Cary Joji Fukunaga has followed his award-winning debut film Sin Nombre with Jane Eyre, his own take on the classic 1847 novel by Charlotte

Demonstration Advisory Group formed

Provost Helen Shapiro and I are pleased to announce the formation of a Demonstration Advisory Group (DAG) for the UCSC campus.

Dispo Day April 22, 2011: Retention, Disposition and Secure Destruction

Yes, You Can Throw it Out! (See Time & Place below)

Community invited to 2nd 'Day By the Bay' celebration at UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz will host its second annual Day by the Bay celebration on Saturday, April 30. Part of the campus's alumni reunion weekend, Day by the Bay

Update on budget cuts

Academic deans and other principal officers have submitted detailed plans for how they propose to implement approximately $19 million in budget reductions.

Spring Chancellor's Staff Forum

All UCSC staff are invited to the Second Staff Forum with the Chancellor on Thursday, April 7, 12:00 p.m. at the Stevenson Event Center.

UCSC in the News

Gary Griggs, director of the Institute of Marine Sciences, was featured in a PBS NewsHour story about the vulnerability of the U.S. West Coast to a tsunami.

Alums play hard, work toward "Ultimate Peace"

Slugs helped inspire the nonprofit Ultimate Peace, which is committed to building bridges of friendship and understanding for youth from different social and cultural backgrounds around the

Invitation to join the Staff Advisory Board

Join the Staff Advisory Board - 3 openings.

Day by the Bay Celebration

An exciting array of events and activities are planned on campus during UCSC's upcoming "Day By The Bay" event.

Reading and inspiration: Tobias Wolff at UCSC

Tobias Wolff drew a capacity crowd to the Humanities Lecture Hall on the first night of the 2011 Living Writers series. Wolff read three short stories and regaled

Housing Workshops

The University Relations' Good Neighbor Initiative Program will be holding two workshop sessions to provide students with information on how to find off-campus housing, important city ordinances and methods of renter advocacy.

Library exhibit honors faculty and the books that influenced them

During the month of April, an exhibit in the Science and Engineering Library will recognize UCSC faculty who have attained tenure or received promotion and showcase the books