2011  Graduate Student News

Michael McCawley appointed director of admissions at UC Santa Cruz

Astronomers' pristine gas discovery among top scientific breakthroughs of 2011

Lists from Science and Physics World of the top scientific breakthroughs of the year include the discovery of primordial gas clouds by UCSC astronomers.

UC Santa Cruz astronomer Jerry Nelson to receive 2012 Franklin Medal

The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia has announced that Jerry Nelson, professor of astronomy and astrophysics, will receive the 2012 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Electrical Engineering.

Do you use "vocal fry?" It's the most popular story on ScienceNOW, ever

Science communication student Marissa Fessenden's article about "vocal fry" is the most popular story ever published on Science magazine's online news site.

Study of research impact ranks UCSC 21st in the world

UC Santa Cruz ranks 21st in the world in a five-year measure of the top 500 universities based on the impact of its researchers' scholarly publications.

Music professor offers first in-depth look at jazz icon Carla Bley

A new book by UC Santa Cruz music professor Amy Beal marks the first comprehensive look at the music and influence of Carla Bley—an innovative American composer and performer who has surprisingly been overlooked in the field of jazz studies.

Kenneth Feingold to serve as UCSC's fourth alumni Regent

A UC Santa Cruz graduate will have a presence on the University of California Board of Regents for the first time in seven years. This week, Kenneth A. Feingold (Cowell, ’71, history) was named the fourth UCSC alumnus to represent the campus on the Board of Regents.

Education researchers win $2 million grant to prepare teachers who help English learners

Education researchers at UC Santa Cruz have received nearly $2 million over five years from the U.S. Department of Education to develop methods of training prospective elementary school teachers how to best teach English to English learners while also teaching grade-level content.

Free computers help community college students improve skills

In the first-ever field experiment involving the provision of free computers to students for home use, UC Santa Cruz economics professor Rob Fairlie found that when students had access to a computer at home their grades went up along with -- not surprisingly -- their computer skills.

Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz named to Silicon Valley's '40 Under 40'

Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz is among 40 "rising stars" in Silicon Valley recognized by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.

Bone marrow donor registration drive set for Friday, January 20

As part of its community service efforts this quarter, Crown College, College Nine, and College Ten are hosting a bone marrow registry program on Friday, January 20, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

House names Capitol meeting room in honor of Gabe Zimmerman

The U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously to name a room in the Capitol for UC Santa Cruz alumnus Gabe Zimmerman (Stevenson, '02, sociology), the Congressional community outreach director who was killed in the January shooting rampage in Tucson.

Soc Doc alumna reports from Egypt’s Tahrir Square

UCSC alumna Bridgette Auger was following women activists in Egypt’s Tahrir Square last week when they came under fire during a clash between protesters and police. Auger—who received her Master's degree in Social Documentation from UCSC earlier this year—shot video footage of the incident, which can be seen on the Daily Beast web site.

SSC and Theater Arts team up for holiday extravaganza

After a brief hiatus, the popular year-end holiday co-production by Shakespeare Santa Cruz and the Theater Arts Department returns this year for "A Year with Frog and Toad"—running through December 11 at UCSC’s Mainstage Theater.

Submarine springs offer preview of ocean acidification effects on coral reefs

Observations at submarine springs found along the coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula are giving scientists a preview of the possible fate of coral reef ecosystems in response to ocean acidification.

Writing instructor's essay included in natural history anthology

An essay by Sarah Juniper Rabkin, a lecturer and researcher in the UC Santa Cruz Environmental Studies Department is included in "The Way of Natural History" (Trinity University Press, 2011), an anthology in which more than 20 writers argue that attention to nature is a key pathway to nurturing our humanity.

Alum's high-finance career talk draws eager crowd

A formally dressed, resume-toting group of career-minded students was part of the standing-room-only crowd at last week's Career Center event, which featured Sam Rosenberg (Cowell '93, math), a rising star at the Paris-based Societe Generale. Employing 130,000 people worldwide, the firm is the world's 9th largest bank and investment house.

UCSC grad is an editor of the 'Occupied Wall Street Journal'

Despite the bust-up of Occupy encampments nationwide, a UC Santa Cruz graduate who helps edit the newspaper for the popular movement credits media outreach with spreading the message of economic fairness beyond the downtown parks where the movement began.

Campus leadership supports peaceful demonstations

Chancellor George Blumenthal and CP/EVC Alison Galloway comment on police actions at UC Davis and Berkeley and express support for the right to peacefully demonstrate on UC campuses.

Pulitzer Prize winning poet to read at 2nd Morton Marcus event, Nov. 20

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Kay Ryan—the U.S. Poet Laureate from 2008-2010, who just a few weeks ago received a MacArthur (“genius”) Fellowship award--will be the featured guest at the 2nd annual Morton Marus Memorial Poetry Reading, Sunday, November 20.

UCSC leads $4 million NOAA project to monitor harmful algal blooms

Scientists are launching a major effort to understand the conditions leading to blooms of toxic algae along the California coast.

Arboretum celebrates partnership with Amah Mutsun tribe

The Arboretum and the Amah Mutsun tribe are working together on a project that highlights native plants traditionally used by the Mutsun people.

Astronomers find clouds of primordial gas from the early universe

For the first time, astronomers have found pristine clouds of the primordial gas that formed in the first few minutes after the Big Bang.

UCSC Student Insurance Office

To opt out of the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) for winter quarter 2012 and the remainder of the academic year 2011-2012, students must complete the on-line insurance waiver.

Slug men's water polo hopes to make big splash at national championships

This will be a momentous weekend for the UC Santa Cruz men's water polo team. The Banana Slugs are set to make history as they head to Atlanta as the first-ever team from a Division III school to compete in the National Collegiate Club Championship, a Division I tournament.

Traveling home for the Holidays

Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) invites you to consider using UCSC Zimride to share the ride with others going out of town or to the airport.

UCSC wins $2.6 million grant for organic farming research

UC Santa Cruz will continue and expand its leading role in sustainable agriculture research with a $2.6 million federal grant to strengthen collaboration with Central Coast farmers to promote organic production in the region.

UCSC art historian contributes to Touré’s new book on “post-blackness”

History of Art and Visual Culture assistant professor Derek Conrad Murray adds to candid conversation about race in the age of Obama

Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Update

Over the summer, the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) transitioned the look of its website to the campus template, so check us out at: http://diversity.ucsc.edu.

Video chat with Chancellor Blumenthal

Speaking from the newly remodeled McHenry Library, Chancellor Blumenthal welcomes new and returning students, notes the increasing diversity of the student body, and highlights recent campus accomplishments.

Tom Pettigrew wins social psychology career award

Thomas F. Pettigrew, research professor of social psychology at UC Santa Cruz, is one of two recipients of a new Career Achievement Award from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP).

Fall video message from Chancellor Blumenthal

Chancellor Blumenthal welcomes new and returning students, notes the increasing diversity of the student body, and highlights recent campus accomplishments.

UCSC Arboretum holds Dried Flower and Succulent Wreath Sale Nov. 12 and 13

Wonderful holiday decorations and gifts will be available from the UCSC Arboretum at the Dried Flower and Succulent Wreath Sale on November 12 and 13.

UCSC's Museum of Natural History holds open house and fundraiser

Two master naturalists will share their wisdom with the community when the UC Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Collections (MNHC) holds its third annual open house and fundraiser Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Science and Engineering Library periodicals room on the UCSC campus.

UCSC presents inaugural Sikh and Punjabi Studies conference Nov. 10-12

On November 10-12, leading scholars from the United States, Canada, and England will come together for the inaugural conference in Sikh and Punjabi Studies at UC Santa Cruz.

UCSC cholera biofilm team wins Deloitte QB3 Award for Innovation

A team of UC Santa Cruz researchers working to find new drugs to fight cholera has won a $10,000 Award for Innovation

Excess nutrients threaten Elkhorn Slough ecosystem

A new study documents the effects of high nutrient levels in Elkhorn Slough, especially where water control structures limit tidal exchange.

"Terror Fresca" Halloween celebration at University Town Center

'Party small' campaign continuing this fall

UC Santa Cruz is once again this fall implementing its "Party Small—Gnome" campaign, which aims to decrease risk from alcohol use and promote safe drinking practices on and off campus.

Baskin School of Engineering promotes increased participation of women in computing

During the past two years, the number of women majoring in computer science at UC Santa Cruz has increased by 40 percent.

Campus Elections Orientations

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming orientations for those interested in authoring a student fee referendum, opinion poll, or SUA Constitutional Amendment on the 2012 Campus Elections ballot.

Halloween Weekend, October 29-31

Information for students regarding the Halloween weekend.

Researchers work with high school teachers on new state writing standards

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz, in collaboration with local educational agencies, have won a $250,000 grant to help high school English teachers in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District prepare for new state standards in reading and writing.

UCSC honors Marti Noxon at Hollywood Film/TV alumni event

Award-winning writer and producer Marti Noxon (Mad Men, Grey’s Anatomy, Glee) was presented with the first UCSC Film & Digital Media Prestigious Alumni Award at a ceremony held last week at the Soho House in West Hollywood.

West Nile virus transmission linked to land use patterns, 'super-spreaders'

In most places, only a few key species of bird "hosts" and mosquito "vectors" are important in transmission of West Nile virus.

UCSC sponsors SACNAS national conference in San Jose, October 27-30

UCSC is supporting the efforts of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science.

Social Sciences honors teachers, staff members, students

Three teachers in the social sciences were honored for teaching and research as the division held its annual staff and faculty fall breakfast Oct. 12.

UCSC’s digital artists take over museum for one night only-Oct. 21

This Friday, October 21, student and alumni artists from UCSC’s Digital Arts & New Media (DANM) program will transform Santa Cruz’s Museum of Art & History into a dynamic hub of new interactive digital art and technology.

Flu Shot Clinics on Campus - Students

Seasonal Flu shots will once again be offered to students at the Student Health Center located across from the University Center and Colleges 9 & 10 on McLaughlin Drive.

Beyond calories and consumption, new book critiques obesity orthodoxies

Julie Guthman, associate professor of community studies, challenges many widely held assumptions about the “obesity epidemic” in her new book, "Weighing In: Obesity, Food Justice, and the Limits of Capitalism."

Student Volunteer Center

If you’re interested in getting involved in the community, through volunteering or internships, drop by the Student Volunteer Center.

Elliot Aronson to deliver fall Emeriti Lecture Oct. 27

Elliot Aronson, emeritus professor of psychology, will deliver the fall 2011 Emeriti Lecture, "The Psychology of Self-Persuasion: Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts," at UC Santa Cruz on Thursday, October 27.

Physicist Bill Atwood awarded Panofsky Prize in Experimental Particle Physics

The American Physical Society has awarded the 2012 Panofsky Prize in Experimental Particle Physics to physicist William Atwood.

Google chief economist kicks off finance lecture series at UC Santa Cruz

Hal Varian, chief economist at Google and a UC Berkeley emeritus professor, is the inaugural speaker of a quarterly lecture series being launched by a new financial and economic risk-analysis initiative at UC Santa Cruz.

UCSC ranked third in research influence in world university survey

In an analysis of the world's top universities, UCSC ranked third in research influence.

SCMTD Transit Service Adjustments

The SCMTD ("Metro") public transit system has implemented several service adjustments to reduce "pass-bys" on routes serving UCSC via Laurel, Mission and Bay Streets.

Community water projects in rural Kenya help raise family income

Rural family incomes tend to rise when Kenyan women don't have to spend several hours a day lugging water to their villages, UC Santa Cruz sociology professor Ben Crow writes in a new paper in the journal World Development.

Geologist Casey Moore honored by Geological Society of Japan

The Geological Society of Japan has awarded its International Prize to UCSC geologist Casey Moore.

Sociologist Lisa Jean Moore to present annual Baskin Ethics Lecture, Oct. 19

Lisa Jean Moore, professor of sociology and gender Studies at Purchase College, State University of New York, will deliver the second annual Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture on Wednesday, October 19.

UCSC grads turn senior project into game design company

A new iPad game now available from Apple's App Store showcases the professional quality of the work done by UCSC students in the computer game design program.

Alumnus Thad Nodine to read from debut novel ‘Touch and Go’

UCSC alumnus Thad Nodine will present a reading of his debut novel, Touch and Go—a multicultural American road trip, through the eyes of a young blind man—on Wednesday, October 19, at 5 p.m. at Kresge College.

Water is a precious resource

Take a moment to think about how you use water and what ways you can use less of this precious resource - then take a few simple actions to reduce what you use.

Five UCSC students win Fulbright scholarships

Five UC Santa Cruz students in four disciplines are winners of Fulbright scholarships for a year of research and study abroad. They will travel to China, Germany, Italy, and Mexico for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Two Truths and a Lie

“Two truths and a lie is a creative writing exercise in which students write about three events in their life, two true, one a lie, and the class tries to figure out which is the lie,” says UCSC associate literature professor Micah Perks.

'Party small' campaign gets under way

UC Santa Cruz is once again this fall implementing its "Party Small—Gnome" campaign, which aims to decrease risk from alcohol use and promote safe drinking practices on and off campus.

Baskin School of Engineering showcases research advances on Thursday, October 20

Advances in three exciting areas of technological innovation--computer games, genomics, and network science--will be presented by faculty in the Baskin School of Engineering at the school's annual Research Review Day.

On-Campus Photography Contest

The Chancellor's Office is holding a photography contest to choose a photograph of the UC Santa Cruz campus, taken by a member of the UCSC community, to use as the front cover of its season's greeting card.

A day in the sun for Sammy the Slug

In a day of celebration, the Santa Cruz City Council voted to declare an official "UC Santa Cruz Banana Slug Day" while students feted their yellowy mascot on campus. The festivities marked 25 years since the UCSC administration made this once countercultural, underground symbol the official mascot of UCSC.

Experts discuss the future of cancer diagnosis and treatment on Oct. 21

Nobel laureate J. Michael Bishop, Genentech chairman Art Levinson, and UCSC's David Haussler discuss the dawn of personalized medicine in UCSC Foundation Forum.

LALS post-doc's research proposal wins top award from UC-Mexico funder

Tania Cruz Salazar's research on immigration by indigenous youth recently won the UC MEXUS Monarch Award for the most outstanding proposal submitted for funding this year.

Make sure the CruzAlert system has your contact information

Don't forget to update CruzAlert with your current information. A system test will be conducted on September 27.

Fall recreation, intramural sports guide now available online

Frans Lanting’s multimedia show to highlight UCSC evening at Flint Center

For more than two decades, acclaimed nature photographer Frans Lanting has documented wildlife from the Amazon to Antarctica, in an effort to promote understanding about the Earth and its natural history. On October 15, he will join with the campus for a remarkable evening of art, science and life, at the Flint Center in Cupertino.

Transit Service Changes

Please note changes to transit service at UCSC and throughout the surrounding Santa Cruz community.

"Science Notes 2011" now available online

Sneaky salmon-snatching sea lions, African island tree frogs, and octopus-shaped sand dollars--these stories and more appear in Science Notes 2011, the annual magazine published by UCSC's Science Communication Program.

Student Health Center Closure on September 15, 2011

The Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and SHOP will be closed all day on September 15 for patient/client care.

Updates to College Leadership for 2011-12

Two updates to announce regarding college leadership for the 2011-12 academic year.

Parking restrictions for annual campus Move-In

Move-in has impacts on campus parking and traffic and we ask for your patience and flexibility. It is important to note the following restrictions and alternative parking options.

The New McHenry: It’s Not Your Parents’ Library

I’m sitting in a “Group Study” room of the newly renovated McHenry Library at UC Santa Cruz and I’ve got to admit—I’m pretty relaxed.

UCSC hosts fall harvest festival on September 25

Celebrate the bounty of fall at the 17th annual Fall Harvest Festival, Sunday, September 25 at UC Santa Cruz’s 25-acre organic farm with live music, food, apple tasting, apple pie bake-off, garden talks, hay rides, events for kids, and tours.

Archaeology probes West African cities and impact of European influence

UCSC anthropologist J. Cameron Monroe writes about archaeological exploration of sub-Saharan African cities that played a prominent role in the slave trade of the 17th through 19th centuries.

Someone I'd Like You to Meet…

If you open the Atlantic magazine’s Fiction 2011 special issue, you’ll find “Someone I’d Like You to Meet.” Written by UC Santa Cruz alumna Elizabeth McKenzie, it’s one of nine remarkable short stories included in the magazine by some of the finest fiction writers in the country today.

New material shows promise for trapping pollutants

UCSC chemists have developed a new type of material that can soak up pollutants from water.

UC Santa Cruz expert explains origins of political crisis in Nigeria

The car bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Nigeria's capital Aug. 26 is an ominous sign of the increasing militancy of disaffected Muslim youth in Africa's most populous nation, according to UC Santa Cruz professor Paul M. Lubeck, who spent six weeks this summer conducting research in Kano, Nigeria's largest city in the predominantly Muslim north.

UCSC film lecturer Leo Chiang up for Emmy Award in Sept.

Leo Chiang--a lecturer in the Social Documentation M.F.A. Program at UC Santa Cruz—has been nominated for an Emmy Award for his documentary film, "A Village Called Versailles."

UCSC’s Dickens Project featured in August issue of New Yorker

In the August 29 issue of the New Yorker, staff writer Jill Lepore has written a fascinating feature story about the Dickens Project at UC Santa Cruz.

Heller Drive improvement project update

The Heller Drive improvement project has caused some delay for those traveling on the west side of campus.

McHenry Library Café Vendor Selection

The UCSC Library is pleased to announce the selection of the vendor who will operate the new Global Village Café located in the McHenry Library lobby.

UCSC’s annual literary celebration of Charles Dickens ‘full to bursting’ this summer

In 2005, San Francisco Chronicle book critic David Kipen observed that the Dickens Project at UC Santa Cruz "may just be literary California's best-kept secret. "Now in 2011, that secret is definitely out.

Shakespeare Santa Cruz kicks off 30th anniversary summer festival July 19

Shakespeare Santa Cruz (SSC) opens its 30th anniversary season on July 19 at the Mainstage Theater, with Shakespeare’s most popular farce-The Comedy of Errors.

Loss of large predators has caused widespread disruption of ecosystems

The decline of large predators and other "apex consumers" at the top of the food chain has disrupted ecosystems all over the planet, according to a review of recent findings.

UCSC alum Gillian Welch does it again

Forty-five seconds into the new Gillian Welch CD, you realize this is the real deal. It’s a low-key affair—in the absolute best possible way—with exquisite musicianship, haunting harmonies, and superlative songwriting. It’s also the first Gillian Welch album to come out in nearly eight years, and it’s well worth the wait.

Evolutionary / Revolutionary: an evening of art, music, science

The University of California, Santa Cruz will present Evolutionary/Revolutionary, a remarkable evening of art, science and life, on Saturday, October 15, at the Flint Center in Cupertino.

Hire Education video contest winner chosen

Film and digital media major Adam Mieuli, who just graduated in June, won our contest with his creative video that featured both style and substance.

UCSC researchers contribute to detailed ovarian cancer analysis

A team of UCSC researchers contributed to an analysis of genomic changes in ovarian cancer that has provided the most comprehensive and integrated view of cancer genes to date. Their work focused on understanding the molecular pathways in the cell that are disrupted in ovarian cancer.

UCSC professor investigates social impact of technology

How can we as citizens use technology to contribute to the public good? That’s a key question fueling the research of UC Santa Cruz associate professor of film and digital media Warren Sack.

Researchers win $2 million grant to study spread of bat-killing fungus

Two UC Santa Cruz researchers, Winifred F. Frick and A. Marm Kilpatrick, have won a $2 million National Science Foundation grant to study the spread of a fungus that is decimating bat populations in the northeastern United States.

Film & TV industry alums reconnect with campus

“The UC Santa Cruz student may not get the first job compared to his or her Ivy League competitor...but I assure you they will get the BEST job in the end...because they will out-think them.” That was the takeaway message from the keynote address by UCSC alumnus—and president of Lionsgate Television—Kevin Beggs at the June 3-4 Film Symposium presented by the Arts Division.

The long and winding road to graduation: Histcon grad takes 40 years to earn Ph.D.

History of Consciousness Program grad Peter Miller just finished up his Ph.D. at UC Santa Cruz. It took him 40 years. "I'm probably the person who has the record of how long it took to complete a doctoral degree at UCSC," said Miller, 66.

Traffic Delays along Heller Drive

Construction crews are expected to begin major roadway repair work Monday, June 20th on Heller Drive between Meyer Drive (the access road to Performing Arts) and the Core West Parking Structure access road.

Professor documents the immigrant experience in Santa Cruz County

In her new book, "I'm Neither Here nor There, Mexicans' Quotidian Struggles with Migration and Poverty," Professor Patricia Zavella describes how poor and working class Mexican Americans and migrants struggle for identity in Santa Cruz County.

EPA administrator speaks of commitment to environmental justice

In her College 10 commencement address June 12, Lisa P. Jackson, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, spoke of her commitment to environmental justice and lauded College 10's focus on social justice.

As the slug rises: Once subversive, UCSC's beloved mascot turns 25

This year marks the 25th anniversary of UC Santa Cruz's famous banana slug mascot, a once-subversive symbol on campus. This month, a former chancellor and various alumni looked back on the days when the fate of this character hung on a slender thread of slime.

Video chat with Chancellor Blumenthal

Chancellor Blumenthal reflects on spring commencement, campus achievements and challenges over the 2010-2011 academic year, and the 25th anniversary of the banana slug becoming the official mascot of UC Santa Cruz.

Grupo Folklórico Los Mejicas honored at 39th annual performance

Grupo Folklórico Los Mejicas was presented with two awards of recognition during the troupe's 39th annual spring concert including Watsonville Mayor Daniel Dodge proclaiming June 3 "Grupo Folklórico Los Mejicas Day" in Watsonville.

Parking during year-end activities

Traffic on campus will be much heavier than normal on Friday due to commencement activities.

Temporary closure of McHenry Library

McHenry Library will be closed June 10 through June 19, while we move collections, staff, and operations back into the wing of the library that has been undergoing a major renovation.

Farm & Garden market cart opens Tuesday, June 7

“Opening day” is around the corner, with spring produce and flowers going on sale at the UCSC Farm & Garden’s market cart beginning Tuesday, June 7.

10x10: 10 grads in 10 days

UCSC's Class of 2011 includes these outstanding 10 new graduates, whose profiles--including photos and videos--will roll out here over the two weeks before commencement.

2011 Campus Elections Results

Please visit: https://elections.sa.ucsc.edu/ for the complete results of the campus referenda elections, as well as the results for the 2011 - 2012 Student Union Assembly officers and representatives.

Recipients of the 2011 Chancellor’s Achievement Award for Diversity

These awards honor faculty, staff, students, and programs that have made outstanding contributions to diversity and inclusion at UCSC.

Spring 2011 Transportation Survey

Please participate in a ten-minute on-line Transportation Survey to help campus planners monitor the effectiveness of existing programs and services.

UCSC artists featured in ‘First Friday’ Santa Cruz community art tour

"First Friday"--Santa Cruz’s popular monthly art and gallery tour--now features more than two dozen venues around the downtown area. On June 3, three of those venues will showcase the work of UCSC student artists.

June 3 Forum on Demonstration Response

On Friday June 3, starting at 5:30 pm, a forum will be held at the Porter College Fireside Lounge (http://maps.ucsc.edu/wvportercollege3a.html) to give the Demonstration Advisory Group (DAG) an opportunity to hear from students about their experiences during demonstrations on the UCSC campus.

UCSC documentary exhibition premieres at Del Mar Theater

Soon-to-be graduates of the Social Documentation (Soc Doc) program at UC Santa Cruz will premiere their masters thesis video documentaries at the Del Mar Theater in Santa Cruz, Thursday, June 9 at 7 p.m. The screening is free and open to the public.

President of Lionsgate Television to give keynote address at UCSC Film Symposium

UCSC alumnus Kevin Beggs, the president of Lionsgate Television Group, will deliver the keynote address for a two-day film symposium—Bridging the Gap—at UC Santa Cruz, June 3-4.

Irwin 2011 exhibition marks 25th year of arts scholarships

The Sesnon Gallery’s annual Irwin Scholarship Award exhibition showcases some of UCSC’s most promising young artists working in painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, installation, video and digital media.

Sociological association awards Tom Pettigrew distinguished career award

Thomas F. Pettigrew, research professor of psychology at UC Santa Cruz, has been named winner of the William Foote Whyte Distinguished Career Award of the Sociological Practice and Public Sociology Section of the American Sociological Association.

UCSC economist expects emerging economies to push for next IMF head

The resignation of the head of the International Monetary Fund sets the stage for a tussle between developing countries and European economies, according to Joshua Aizenman, an international economics expert at UC Santa Cruz.

UC Santa Cruz students reap the benefits of Measure 43

This month marks the one-year anniversary of the passage of Measure 43, the student-funded Sustainable Food, Health, and Wellness Initiative at UC Santa Cruz that has treated thousands of students to a broad menu of ways to learn about food, including workshops, campus conferences, events, and classes.

Ant Farm founder and emeritus professor Chip Lord to be honored at UCSC film symposium

Years before he joined the faculty at UCSC, Chip Lord was a member of the Ant Farm, a groundbreaking, experimental art and architecture collective he founded in 1968 with fellow architect Doug Michels.

Psychology professor awarded prestigious Spencer fellowship

Phillip L. Hammack, assistant professor of psychology at UC Santa Cruz, has been named a 2011-2012 National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellow.

New book questions effectiveness of peace-building workshops

In his new book, UCSC psychology professor Phillip L. Hammack questions the effectiveness of peace-building workshops involving Israeli and Palestinian teenagers in the United States.

Student-run Carbon Fund boosts green projects on and off campus

The Carbon Fund Committee has selected nine green-minded projects for funding, ranging from a "green Wharf" project to a regional water use reduction campaign.

Dean of Physical & Biological Sciences

I write to share news with you that Willamette University earlier today announced Stephen Thorsett as the 23rd president of the Salem, Oregon campus.

Student Forum on Ethnic Studies, May 24

To continue ongoing discussions around the issue of ethnic studies, all students are invited to a forum on Tuesday, May 24, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at the Merrill College Cultural Center.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson joins eclectic UCSC commencement speakers

Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, joins an eclectic selection of speakers as UC Santa Cruz's 10 colleges and graduate division hold commencement ceremonies June 10-12 when more than 3,000 students will receive bachelors, masters, Ph.D degrees, and graduate certificates.

Humanities Dean Candidate Presentation

On behalf of Sheldon Kamieniecki, Chair of the Humanities Dean Search Committee, I invite the campus community to attend a presentation by William Ladusaw, candidate for the Dean of Humanities.

Two-wheel commuters take to the road on Bike to Work Day

Participants in Thursday's Bike To Work celebration ranged from teenagers to AARP members. They took part in an annual event that promotes healthy living, diminishes stress, and cuts down on auto emissions.

UCSC to host tennis championships

UC Santa Cruz Athletics Department has been selected as one of the sites for the 2011 NCAA Men's Tennis Division III Championships.

Campus Elections

Campus Elections will begin on Wednesday, May 11 at 8:00 am.

Community Service Project Grants

Looking for some seed money to implement a community service project in the Santa Cruz community?

Additional Budget Conversations with CP/EVC Galloway - Students

As a follow up to earlier forums, please mark your calendars for two more opportunities to join a conversation with Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Alison Galloway about the UCSC budget.

Bike To Work Week, May 9 - 15

UCSC's Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) has joined with Ecology Action to host the 24th Annual Santa Cruz County Bike Week, May 9 - 15, 2011.

Alumnae best current women's soccer team in friendly game

Graduates grabbed their cleats and headed back to campus for the Women's Soccer Alumni game on April 30. The alumnnae came out victorious, winning 2-0.

Jewish Studies conference set for UC Santa Cruz on May 22-24

A conference designed to highlight the role women have played in the forging of Italian Jewish identity will take place May 22-24, on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Graduate student research showcased at May 6 symposium

The University Center at UC Santa Cruz will come alive on Friday, May 6, with poster, oral, or multimedia presentations that will be featured at this year's Graduate Research Symposium. In its seventh year, the symposium is designed to recognize and promote the outstanding and diverse research being carried out by graduate students from all disciplines on campus.

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. The book is part memoir, part ethnography, part research study in child developmental psychology. It's also clearly a labor of love.

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 at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, analyze research that shows how bringing groups together can mitigate prejudice.

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.

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 Digital Arts and New Media (DANM) 2011 MFA Exhibition.

Denim Day is April 27: Wear your jeans

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

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 practicing artists from New York to California.

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 and live music performance Saturday, May 14, featuring Angela Davis, Corey Harris, Ekua Omosupe, and Shailja Patel at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center.

Diversity and Community Building Study begins next week

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

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.

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 Celebration of Writing at UCSC" Sunday, May 1. Talbot will be joined by other well-known UCSC alumni novelists, journalists, and screenwriters.

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 American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

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, held April 15.

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 Award.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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 2011.

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 the perils facing capitalism and government efforts designed to prop it up.

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 the Cowell College Conference Room.

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, Africa.

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 U.S. universities. The event is free and open to the public and runs from 12:30-2 p.m. in the Cervantes Room at the Bay Tree Book Store building.

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

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 book, The Atlas of Global Inequalities, by two UC Santa Cruz professors.

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.

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 professors in the humanities or social sciences for research and activities since retirement.

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 Bronte.

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.

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 will feature a morning forum, a lunchtime picnic, and a host of other activities.

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.

UCSC shines in survey of senior women in astronomy

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics has more senior women faculty members than any other astronomy department in the country.

Sesnon Gallery’s 40th Anniversary Exhibition opens April 5

The Sesnon Gallery at UC Santa Cruz will toast its 40th anniversary this spring with a special exhibition--featuring a provocative cross-section of what it has offered the campus and community for the past four decades.

Elliot Aronson nominated for book, emeriti awards

Elliot Aronson, emeritus professor of psychology at UC Santa Cruz, has been nominated for the 2010 Northern California Book Award in Creative Nonfiction and the Constantine Panunzio Distinguished Emeriti Award of the University of California.

2011 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity

As a reminder you are invited to submit nominations for the 2011 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity.

OPERS Recreation, Intramural and Sports Guide online now

UCSC Office of Physical Education and Sports (OPERS) would like to announce that the Spring catalog is now online.

Author Tobias Wolff to kick off Spring Living Writers Series

Each quarter, the Humanities Division’s Living Writers Reading Series brings visiting authors and poets to UCSC, providing students with an in-depth look into the world of the working writer. This spring, the series kicks off on March 31 with Tobias Wolff, the acclaimed author of This Boy’s Life

Arts Dean to launch new ‘Creativity and Innovation’ lecture series

The UCSC Arts Division will debut a new series of free public lectures titled “Creativity and Innovation.” Dean David Yager has selected nine speakers—all noted for their unique ability to bridge innovation and creativity within their professional career paths.

The future of UC Santa Cruz: UC Regents discuss budget cuts, impacts

The University of California Regents devoted one day of their bimonthly meetings this week to discuss the impact of proposed half-billion-dollar cuts to the UC system, including an estimated $31 million cut to UC Santa Cruz.

UC Santa Cruz graduate student's research focuses on Japan's quake response

Carla Takaki Richardson has been intently watching Twitter feeds and social media posts from Japan after the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami devastated the country's northeastern coast. She returned in January after 18 months in Kobe, Japan researching the country's disaster management information systems.

Traveling during Spring Break

For students who are heading home or traveling during Spring Break, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) invites you to consider using UCSC Zimride to share the ride with others going out of town or to the airport.

Nominations sought for 2011 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity

You are invited to submit nominations for the 2011 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity. These awards will honor and showcase people and programs that have made outstanding contributions to furthering diversity, inclusion and excellence at UC Santa Cruz. Eligible recipients include undergraduate and graduate students, student organizations, faculty, non-senate academics, and staff employees, campus units (e.g., offices, departments or divisions) and academic or administrative programs.

Author gives UCSC’s annual Dickens event a shout-out in Oprah interview

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley lauded UCSC’s annual summer celebration of writer Charles Dickens during a recent interview with Oprah Winfrey. Their chat took place for a special video broadcast to an audience that included more than two million of her bookclub members from around the world.

Neanderthal genome research featured in UCTV report

Research on the Neanderthal genome by UC Santa Cruz bioinformatics professor Richard E. "Ed" Green is featured in the winter edition of "State of Minds," a 30-minute video magazine produced by University of California Television.

Budget Conversations with CP/EVC Galloway

Please mark your calendars for two upcoming opportunities to join a conversation with Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Alison Galloway about the UCSC budget.

UCSC economist testifies on widening wealth gap and barriers to financing

UC Santa Cruz economics professor Rob Fairlie told a U.S. Senate committee Thursday that significant financial barriers are keeping minority businesses from opening and expanding even in a recovering economy.

Game design grad programs make Princeton Review/GamePro top 10

UCSC's graduate programs in game design were named among the top 10 in the nation by the Princeton Review and GamePro Media.

SHOP Student Health Survey

As a reminder, you may have been recently selected to participate in the National College Health Assessment (NCHA). If you received an email invitation sent with the subject line: SHOP Student Health Survey please consider taking time to fill out this health survey. If SHOP doesn't receive a large enough response rate we can't use any of the data.

UCSC announces Baskins’ $1 million engineering gift at Scholarship Benefit Dinner

Chancellor George Blumenthal announced a special $1 million gift from Jack and Peggy Downes Baskin for engineering graduate fellowships at UCSC's eighth annual Scholarship Benefit Dinner.

Summer child care camp on campus

Early Education Services is launching a new summer camp on campus with child care for children ages 14 months through entering fourth grade. The summer camp will be available with two, five-week sessions, from June 20–July 22 and July 25–August 26.

Alums Dana Priest, Richard Harris win prestigious journalism awards

Two UC Santa Cruz alums, Richard Harris (Crown, 1980) and Dana Priest, (Merrill, 1981) have won prestigious journalism awards for their reporting last year on the Gulf oil spill and the national security complex.

Alumnus Kent Nagano wins Grammy award for Best Opera Recording

Renowned conductor and UC Santa Cruz alumnus Kent Nagano received a Grammy Award for “Best Opera Recording: "Saariaho: L'Amour De Loin” at the 53rd Grammy Awards.

2010-11 Excellence in Teaching Awards

Is there an instructor who you think deserves special recognition? If so, nominate that person for an Excellence in Teaching Award.

New research center focuses on state's interconnected crises

The Center for Collaborative Research for an Equitable California, headquartered at UC Santa Cruz, is a new University of California research initiative that seeks to address the state’s interconnected crises in the economy, education, employment, environment, health, housing, and nutrition.

Sports roundup: Men's hoops, rugby, lacrosse

In early February competition, Slug men's basketball, rugby, and lacrosse came up with mixed results--but one Slug athlete hit a milestone.

National College Health Assessment Web Survey

In an effort to improve health-related programs, services and support for UCSC students, Student Health Outreach & Promotion (SHOP) and the Student Health Center will administer the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) web survey.

Passion on the dance floor: Hard science, math students cut loose and win prizes in tango troupe

Tango, the lusty dance from Argentina, is luring curious UCSC students, including a sturdy contingent of hard science and math students. The Tangroupe dance troupe is winning new fans, competitions and prizes galore.

Acclaimed playwright and film director Luis Valdez to visit UCSC

Acclaimed playwright, director, and filmmaker Luis Valdez will join his son--UCSC theater arts lecturer Kinan Valdez--for two special audience talks after performances of Luis's play "Mummifed Deer," Feb. 26 and Mar. 4 at the Mainstage Theater.

Community Service Project Grants

The UCSC Student Volunteer Center (SVC) offers Community Service Project (CSP) Grants to individual UCSC students.

Anthropology graduate student wins prestigious Paper Prize

Sarah Bakker, a graduate student in anthropology, is the first UC Santa Cruz student to win the prestigious Paper Prize from the Society for the Anthropology of Europe.

Budget challenge

As you probably know, Gov. Brown has proposed a $500 million cut to the UC system for fiscal year 2011-12. I expect that our share will be about 6 percent, or about $31 million.

Scholarship Benefit Dinner to provide vital financial support for students

UC Santa Cruz will host its eighth annual Scholarship Benefit Dinner on Saturday, February 26, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose.

Meet the Student Regents

Please join us for a unique opportunity for face time with the current University of California Student Regent, Jesse Cheng and Student Regent Designate.

Shakespeare Santa Cruz announces 30th Anniversary Season

Shakespeare Santa Cruz (SSC) artistic director Marco Barricelli announced the company’s 2011 lineup today, noting some exciting new developments as SSC heads into its 30th Anniversary season.

UC Santa Cruz earns spot on 2011 Peace Corps Top Colleges rankings

UC Santa Cruz ranks 6th on Peace Corps's 2011 rankings of the top volunteer-producing colleges and universities (medium-size schools category).

UCSC Foundation trustee to offer business success tips

UCSC Foundation trustee Steve Blank, a serial entrepreneur, will give a talk at the Commonwealth Club on Feb. 8 entitled "Successful Strategies for Products that Win."

Men's hoops: Half and half in Texas

The men's basketball team recently traveled to Irving, Texas, for a two-game tournament, with split results.

Reception for Chip Lord’s ‘Public Spaces’ exhibit at Sesnon Gallery on Feb. 2

Spring Taking UCSC Home

During spring break 2011, March 21 – 25, the Office of Admissions is inviting students to return to their former schools and communities as ambassadors to share their UCSC experiences and connect with newly admitted students.

Rev. Deborah Johnson to receive Tony Hill Memorial Award

The Reverend Deborah L. Johnson, founding minister and president of Inner Light Ministries, has been chosen as the recipient of the third annual Tony Hill Memorial Award.

Student Regent Recruitment

If you are interested in a University leadership position that will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience, I encourage you to apply for the prestigious position of UC Student Regent.

Special event featuring Dr. Terrence Roberts

Rosa Parks African American Theme House and I invite you to a very special event, featuring Dr. Terrence Roberts and a panel of UCSC students.

Bone Marrow Donor Registration Drive

Students, staff, faculty and members of the public are invited to register as potential bone marrow donors.

UCSC to present major West Coast ‘Paul Bowles Centennial Celebration’

The seventh and last international centennial event celebrating the birth of renowned American writer and composer Paul Bowles will take place at UCSC, Feb. 4–6. Conceived by a UCSC music lecturer and inheritor of Bowles' musical estate, the 3-day event will include rare music, film, art, and an academic conference.

UCSC, City of Santa Cruz collaborate to improve Santa Cruz Tickets

UC Santa Cruz and the City of Santa Cruz have once again collaborated on their joint ticketing system, Santa Cruz Tickets, working together to upgrade it into a more functional, customer friendly, and appealing online ticket sales site.

Get Fit with CruzFit 2011

CruzFit is a FREE campus-wide incentive program that encourages exercise and healthy lifestyle choices amongst the UCSC community.

Additional information about graffiti threat

In response to questions that have been raised regarding this matter, I wanted you to know that an FAQ has just been posted to the UCSC web site at: http://news.ucsc.edu/2011/01/graffiti-faq.html

Men's hoops: Slugs come back, beat Pac Union College 72-63

The UCSC men's basketball team improved its overall record to seven wins and nine losses with a 72-63 victory over Pacific Union College.

Congressional aide Gabriel Zimmerman / Asesor del Congreso Gabriel Zimmerman

It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that one of the victims of the violence in Arizona on Saturday was UC Santa Cruz alum Gabriel Zimmerman.

Alumnus Gabriel Zimmerman remembered for social conscience, consensus-building

Friends and colleagues remembered UC Santa Cruz alumnus Gabriel Zimmerman, 30, one of six people fatally shot Saturday in Tucson, Ariz.

Governor's budget announcement

Gov. Jerry Brown today announced a budget plan that, if approved by the Legislature, would slash public spending by $12.5 billion. The governor's proposed budget includes a cut of $500 million from the University of California's budget, as well as a cut of $500 million from the California State University system. The scope of these cuts is of grave concern to everyone who cares about higher education in California.

Paul Whitworth to deliver 45th annual UCSC Faculty Research Lecture-Feb. 3

UC Santa Cruz professor of theater arts Paul Whitworth will deliver the 45th annual UCSC Faculty Research Lecture on Thursday, February 3, at 6 p.m. in the Mainstage Theater.

Civil rights activist Terrence Roberts to address King Convocation Jan. 31

Civil rights activist Terrence Roberts will speak at UC Santa Cruz's 27th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation on Monday, January 31.

27th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation

Please plan to attend the 27th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation on Monday, January 31, at 7 p.m.

Search for Director of Counseling and Psychological Services

On behalf of the search committee, it is our pleasure to invite you to meet the three final candidates for the position of Director of Counseling and Psychological Services.

UCSC National Book Award Finalist to appear at Bookshop Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz literature professor and National Book Award Finalist Karen Tei Yamashita will discuss her acclaimed novel I Hotel at Bookshop Santa Cruz on January 25.She will also appear at UCSC on January 13 as part of the campus’s Winter 2011 Living Writer Series.

Winter Recreation, Intramural and Sports Guide now available

The UCSC Recreation Department's Winter Recreation, Intramural and Sports Guide is now available.

OPERS Winter Schedule of Activities and Recreation Registration

Our Winter Recreation, Intramural and Sports Guide is now online for you to browse at the following website http://www.ucscrecreation.com/