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Community crime bulletin: Attempted kidnapping, assault with injury, false imprisonment with violence

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the public's help with its investigation into a reported attempted kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and false imprisonment with violence at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 in the North Remote Parking Lot.

UC Santa Cruz international economics Ph.D. named first woman on Swiss National Bank board

Andréa Maechler, who earned masters and Ph.D. degrees in international economics at UC Santa Cruz, has been named the first woman to sit on the governing board of Switzerland’s central bank.

2014 Photo Contest winners

We received more than 200 entries to this year's Chancellor's Holiday Photo Contest. Thank you for submitting your beautiful photos. Here is the winner and a few of our favorites.

UC Santa Cruz hosts an expanded Santa Cruz hackathon January 9 to 11

HACK UCSC 2015 is open to students throughout the Monterey Bay region

Professors Leta Miller and Carolyn Dean honored for arts research

Acting Arts Dean Martin Berger has named the 2014 Arts Dean’s Eminent Professors, the division’s highest recognition of faculty research achievement.

Scientists reconstruct genome of common ancestor of crocodiles, birds, dinosaurs

A new study of crocodilian genomes led by scientists at UC Santa Cruz reveals an exceptionally slow rate of genome evolution.

Physicist Peter Fischer elected fellow of American Physical Society

Peter Fischer, adjunct professor of physics at UC Santa Cruz, has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society.

UC Santa Cruz leads UC effort to study effects of climate change on ecosystems

A $1.9 million grant from the new UC President's Research Catalyst Awards will fund a UC-wide institute on climate impacts.

Winter storm preparedness

The National Weather Service is forecasting a significant winter storm for the Santa Cruz area beginning on Wednesday and intensifying on Thursday.

New fiction by alumna author featured in New Yorker

“Savage Breast,” a new short story by UC Santa Cruz alumna Elizabeth McKenzie, will be featured in the December 15 issue of The New Yorker magazine.

UC Santa Cruz professor honored by San Francisco Film Society

UC Santa Cruz arts professor B. Ruby Rich was honored at the San Francisco Film Society’s fifth annual Essential SF, an event celebrating the Bay Area film community's most vital figures and institutions.

Student robotics competition on Dec. 12 features "Game of Thrones" theme

Small autonomous robots built by UC Santa Cruz engineering students will face off in "Game of Drones" competition.

Herbicide application at Younger Lagoon Reserve terrace lands

UCSC Natural Reserves and UCSC Grounds Services to Conduct Herbicide Application at Younger Lagoon reserve terrace Lands.

Gary Griggs publishes collection of "Our Ocean Backyard" columns

Institute of Marine Sciences director Gary Griggs has published his columns for the Santa Cruz Sentinel in a new book.

Renewal of the Phased Retirement Program

The University is renewing the Phased Retirement Program, which provides eligible career staff the opportunity to transition into retirement by voluntarily reducing work hours by at least 10 percent a year for up to three years before retiring.

Lick Observatory plans major upgrade for Shane Telescope

UC Santa Cruz received $350,000 in grant and donor funds for an upgrade of the Kast Spectrograph, a crucial instrument for UC astronomers.

Study of deadly bat disease finds surprising seasonal pattern of infections

White-nose syndrome fungus can infect an entire bat colony during hibernation, but surviving bats clear the infection after they become active.

Campus food drive launches for holiday season

Another holiday season is upon us, and with it comes our annual UC Santa Cruz Holiday Food Drive which works in cooperation with Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County providing healthy meals to our friends and neighbors in need.

Scott Hernandez-Jason named director of news and media relations at UC Santa Cruz

Scott Hernandez-Jason has joined UC Santa Cruz as director of news and media relations. His first day was Monday, December 1.

Principles of Community Campaign begins Friday with event at Kresge

The first in a year-long series of events exploring how to put the UC Santa Cruz Principles of Community into practice is scheduled for Friday, December 5 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Kresge Town Hall.

Composting bins promote a handy diversion toward 2020 zero-waste goal

The first zero-waste stations at McHenry Library are in place, another step toward a goal of making the campus zero-waste by 2020.

Community crime bulletin: Attempted robbery, assault with injury, false imprisonment with violence

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating a report of an attempted robbery, an assault causing injury, and false imprisonment with violence that occurred on November 23, between midnight and 12:30 a.m. in the Humanities and Social Sciences Building, during the protest.

Community crime bulletin: Attempted sexual assault, sexual battery and false imprisonment with violence

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating a report it received today (November 25) of an attempted sexual assault, sexual battery, and false imprisonment with violence that occurred on November 22, at 10:30 p.m. in the Humanities Lecture Hall.

Sea otter at UC Santa Cruz's Long Marine Lab turns 21 years old

Stranded as a pup in 1993, Taylor turned 21 this month, far exceeding the average life span for a southern sea otter

Computer scientist Ethan Miller elected IEEE Fellow

Ethan Miller, professor of computer science, has been named a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Exceptions to Campus Closure 2014-2015

As in the past, the UC Santa Cruz campus will close during the holiday season in an effort to conserve energy at a time when the university business is generally slow. This year the campus will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, 2014 through Thursday, January 1, 2015, re-opening on Friday, January 2, 2015.

Open Enrollment ends 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25

You have until 5 p.m. tomorrow to make UC health and welfare benefit plan changes for 2015.

Arboretum graphic design contest open to faculty, staff, and students

The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is holding a graphic design contest to solicit original artwork for its 50th anniversary year.

Hubble observations deepen mystery of how globular clusters form

New findings are at odds with leading theories for the formation of globular clusters of stars in galaxies

Ocean scientist Christina Ravelo receives Outstanding Faculty Award

Christina Ravelo, professor of ocean sciences, was recognized by the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences for her contributions.

UC Santa Cruz grad awarded Sutter scholarship for medical school

Matthew Carr, who graduated from UCSC in June with a degree in biology, will receive the 8th annual Primary Care Physician Award.

Get Involved this Holiday Season

The Student Volunteer Center (SVC), located in Hahn Student Services, is offering awesome programs this holiday season where you can help local families in need.

One week left for 2015 Open Enrollment

here's one week left of our 2015 Open Enrollment period (Open Enrollment ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25th), and we want to remind you, if you haven't already reviewed your Open Enrollment 2015 brochure, to please take a moment between now and November 25th to review your 2015 plan options.

Regents take up proposed tuition increase

This week the UC Board of Regents will consider a multi-year financing plan for the University of California that could include higher tuition. I want to take this opportunity to explain what that might mean for students here at UC Santa Cruz.

November 14 budget forum videos, slides available online

Virus identified as top suspect in sea star wasting disease

A previously unidentified virus has been linked to the sea star wasting syndrome that has devastated west coast starfish populations.

Evolutionary constraints revealed in diversity of fish skulls

The evolution of biting in eels allowed diversification of skull shapes, while suction feeding limits the skull shapes of most fish.

Center for Emerging Worlds launches with a year-long focus on global Islam

The Center for Emerging Worlds at UC Santa Cruz, which launched in September, addresses the many conflicts, environmental challenges, resource competitions, and ethnic and nationalist and religious tensions in the world.

Annual Norris Lecture on Nov. 20 features panel of six marine scientists

UC Santa Cruz marine scientists are among the three married couples who will discuss "When Ocean Science is the Family Business"

Campus Holiday Gathering

Chancellor George Blumenthal and his wife, Kelly Weisberg, invite all faculty and staff to a Holiday Gathering & Campus Celebration on Tuesday, December 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Colleges 9/10 Multipurpose Room.

Community crime bulletin: Assault with injury reported

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating a report of an assault causing injury that occurred on November 12, at 7:55 p.m. on Heller Drive near the north side Porter College bus stop.

UCSC Arboretum holds annual Gift and Wreath Sale on November 22 and 23

Popular holiday sale is held in conjunction with an Open House at Norrie's Gift and Garden Shop at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

Wade Davis to speak at UC Santa Cruz on Nov. 14

Author, explorer, filmmaker, and professor Wade Davis will deliver the 14th Annual Sidhartha Maitra Memorial Lecture at UC Santa Cruz on Friday, November 14, at the Music Center Recital Hall.

Reopening of Stevenson parking lots 109, 110 delayed due to construction impacts

After a relatively successful start, the Gully G Detention Basin project near Stevenson College experienced a setback in early September.

UC Santa Cruz men's, women's basketball season openers set for Nov. 15

UC Santa Cruz Athletics announces the season opener games for men's and women's basketball at the Kaiser Permanente Arena in downtown Santa Cruz.

Fall Budget Forum on November 14

An online budget forum is set for Friday, November 14, from noon to 1:00 p.m. Participating will be Alison Galloway, campus provost and executive Vice chancellor and Vice Chancellor of Budget and Planning, Peggy Delaney.

Arts professor brings acclaimed Deaf poets to campus with ‘Eye Music’ festival

Nationally renowned Deaf poets and performing artists are coming to UC Santa Cruz for Eye Music--a four-day festival created and performed in American Sign Language (ASL).

UC Santa Cruz grad student among veterans honored by National Science Foundation

Ocean sciences grad student John Koster was one of 11 military veterans recognized in an event at NSF headquarters.

Winter Campus Curtailment 2014-2015

Our 2014-2015 Winter Campus Curtailment is scheduled for the time period of December 24, 2014 through January 1, 2015.

Acclaimed artist Guillermo Gómez-Peña to perform on campus

On Nov. 6, Guillermo Gómez-Peña comes to UC Santa Cruz for a special live performance titled "Imaginary Activism: The Role of the Artist Beyond the Art World" at the Digital Arts Research Center.

Leading conservationists call for a "unified and diverse conservation ethic"

UC Santa Cruz faculty are among conservationists leading the effort to resolve a polarizing debate over the reasons to conserve nature.

Study shows benefits of being fat (but not too fat) for deep-diving elephant seals

As elephant seals add to their fat stores, changes in buoyancy affect their swimming efficiency during deep dives in search of food.

Home for the holidays - Students

Go to http://zimride.ucsc.edu and post a ride or see who might be headed in your direction.

Carsharing opportunities

UCSC subscribes to Zimride, a campus-specific ride-matching service. Zimride helps you offer or request rides for regular commutes or one-time road trips.

Ithaka S+R Local Faculty Survey results

This spring, the Library asked for your help to better understand your needs and attitudes with respect to your University Library. In collaboration with the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Herbie Lee, we conducted the Ithaka S+R Local Faculty Survey, and 299 faculty members answered the call and completed the survey.

Plant scientist Lincoln Taiz to give UC Santa Cruz emeriti lecture November 19

Taiz will discuss how the challenge of producing enough food for the world's growing population is exacerbated by climate change

Summer 2015 Orientation Dates

Summer Orientation is our opportunity as a campus to formally welcome newly matriculated UCSC students and their families into our community of scholars.

UC confirms continued support of Lick Observatory

The UC Office of the President has reversed an earlier decision to pull funding from Lick Observatory by 2018.

Special offers from Zipcar

UCSC Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) contracts with Zipcar to offer car sharing services to our campus as a sustainable transportation option for our affiliates.

2014 UC Santa Cruz United Way Campaign: November 1–15

We hope you will join us in supporting United Way of Santa Cruz County and the many agencies in our community that help make a difference in the lives of your neighbors.

UC Santa Cruz named one of the country’s best colleges for film majors

UC Santa Cruz has been ranked No. 7 in the country by College Factual for Best Bachelors Program for Film, Video and Photographic Arts.

From smart grids to flying robots, engineer finds many applications for theory

UC Santa Cruz computer engineer Ricardo Sanfelice uses hybrid systems analysis to understand and control systems with complex dynamical behavior

Community Crime Bulletin - Peeping in Bathrooms

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating reports of peeping by use of electronic means.

Open Enrollment 2015

The annual Open Enrollment (OE) period begins Thursday, October 30 and ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25.

UC Santa Cruz offers 'Genome Browser in a Box' for local installations

New software enables scientists to quickly install the UCSC Genome Browser on their own computers to protect sensitive genomic data.

UC Santa Cruz named a 'silver bicycle-friendly' university

UC Santa Cruz has been named a 'silver bicycle-friendly' university by the League of American Bicyclists.

November 4 is Election Day — remember to vote

Tuesday, November 4 is Election Day. There are important votes for governor and other federal, state and local offices as well as important initiatives. Voting is a citizen's fundamental right, and I urge you to use this opportunity to let your voice be heard.

Novel biosensor technology could allow rapid detection of Ebola virus

Rapid detection of viruses without expensive equipment is among the potential applications of biosensor research at UC Santa Cruz.

Online Education Call for Proposals, 2014-2015

In fall of 2014 there are three different but related opportunities for faculty to develop online courses.

Halloween message for students

You should find the information below useful as you plan how and where to spend your time on Halloween this year.

Astrophysics meets theater in ‘Birth of Stars’

What does the birth and death of stars have to do with the lives of real human beings? How do we balance the joy and pain of life in a productive way? Does technology make us less than human…or something more?

'Beloved' author speaks about writing, revelations, and good and evil

Pulitzer– and Nobel Prize–winning author Toni Morrison sees an increasing prevalence of evil in literature

A global surge of great earthquakes holds clues to future quakes

UC Santa Cruz seismologist Thorne Lay discusses the implications of recent studies for quake risk in Cascadia

Flu shot clinics for students on campus

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.

Seasonal flu shot clinics on campus

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

UC Santa Cruz sponsored gender development conference celebrates 10 years

A national conference on gender development that UC Santa Cruz psychology professor Campbell Leaper founded 10 years ago will begin Thursday in San Francisco.

Social Justice lecture features expert on sexual violence in the military

Professor Elizabeth L. Hillman, a scholar and expert on sexual violence in the military, will speak Thursday, November 6, at UC Santa Cruz as part of the UC Hastings / UC Santa Cruz Social Justice Speakers Series.

Undergraduate education seeks three part-time faculty administrators

The Division of Undergraduate Education is undertaking three searches for part-time faculty administrators.

Grad students' interactive fiction honored at IndieCade games festival

Ice-Bound is an interactive fiction piece created by two graduate students in the UC Santa Cruz Center for Games and Playable Media

Acclaimed game designer joins UC Santa Cruz art faculty

Award-winning game designer and producer Robin Hunicke will join the UC Santa Cruz faculty in January as Associate Professor of Art & Game Design.

Jessica Fiske Bailey appointed executive director of UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

Jessica Fiske Bailey, assistant vice provost for academic affairs at UC Santa Cruz, has been named executive director of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum.

Survey to select new vendor for Quarry Plaza restaurant

The Graduate Student Commons is starting the process of looking for a new restaurant vendor for the first floor of our building in the Quarry Plaza. The space is currently occupied by Joe's Pizza and Subs, whose contract ends at the end of the academic year.

UC Santa Cruz named top college for Hispanic students

Noting UC Santa Cruz's first-year retention rate of 91 percent and 74 percent graduation rate, a college comparison website has named the campus first in the nation for Hispanic/Latino students.

Diane Gifford-Gonzalez wins social sciences award for outstanding research

Anthropology professor Diane Gifford-Gonzalez is the 2014 recipient of the Martin M. Chemers Award for Outstanding Research in the Social Sciences at UC Santa Cruz.

UC Santa Cruz creates new Department of Computational Media

A new department builds on the success of the campus's pathbreaking programs in games and playable media

Revised Absence from Work Policy – Summary of Technical Changes

PPSM Policy 2.210 (Absence from Work) was revised to include a number of technical changes with a focus on aligning the policy with legal requirements enacted since the last issuance of the policy in early 2013.

Social Sciences Research Frontiers Day focuses on data, environment, and justice

The second annual Social Sciences Research Frontiers Day at UC Santa Cruz will take place Friday, October 24, 2014, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. with a focus on data, the environment, and justice.

Computer scientist Charlie McDowell recognized as advocate for women in tech

McDowell and alumnus Jacob Martinez are featured on a list of "10 Men Making Waves for Women in Tech"

A decade later: How the organic foods movement has grown and evolved

Professor Julie Guthman's "Agrarian Dreams: The Paradox of Organic Farming in California," was hailed as the first social science study of organic foods in the United States. A new, second edition looks at the state of the organic food movement and some of the strange puzzles that afflict it.

Astronomers analyze atmosphere of planet orbiting another star

Scientists have made the most detailed global map yet of the glow from a planet orbiting another star.

UC Santa Cruz leads $11 million Center for Big Data in Translational Genomics

National Institutes of Health awards UC Santa Cruz funding for new research center as part of the NIH Big Data to Knowledge initiative.

UC Santa Cruz wins $11 million grant to advance biomedical research

Chancellor Blumenthal congratulates the campus team tapped by the National Institutes of Health to lead a project that could revolutionize biomedical research.

In Memoriam: Geoffrey 'Craig' Hunt

Merrill alumna who challenged same-sex marriage ban to speak Monday, Oct. 13

Kris Perry, a Merrill College alumna who was a lead plaintiff in the California same-sex marriage case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court last year, is scheduled to speak at noon Monday, October 13, at Kresge Town Hall on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Institute of Arts and Sciences offers LASER talk on Oct. 28

UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will present its first “LASER” talk of the academic year on October 28 at the Digital Arts Research Center.

Graduate applications, enrollment increase at UC Santa Cruz

Graduate student enrollment at UC Santa Cruz is projected to top 1,625 for fall 2014, about 9 percent of total enrollment, indicating continued strong interest in the academic programs offered.

Admissions Insights: Meet and Greet with UCSC Admissions

Informal Meet and Greet gathering at Preview Day to learn more about UCSC Admissions.

UCSC Farm hosts Fall Harvest Festival Sunday, October 12

Bright orange pumpkins, roasted red peppers, and apples galore mark the changing seasons at the 20th annual Fall Harvest Festival, Sunday, October 12 at UC Santa Cruz’s 30-acre organic farm.

Thomas Pettigrew to deliver Jos Jaspars Memorial Lecture at Oxford

Thomas Pettigrew, UC Santa Cruz research professor of social psychology, has been invited to deliver the 2015 Jos Jaspar Memorial Lecture at Oxford University.

Welcome to Fall Quarter

Chancellor Blumenthal welcomes new and returning students, faculty, and staff, and announces a new weekly all-campus email newsletter, Tuesday Newsday.

2015 Leadership Academy applications due November 7

The 2015 Leadership Academy will meet over a four-month period, from January through April 2015. Each session will highlight specific issues and challenges faced by UC Santa Cruz leaders.

Class features diverse voices on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

"Perspectives on Israel/Palestine," beginning this month will feature a speakers series with diverse voices on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is open to the public.

Service animals on campus

Please be aware that service animals (dogs) are welcome and important members of the campus community, and you may encounter service dogs with their owners at multiple campus locations.

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum holds Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, October 11

The Arboretum's annual fall sale features beautiful, drought-tolerant plants from around the world

Formal Review: Phased Retirement Program

The University is proposing to renew the Phased Retirement Program, an optional tool that locations may choose to provide eligible policy covered staff who are 55 or older transition into retirement.

Five artists collaborate on experimental book art

When fully opened, Felicia Rice’s book literally unfolds like an accordion along the length of a 30-foot table...

Study of mountain lion energetics shows the power of the pounce

High-tech collars enabled scientists to track mountain lions in the wild and determine how much energy the big cats use to hunt their prey.

Educational Partnership Center lands $3.27 million grant to help students achieve college

UC Santa Cruz’s Educational Partnership Center has been awarded a $3.27 million federal grant over seven years to help prepare middle and high school students in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District for college.

Astronomer Claire Max appointed interim director of UC Observatories

Claire Max, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz, succeeds Sandra Faber as interim director of UC Observatories.

UCSC Ebola genome browser now online to aid researchers' response to crisis

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute late Tuesday (September 30) released a new Ebola genome browser to assist global efforts to develop a vaccine and antiserum to help stop the spread of the Ebola virus.

Required Federal Notices

In compliance with federal law known as the Clery Act, the Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report 2013 is now available for you to read.

Dental care available on campus

Starting October 1st, Onsite Dental will be providing services from a mobile office at OPERS.

UC Santa Cruz 2014 Symposium on Assessment

All faculty and graduate students are invited to UC Santa Cruz's first assessment symposium to be held on October 17, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On-campus photography contest

The Chancellor’s Office and University Relations are sponsoring a contest to choose a photograph of UC Santa Cruz for use on Chancellor Blumenthal’s winter holiday card.

Simulations reveal unusual death for ancient stars

Study led by UC Santa Cruz postdoc indicates some supernovae would leave no remnant black hole behind

Flu Shot Clinics on Campus - Students

Seasonal Flu shots for students 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.

Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics on Campus - Staff and Faculty

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

Human genome was shaped by an evolutionary arms race with itself

A study of primate genomes reveals an ongoing battle to control "jumping genes," driving the evolution of greater genomic complexity

Fall Living Writers Series to feature Tobias Wolff, Karen Joy Fowler

Award-winning authors Tobias Wolff, Karen Joy Fowler, and Andrew Lam are just a few of the notable guests coming to UC Santa Cruz for the Fall 2014 Living Writers Series

"Seeding Innovation" event highlights green technology projects

Collaborations between UC Santa Cruz undergrads and community mentors are featured in October 3 event at marine sanctuary center.

OPERS parking lot closed Tuesday

The parking lot adjacent to the Office of Physical Education, Recreation and Sports (OPERS), Lot 103, will be closed to parking from 9 p.m. Monday, September 29th until 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 30th to accommodate this year's Fall Festival activities.

Professor Sue Carter appointed associate dean of graduate studies

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Sue Carter, professor of physics, as associate dean of graduate studies, effective October 1, 2014.

Cover crop workshop set for Saturday, Oct. 4 at Alan Chadwick Garden

On Saturday, October 4 from 9:30 a.m, to 12:30 p.m., learn how to grow your own compost with soil-building cover crops at a lecture and demonstration workshop.

Campus and Wells Fargo officials break ground for Coastal Biology building

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Coastal Biology building was held at the UC Santa Cruz Coastal Science Campus.

UC Santa Cruz welcomes diverse, academically advanced class for fall 2014

UC Santa Cruz students begin moving into university housing Wednesday, September 24, in anticipation of fall quarter for the 2014-15 academic year. "Move-in" for students living on campus will continue Friday through Sunday, September 28.

In Memoriam: Noah Rhoads

We regret to tell you that Noah Rhoads, a senior at the University and a member of Kresge College, died Friday, Sept. 19.

UC Santa Cruz among top five institutions seeing growth in NIH funding

UC Santa Cruz is in the top five of institutions that have seen significant increases in funding from the National Institutes of Health over the past decade.

UC Santa Cruz establishes Symantec Presidential Chair in Storage and Security

Computer scientist Ethan Miller has been appointed to a new endowed chair funded by a gift from Symantec and UC Presidential matching funds

Housing needed for students

The highly competitive local rental market means that some UC Santa Cruz students are still working to finalize their housing plans with less than two weeks before the start of the academic year.

Linguists receive $260,000 grant to study endangered Irish language

“Although we all have tongues, we are surprisingly bad at knowing precisely what they're doing or conveying that to others,” says UC Santa Cruz professor of linguistics Jaye Padgett...

In Memoriam: Matthew Sands

Matthew Linzee Sands, professor emeritus of physics who was instrumental in establishing Kresge College, died September 13 in Santa Cruz, five weeks shy of his 95th birthday.

California's sea otter numbers holding steady

California's sea otter population is slowly swimming toward recovery, according to the latest field survey.

Student Health Center Closure on September 23, 2014

In order to better serve our students, our staff will be in an all-day training on Tuesday, September 23rd, and therefore the Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS),and Student Health Outreach Promotion (SHOP) will be closed all day for patient/client care.

Important Notice - Annual campus Move In

Residential 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:

UCSC places with open mindedness

The well-known open mindedness of UC Santa Cruz is noted in two recent lists of top colleges.

Library taps specialist to explore role of technology in Humanities research

The University Library and Humanities Division have jointly awarded a two-year Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) Postdoctoral Fellowship supporting digital humanities scholarship to Rachel Deblinger.

Study shows how epigenetic memory is passed across generations

Researchers traced markers of gene repression and showed that both sperm and eggs transmit a memory of gene repression to embryos.

Renowned astronomer Harland Epps to be honored at ‘Harfest’ conference Sept. 23-24

Leading astronomers from around the world will gather to honor UC Santa Cruz astronomer Harland W. Epps, who retired in July.

Deer Alert - Rutting Season

This time of year drivers and cyclists need to be extra vigilant about deer darting into roadways. It is deer rutting season, when the bucks are in hot pursuit of mates.

Native vegetation makes a comeback on Santa Cruz Island

Study led by UC Santa Cruz undergrads shows native shrubs reclaiming the island on their own after removal of introduced grazers.

In Memoriam: Richard Hurtz

It is with great sadness that I announce that Rick Hurtz, principal aerospace engineer at the UC Santa Cruz University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) at NASA Ames, passed away on Friday, September 12th.

Constitution Day on September 17

Federal law requires that all schools receiving federal funds provide information on the United States Constitution every year on Constitution Day, September 17, the anniversary of the signing of our country's founding document.

UC Santa Cruz film professor’s original animation to debut on PBS.org

John Jota Leaños's unconventional short film uses humor, hip hop, and comic book style animation to tell a fascinating story of revolt in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands

Parking at Merrill Lot 119

Renovation-related grading and paving work is taking place in portions of Merrill Lot 119 from now until Move In (September 26th).

Teaching computers the nuances of human conversation

Computer scientist Marilyn Walker wants to make spoken dialogue systems more responsive to the user.

Julie Packard: Philanthropy and pragmatism

Alumna (Crown '74, biology; M.A. '78) talks about investing in passion, working to make change, and expanding world views through the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

UCSC Art Department is Pleased to Welcome our New Faculty member Enrique Leal

Leal has sought to introduce alternative interpretations regarding the practice of printmaking by reviewing its material, historical and conceptual attributes.

SAB Fall Chancellor and Staff Advisors to Regents Forum

All UCSC staff are invited to the SAB-sponsored Fall Staff Forum with Chancellor Blumenthal and the Staff Advisors to the Regents on Monday, 22nd September from 11:30am to 1:00pm at Kresge Town Hall.

Study traces ecological collapse over 6,000 years of Egyptian history

Ancient Egyptian artworks helped scientists reconstruct how animal communities changed as climate became drier and human populations grew

Professor's book on Sudan legal system wins political science book award

Mark Massoud's "Law’s Fragile State: Colonial, Authoritarian, and Humanitarian Legacies in Sudan" wins honorable mention.

Appointment of Title IX Officer

Associate Chancellor Ashish Sahni announces the appointment of Tracey Tsugawa as the new campus Title IX Officer.

Road Construction Work Update

Physical Plant staff report that the on-campus roadwork projects are entering their final stages of work.

Closure of Upper East Field

Beginning September 2, 2014, the Upper East Field has been closed and is expected to remain closed until at least June 1, 2015.

Mixing in star-forming clouds explains why sibling stars look alike

New findings suggest chemical fingerprints can be used to identify stars born in the same cluster

Renewal of parking permits for Fall 2014 - Staff and Faculty

If you have not yet purchased or renewed your parking permit, please consider doing so before September 26.

UC Santa Cruz alum wins Emmy for HBO drama ‘True Detective’

UC Santa Cruz alumnus Cary Fukunaga picked up an Emmy Award last night in the category of “Outstanding Director for a Drama Series” for the HBO series True Detective.

'New Parent' chat will use social media to connect with new Slug families

Parents of incoming Banana Slugs will soon have a chance to ask candid questions and concerns with a group of campus experts without ever having to leave their homes, jump in their cars, or even turn off their home computers.

Peter Raven, leading botanist and environmentalist, to speak at UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

Botanist Peter Raven will give a talk entitled "Saving Plants, Saving Ourselves" on September 9

History professor speaks at State Capitol in support of refugee children

UC Santa Cruz Professor of History Dana Frank testified yesterday in Sacramento to support a California State Assembly resolution on the treatment of refugees from Central America.

'Science Notes 2014' now available online

The weird and wondrous feeding habits of moray eels are among the featured stories in the Science Communication Program's magazine.

Pradip Mascharak wins Gandhi medal for non-resident Indians

Chemistry professor Pradip Mascharak will be honored by the Non-Resident Indians Welfare Society of India.

Safety advisory: Raccoon bites reported

If you see a raccoon, please take steps to avoid it. Raccoons are rarely aggressive toward humans but a female will defend her young. While normally nocturnal, they do occasionally come out in the daytime.

UC Santa Cruz moves up in Shanghai ranking of world universities

UC Santa Cruz is ranked 93 among the world's best universities and in the top 50 in the U.S., according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) published by a Shanghai education-consulting firm.

Grad student unites personal passion and programming skills to help others

Computer science graduate student Lourdes Morales is working to help others with disabilities use technology.

Breast Cancer Breakthrough Award funds search for new treatments

Cancer researcher Seth Rubin is working toward the development of a new class of drugs for treating breast cancer.

UC Santa Cruz names Tyler Stovall new dean of Humanities

UC Santa Cruz has appointed Tyler Stovall to serve as dean of the Humanities Division, effective Spring Quarter.

Road Construction Work — Major Disruptions Next Week

Beginning Tuesday, August 19, 2014 the on-campus road repair project will enter its most disruptive phase of work, with asphalt grinding and subgrade reconditioning taking place.

Appointment of Humanities Dean

Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Alison Galloway announces the appointment of Tyler Stovall as dean of the Humanities Division.

Appointment of Humanities Dean

Tyler Stovall will be the new dean of the Humanities Division. His anticipated arrival on campus is Spring Quarter.

Construction of new Coastal Biology building to begin in November

Construction will begin in November on a new building near Long Marine Laboratory at the UC Santa Cruz coastal science campus.

Community Bulletin: Wildfire near north campus

At daybreak today, a wildfire was reported on State Park lands near Chinquapin and Empire Grade roads outside the boundaries of north campus, moving toward Highway 9.

Private donors contribute more than $50 million to UC Santa Cruz

Private financial commitments to UC Santa Cruz for the fiscal year ended June 30 topped $50 million for the first time, bringing the total for The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz to more than $180 million.

Save the Date: 2014-15 Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program

The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is excited to announce the course schedule for the 2014-15 Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program.

Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program - Faculty

The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is excited to announce the course schedule for the 2014-15 Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program.

Crime alert: Wild land fire

At 8:30 a.m. UC Santa Cruz police officers observed white smoke near the North Remote parking lot. An investigation revealed an unlawful and abandoned campfire that had spread out of control. Firefighters from the City of Santa Cruz Fire Department, Cal Fire, and City of Scotts Valley Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire, which had grown to one-half acre.

Mexican consulate honors UCSC summer research interns

Six students from Mexican universities spent several weeks this summer at UC Santa Cruz doing research projects with UCSC science faculty.

Cancer study reveals powerful new system for classifying tumors

One in ten cancer patients would be classified differently using a new classification system based on molecular subtypes.

Temporary Road Closure of Upper Heller

On Monday, August 11, 2014, construction crews will begin roadway repair work on the North Heller bridge, located between Engineering Loop to the south and Porter-Kresge Road to the north.

NIH awards $2 million to UCSC group for DNA sequencing research

Biomolecular engineer Mark Akeson leads efforts to develop nanopore technology for DNA sequencing.

UC Santa Cruz Cal Teach alum wins Knowles science teaching fellowship

The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation has awarded a 2014 teaching fellowship to alumna Brenda Minjares.

UC Santa Cruz Internet access project wins University of California IT award

A UC Santa Cruz project to bring broadband Internet services to underserved communities in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties has won a University of California award for information technology.

Dickens Project at UC Santa Cruz announces endowment drive

Literature Professor John Jordan announced an endowment drive to support the Dickens Project today at the annual Dickens Universe gathering now taking place on campus

Old evidence leads to new ideas about earthquake hazards in Pacific Northwest

Sediment cores collected in 1960s by geologist Gary Griggs have attracted renewed scrutiny for clues to Cascadia earthquakes.

Global Alliance for Genomics and Health unveils new genomics interface

The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health has released a new Application Programming Interface (API) for seamless sharing of genomic data.

Tidal forces gave moon its shape, according to new analysis

Most of the moon's overall shape can be explained by taking into account tidal effects acting early in the moon's history.

Cassini finds 101 geysers and more on icy Saturn moon

Scientists on NASA's Cassini mission have identified 101 distinct geysers erupting on Saturn's small, icy moon Enceladus.

Next-generation Thirty Meter Telescope to begin construction in Hawaii

The TMT has its roots at UC Santa Cruz, where astronomers have been working for years on the design of this powerful new telescope.

50th Anniversary event planning

As you know, next year UC Santa Cruz is turning 50. This anniversary is a meaningful opportunity for the campus to connect with our alumni, friends, and supporters. The success of the 50th celebration depends on each and every one of us.

2014-2015 Campus Food & Garden Guide now available

The Campus Food & Garden Guide offers resources and information on UCSC's sustainable food systems efforts, including the campus farm and college gardens, dining halls and coffeeshops,

Exhibit on extraordinary literary history of Grateful Dead to open at Archive

Few bands in popular music have had a more dynamic literary history than the Grateful Dead. With that in mind, UC Santa Cruz has put together the third annual exhibition for the campus’s Grateful Dead Archive.

Former farm apprentice wins national food sustainability leadership award

Karen Washington, a graduate of the 2008 Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture at the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, is one of five winners of a James Beard Foundation Leadership Award.

Campus Traffic Delays During Road Construction Work

Construction crews are expected to begin major roadway repair work on Monday July 28th, on campus roads in four different locations.

UCSC creates scholarship fund in memory of slain Soquel resident J. Gordon Smith

A scholarship fund honoring the late J. Gordon Smith has been established by his former colleagues at Long Marine Laboratory.

Studying death in ancient Greece

Last year, UC Santa Cruz received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to undertake a summer institute investigating the history of mortality in ancient Greek culture...

F. Joel Ferguson Appointed as UCSC’s Senior International Officer

Announcing the appointment of F. Joel Ferguson as UCSC’s Senior International Officer, effective July 1, 2014.

Organic flower-growing, bouquet-making workshop set for Sat., July 19

An organic flower-growing, bouquet-making workshop is set for Saturday July 19 at the Alan Chadwick Garden on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Alumnus Cary Fukunaga earns Emmy nomination for HBO's 'True Detective’

UC Santa Cruz alumnus Cary Fukunaga has been nominated for an Emmy Award in the category of “Outstanding Director for a Drama Series” for the HBO show "True Detective"

Retired UC Santa Cruz staff members endow scholarship for student veterans

A group of retired UC Santa Cruz staff members has met its goal to raise $50,000 to endow a fund that commemorates the late project architect Bruce Lane and helps veteran military students on campus.

Earth scientist Patrick Fulton to receive Early Career Award from AGU

AGU's Jason Morgan Early Career Award recognizes Fulton for outstanding research contributions.

Renewal of Employee-Initiated Reduction in Time (ERIT) Program

The University is renewing the Employee-initiated Reduction In Time (ERIT) Program which allows policy covered career staff employees, except members of the Senior Management Group (SMG), to voluntarily reduce their working time and corresponding pay in order for the University to achieve temporary salary savings.

UC Santa Cruz graduates featured at SF innovative art and music festival

Interactive art installations by four recent UC Santa Cruz graduates will be featured at the opening night of Soundwave--San Francisco’s innovative biennial three month art and music festival—at the California Academy of Sciences.

UCSC Grounds Services wins sustainability best practice award

The UCSC Grounds Services Department received the Sustainability Best Practice Award for Innovative Waste Reduction at the 2014 California Higher Education Sustainability Conference.

UC Santa Cruz names Elizabeth Cowell new University Librarian

M. Elizabeth Cowell has been selected by UC Santa Cruz as the campus’s new University Librarian, effective July 15.

Appointment of University Librarian

Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Alison Galloway announces the appointment of M. Elizabeth Cowell as University Librarian, pending approval by UC President Janet Napolitano.

Two UC Santa Cruz Earth scientists honored by American Geophysical Union

Gary Glatzmaier and Thorne Lay will receive AGU medals in recognition of their breakthrough achievements in Earth science.

Porter College hosts ceremony for 94 newly naturalized U.S. citizens

Ninety-four new Americans were sworn in during citizenship ceremonies held Wednesday at Porter College on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Location Change for UCSC's Designated Occupational Medicine Clinic

Effective Monday, July 7, 2014, Santa Cruz Occupational Medical Center (SCOMC), UCSC's designated facility for treatment of on-the-job injuries, will be operating from a new location.

Admissions Campus Events 2014–2015

As we prepare to welcome our new, incoming students to Summer Orientation, we’re already looking ahead to the next admissions cycle and would like to share two key Admissions dates with the campus.

$4-million gift establishes endowment to support sustainable agriculture

A $4-million gift to the University of California, Santa Cruz will establish an endowment to support the Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture, the nation's first hands-on training program for beginning organic farmers at a public university.

Astrophysicist Douglas Lin wins 2014 Brouwer Award

Douglas N. C. Lin earns recognition for outstanding contributions to the field of dynamical astronomy.

What a $4 million endowment for CASFS means to UC Santa Cruz

A $4 million endowment provided by an anonymous donor for the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) in the Division of Social Sciences.

Proposed Fare Increases for Commuter Vanpool and Faculty/Staff SCMTD Bus Pass Programs

Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) is proposing monthly fare increases for two transportation services: the UCSC Faculty/Staff SCMTD Bus Pass Program, and the Commuter Vanpool Program.

UCSC graduate student is a new kind of storyteller

Aaron Reed's award-winning games use computer technology to explore the possibilities of interactive fiction.

Optometry services available for UCSC faculty and staff at the Student Health Center

The UCSC Student Health Services is happy to announce that Optometry Services are available to UCSC faculty and staff at the Student Health Center starting immediately.

Changes in fire and emergency management services

Beginning next week, July 1, the UC Santa Cruz Fire Department will be reorganized and fire suppression services for the campus will be consolidated with and provided by the City of Santa Cruz.

UC Santa Cruz to offer sustainability minor beginning in fall

UC Santa Cruz will offer a minor in Sustainability studies beginning in the fall 2014 quarter with a strong engineering component that is aimed at giving students extensive hands-on experience that can lead to jobs in a "green economy."

Summer 2014 major construction impacts

Every summer Physical Planning and Construction and Physical Plant undertake capital improvement and maintenance projects that support and upgrade the campus infrastructure and buildings.

California Whistleblower Protection Act- Annual Notice

The University of California is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct in the fulfillment of its education, research, public service and patient care mission.

Lionel Cantu Queer Center director receives lifetime achievement award

Deborah Abbott, director of the Lionel Cantú Queer Center at UC Santa Cruz since 1997, has received an LGBTQ Lifetime Achievement Award from the Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County.

Eligibility for Retiree Health Benefits

President Napolitano recently approved a change to the eligibility rules for retiree health.

Appointment of Martin Berger as acting dean of the Arts Division

CP/EVC Alison Galloway announces the appointment of Martin Berger as acting dean of the Arts Division.

UC Santa Cruz humanities alum named 2014 ACLS Public Fellow

UC Santa Cruz humanities alumnus Michael Ursell has been named a 2014 ACLS Public Fellow by the American Council of Learned Societies.

Student philanthropists step up to help fellow Banana Slugs with Senior Legacy Fund

This “Slugs helping Slugs’’ philosophy drives members of UC Santa Cruz's Senior Class Council, a student philanthropy group that steps up to give moral support and financial help to fellow students.

UC Santa Cruz 'FitLife' program begins Monday, June 23

Beginning Monday, June 23, the UC Santa Cruz Wellness program operated by the Office of Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports (OPERS) will be renamed "UCSC FitLife."

Carving out their niche

Alumni business partners find Kickstarter enthusiasm for their creation — a programmable desktop 3-D router with a consumer-friendly a price tag.

In Memoriam: Glen Winans

Glen Winans, who served as assistant dean and chief of staff for the Baskin School of Engineering, passed away on June 7.

Energy demands of raising a pup push sea otter moms to the limit

Study by UCSC biologists reveals just how much it costs a sea otter mom to raise her pup.

Leadership change in Baskin Engineering

EVC Alison Galloway announces the appointment of Joe Konopelski as interim dean of the Jack Baskin School of Engineering. Konopelski succeeds Art Ramirez, who earlier announced his intention to step down in order to focus on his research.

SCIPP director Steve Ritz testifies at congressional hearing on physics research

As chair of a panel charged with setting national priorities for particle physics research, Ritz testified before a House subcommittee

Slug success

Chancellor Blumenthal celebrates student, faculty, and staff achievement as we head into commencement weekend.

Porter College announces inaugural Machotka Chairs in Creative Studies

Patty Gallagher, Gary Young, and Shelley Stamp have been chosen as the inaugural recipients of the Pavel Machotka Chair in Creative Studies at Porter College.

Human rights activist named winner of Gabriel Zimmerman Scholarship

Abuoali "Arash" Mohajerinejad is the third winner of the Gabriel Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship given to a social sciences undergrad committed to a career in public service.

Eight faculty members honored with Excellence in Teaching awards

One of the highest honors a UC Santa Cruz faculty member can receive is an Excellence in Teaching Award given each spring by the Academic Senate's Committee on Teaching.

Never give up on a dream

Re-entry student Raymundo Reyes, who dropped out of high school to raise seven siblings, is on to his next chapter—a literature degree from UC Santa Cruz.

Student entrepreneurs pitch business ideas developed at UC Santa Cruz

The Entrepreneurship Showcase in Silicon Valley featured cash prizes, networking, and real-world business challenges for students.

UCSC to offer new B.A. degree in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies

Beginning this fall, students at UC Santa Cruz can now declare a major in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies (CRES), leading to a new bachelor of arts degree.

Wlad Godzich receives Dizikes Award for teaching in Humanities

Distinguished Professor of Literature Wlad Godzich was presented with the John Dizikes Faculty Teaching Award in Humanities.

Beware of identity theft happening to university employees

The Police Department and Information Technology Services want to take this opportunity to warn you about a recent report from the FBI's Cyber Security Division about identity theft.

Spring update on 2013-14 curriculum changes

Update on changes to the graduate and undergraduate curriculum as well as plans for promoting major learning outcomes.

In Memoriam: Julien Petersen

Julien Petersen, a senior software engineer at the UCSC University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) at NASA Ames, passed away on Wednesday, May 28th.

New book features stunning photos of California coast from the air

California Coast from the Air, the latest book by coastal geologist Gary Griggs, features aerial photographs of the state's coastline.

Updated Summer 2014 Orientation Dates

Starting July 22, over 4,700 new UC Santa Cruz students and over 3,500 family members will be on our campus for Summer Orientation.

2014 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity

Chancellor Blumenthal announces the recipients of the 2014 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity.

UCSC selects acclaimed New York firm to design Institute of Arts and Sciences

The University of California, Santa Cruz, announced today that the award-winning New York firm, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, has been selected to design the campus’s new Institute of the Arts and Sciences.

Senior International Officer Search

The search committee for the Senior International Officer (SIO) will be inviting finalists for campus interviews after the initial review date of June 6.

Huffman Prize winner approaches bioengineering with an artist's eye

Payam Yousefi, who graduates in June with a B.S. in bioengineering and a minor in bioinformatics, is the 2014 Huffman Prize winner.

UC and UAW reach tentative agreement; systemwide strike averted

The United Auto Workers, representing academic student employees, has agreed not to strike

Astronomers detect two planets orbiting nearby ancient star

An international team of scientists has reported two planets orbiting a nearby and very old star known as Kapteyn's star.

Corporate-sponsored projects give engineering students valuable experience

UCSC engineering students presented their corporate-sponsored senior design projects to mentors and faculty

Oakes student's football helmet science project scores two White House visits

A chance to visit the White House and chat with the president is a pretty big deal for most people, but UC Santa Cruz student Maria Hanes had the opportunity twice this week.

Welcome to retirement event

The Staff Advisory Board, The Emeriti Association and the Retiree's Association are excited to announce a new event to welcome staff and faculty to retirement.

Marine scientist Adina Paytan honored by Geochemical Society

Adina Paytan, a research scientist in the Institute of Marine Sciences, will be honored as a Geochemical Fellow.

Remembering Our Commitment to Our Principles of Community

Chancellor Blumenthal writes to the campus about UCSC's commitment to our Principles of Community.

8th annual screening of Soc Doc graduate films at Del Mar Theatre

UCSC presents the 8th annual exhibition of thesis films from the Film and Digital Media Department’s masters program in Social Documentation on June 11.

UC Santa Cruz commencements are set for June 13-15

Commencement ceremonies at UC Santa Cruz are scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 13-15, hosted by UCSC's 10 colleges, as well as the graduate division and the Baskin School of Engineering.

Congrats, Class of 2014!

Ideally, we'd profile every one of UCSC's talented, passionate, and determined graduates--but the three students featured here serve as excellent representatives of the Class of 2014.

UCSC receives major grant to revamp introductory science courses

A $1.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute supports efforts to increase the number of students earning science degrees

Social Sciences division ranked 7th for faculty impact in news media

The Social Sciences Division at UC Santa Cruz ranks seventh in the nation in a study based on faculty citations in the news media compared with federal research funding.

Caring for yourself during this difficult time

During these difficult times we look to our community to help us through. Please remember to take care of yourself, reach out to your support systems, and be there for others.

Communicating science

Student Nick Lounsbury saw a problem at UCSC: there was cutting-edge research happening on campus, but no one knew about it. His answer? The creation of UC Santa Cruz's first student-run scientific magazine: Scientific Slug.

First annual spring ‘Celebration of the Arts’ set for June 6

On Friday, June 6, the UCSC Arts Division will present its first annual "Celebration of the Arts," featuring work from students in all six departments of the division.

NSF grant funds development of alternatives to phthalate plasticizers

Chemistry professor Rebecca Braslau has developed a new approach that could lead to a safe and affordable alternative to widely used phthalates

June 3 is Primary Election Day — Reminder to Vote

Tuesday, June 3 is Primary Election Day. There are important votes for Governor and other federal, state and local candidates as well as two initiatives.

Possible UAW Strike in June

The United Auto Workers union, representing academic student employees on UC campuses, has indicated that it is preparing for a systemwide strike that would begin June 7.

Santa Barbara tragedy: UCSC students hold vigil

In a message Saturday, Chancellor Blumenthal expressed horror at the shootings near UC Santa Barbara and reminded students of available counseling support. UCSC students held a campus vigil Monday.

UCSC Farm & Garden’s market cart produce stand opens June 3

The UCSC Farm & Garden’s market cart opens for the 2014 season on Tuesday, June 3.

UCSC honors Jack Baskin with a plaque at the Baskin School of Engineering

Campus leaders honored Jack Baskin for his many contributions to the Baskin School of Engineering in a ceremony on Thursday.

Time to Renew Parking Permits and Metro Bus Passes

It is time for staff and faculty to renew or purchase parking permits and Metro bus passes for 2014-15.

Time to Purchase 2014-15 Student Parking Permits for Graduates

Graduate students may now pre-order their 2014-15 permit by using the on-line application at http://basx2.ucsc.edu/application14/.

Opening the doors of history

History major Helen Porter took a circuitous path to a unique undergraduate research project exploring the complicated world of Okinawa in the 1950s

The impact of wildfires

A grad student who came to the U.S. from Nigeria with dreams of becoming a scientist discovers a hidden consequence of fires.

CAFIN Spring Lecture: Finance at light speed, high-frequency trading

An expert on high-frequency stock market trading will deliver the Spring Lecture of the UC Santa Cruz Center for Analytical Finance (CAFIN) on Wednesday, May 28, from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Simularium, E2 Building on the UCSC campus.

Gun control, gun rights, and Second Amendment panel set for Wednesday

Gun advocates, gun opponents, and Constitutional experts will discuss gun control, gun rights, and Second Amendment issues Wednesday, May 28, at 7 p.m. at the Colleges Nine and Ten Multipurpose Room on the UCSC campus.

Spring 2014 Campus Elections Results

I write to announce that the results of the 2014 Campus Elections for undergraduate students are now available.

Time to Purchase 2014-15 Student Parking Permits

Undergraduate students who are eligible for parking may now pre-order their 2014-15 permit by using the on-line application at http://basx2.ucsc.edu/application14/.

Acclaimed TV and film producers coming to UCSC on May 28

The 2014 Arts Dean's Lecture Series comes to a close on Wednesday, May 28, with a special panel discussion featuring prominent artists from the television and film industry.

New book examines states' influence on national voter turnout

In her new book, Melanie Jean Springer, UC Santa Cruz assistant professor of politics, examines voter turnout in the United States, one of the lowest in any developed democracy, and reform efforts to improve it.

Astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz wins fellowship at Harvard's Radcliffe Institute

Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz is among a select group of 50 artists and scholars chosen for the Radcliffe Fellows Program.

Flora Lu named provost of College Nine and College Ten

Flora Lu, associate professor of environmental studies, has been named provost for College Nine and College Ten beginning in the fall.

Two initiatives to enhance graduate education

Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Alison Galloway and Graduate Dean Tyrus Miller announce two initiatives that will enhance graduate education -- and improve the quality of the undergraduate experience, as well.

Wireless camera network offers new possibilities for security systems

A prototype solar-powered device developed at UCSC has potential applications for security cameras and wildlife monitoring in remote areas.

Formal Review: Proposed Renewal of the Employee-initiated Reduction In Time (ERIT) Program

The University is proposing to renew the Employee-initiated Reduction In Time (ERIT) Program, which is an optional tool that locations and organizational units may choose to implement as a cost saving resource.

Irwin Scholars Exhibition opens May 28 at UCSC’s Sesnon Gallery

Each year in the spring, the annual Irwin Scholars Exhibition at the Sesnon Gallery showcases some of UCSC’s most promising young artists.

Astronomer Harland Epps honored by Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Harland Epps, a pioneer of astronomical optics, will receive the ASP's Maria and Eric Muhlmann Award.

Reporting Academic Dishonesty

The Council of Provosts and I ask you and your teaching assistants to be on guard for, and to formally report, incidents of academic dishonesty by following the Committee on Educational Policy's Academic Integrity Policy.

UCSC Events Calendar

In an effort to better promote UC Santa Cruz and provide a one-stop web site to promote all campus events, University Relations is pleased to announce a new and improved online Events Calendar.

New Director of the Office of Sponsored Projects

I am pleased to announce that Kate Aja will succeed Larry Castro, who is retiring as Director of the Office of Sponsored Projects at the end of June.

Land and power: Study shows how women discover one leads to the other

UC Santa Cruz assistant professor of psychology Shelly Grabe finds that when women in developing countries own land, they gain power within their relationships and are less likely to experience violence.

11th Cesar Chavez Convocation features activist, educator Cesar Cruz

The 11th annual Cesar Chavez Convocation will feature Cesar A. Cruz, a writer, educator, and community organizer who will speak on the need for immigration reform.

Update on strategic planning

As the campus's year-long strategic planning process unfolds, Chancellor Blumenthal and CP/EVC Galloway invite stakeholders to provide input.

Cancer biologist Joan Brugge to give annual Sinsheimer Lecture May 22

Joan Brugge from Harvard Medical School will deliver the 2014 Sinsheimer Distinguished Lecture in Biology on Thursday, May 22.

Export Control Awareness

Information to increase awareness about export control regulations.

UCSC grad student to promote short film at Cannes Film Festival

UC Santa Cruz graduate student Rolando Vargas is heading to France this week for the screening of his documentary film, "Walking Kids of Choco," at the 67h annual Cannes Film Festival.

Invitation for Voluntary Disability Survey

As a friendly reminder, if you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete the one-question voluntary survey emailed to all UC staff and academic employees on or around April 3rd, from the following sender UC_Disability_Survey@vres.us.

Coral reefs provide valuable protection for coastlines

A new study shows that coral reefs offer cost-effective protection from coastal storms, flooding, and rising sea levels.

Awards recognize top presentations at Graduate Research Symposium

Graduate students from all divisions shared their research at the 10th Annual Graduate Research Symposium.

2014 Thumbs Up Awards

The Staff Advisory Board is very pleased to sponsor the 2014 UCSC Thumbs Up Awards!

Staff Advisory Board Elections - 3 openings

It is time to choose your new or returning Staff Advisory Board members.

Making tangible change

Inspired by a UC Santa Cruz class, a group of friends formed a socially conscious nonprofit as a way of keeping in touch after graduating—and have since funded more than $180,000 in projects

UCSC Farm’s CSA program accepting members for 2014

The UCSC Farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is open for business and accepting new and renewing members.

UCSC emeritus professor Nathaniel Mackey wins prestigious poetry prize

Nathaniel Mackey, professor emeritus of literature at UC Santa Cruz, has been named the winner of the Poetry Foundation’s 2014 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize.

GPS collar documents puma's travels from mountains to Mountain View

Forty-six m (46m) is a young puma on the move. A GPS tracking collar that UC Santa Cruz scientists placed around his neck reveals his journey into suburban Silicon Valley.

UCSC engineer focuses on assistive technology for people with disabilities

Roberto Manduchi applies computer vision technology to develop products that address daily challenges faced by visually impaired people.

Proportion of shade-grown coffee shrinks as overall cultivation grows

While the cultivation of coffee has increased globally, the proportion of shade-grown coffee has fallen by nearly 20 percent since 1996, according to a study published in the May 5th issue of the journal BioScience.

Cosmologist Tom Abel explores the early universe in public lecture May 27

Inaugural Mandel Lecture will provide a fascinating journey through the first billion years of our universe

Tchad Sanger appointed to University Registrar

After a national search for the University Registrar, the Division of Undergraduate Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Tchad Sanger.

Campus Access and Parking this Saturday

This Saturday, May 10, the Student Union Assembly is sponsoring the Edge of Eden Music Festival on UCSC's East Field. Several thousand concertgoers will start arriving by 2pm and stay until the show ends at 10pm.

Grad student in literature awarded Mellon/ACLS fellowship

Ariane Helou, a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Literature, has been awarded a 2013-14 Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Completion Fellowship from The American Council of Learned Societies.

Thorne Lay honored by Seismological Society of America

Harry Fielding Reid Medal is the second major honor in one week for Lay, who was just elected to the National Academy of Sciences

Survey on eCommons and campus learning systems

UC Santa Cruz is interested in improving your experiences using eCommons, and your response to the survey below is very important to us.

Staff Appreciation Picnic and UC Walks – Tuesday, May 20

We are excited to share that the Annual Staff Appreciation Picnic and UC Walks will both take place this year on Tuesday, May 20th.

Biennial travel patterns survey

UCSC's Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) is launching its biennial survey to collect data on the travel patterns of our students, faculty, and staff. The survey is a key part of our effort to monitor and improve our programs, services, and systems.

Anthropocene conference looks at living life on a damaged planet

Can humans and other species continue to inhabit the Earth together after all the havoc that has been wrought? And how will they do it? These questions are at the heart of an international conference next week at UC Santa Cruz.

Danny Scheie to direct student cast in ‘revolutionary’ rock musical

UCSC Theater Arts professor Danny Scheie will direct a student cast in the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical "Rent" at the Mainstage Theater.

SAB Call for Nominations - 3 openings

I am pleased to announce the nomination period for 2014-2015 Staff Advisory Board (SAB) members is now open.

Grad students in the spotlight at Graduate Research Symposium May 9

The 10th annual Graduate Research Symposium will take place on Friday, May 9, at McHenry Library.

Graduate student in history wins Fulbright Award

Benjamin Pietrenka, a PhD Candidate in the Department of History, has been awarded a 2014-2015 Fulbright IIE Research Fellowship.

UCSC language students to present International Playhouse

UCSC will present the 14th season of "The Miriam Ellis International Playhouse," an annual program of fully-staged short theater pieces by students in the Languages and Applied Linguistics Department.

UCSC ranks 2nd in the U.S., 11th overall among universities under 50

UC Santa Cruz ranks 2nd in the U.S. and 11th overall among the top universities in the world under 50 years old, according to an annual analysis by Times Higher Education (THE).

Mandatory water rationing begins today

Effective today the city's water rationing program is mandatory and the overall reduction goal has climbed to 25 percent.

Bike to Work Week activities

UCSC's Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) has joined with Ecology Action to host the 27th annual Santa Cruz County Spring Bike Week, May 2 - 9, 2014.

Red Hat to acquire Inktank, a cloud storage company with UCSC roots

Software provider Red Hat will acquire Inktank, a data storage company with origins in a UCSC research project, for $175 million.

In Memoriam: Robert Bickal

Acclaimed game designer coming to UCSC’s Digital Arts Research Center

Award-winnning game designer and producer Robin Hunicke will present a talk titled “Expanding Games” on Tuesday, May 6, at the UCSC Digital Arts Research Center.

Two UCSC professors elected to National Academy of Sciences

Ecologist James Estes and seismologist Thorne Lay have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

2014 Student campus elections

Please take a moment to review this year's undergraduate student ballot.

In Memoriam: Don Frederickson

We are sad to report that ITS staff member, Don Fredrickson, passed away on April 19.

James Estes and Thorne Lay elected to National Academy of Sciences

Chancellor Blumenthal announces the election of two faculty members to the National Academy of Sciences.

Online review of ladder rank faculty actions begins May 1

We are pleased to announce that the first phase of our transition to an online system for reviewing academic advancement files, DivData Review, will launch on May 1, 2014.

UCSC awards first annual Gram Memorial Scholarship to creative writing student

UCSC student James Williams, a former machinist who returned to school to be around “people who talk about books,” is now the first recipient of the Kenneth Andrew Gram Memorial Scholarship.

Alumna Kathryn Sullivan on Time's '100 Most Influential People' list

UCSC alumna Kathryn Sullivan is featured on Time magazine's 2014 list of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Mark Massoud's book on law in Sudan wins Law and Society Association award

"Law’s Fragile State: Colonial, Authoritarian, and Humanitarian Legacies in Sudan" has won the Herbert Jacob Prize for the best book in law and society published in 2013.

$1 million gift from alumna Julie Packard funds student programs at UCSC

UCSC has received a $1 million gift from alumna Julie Packard, executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Service Recognition Awards

Each year the Student Volunteer Center recognizes students, faculty, staff and on campus organizations who have demonstrated exemplary service to the UCSC and local community. Do you know a person, staff/faculty or organization who fits this criteria?

Major gift supports diversity in the sciences

I am excited to share the news that Julie Packard (Crown, BA Biology ’74, MA Biology ’78) has given the Division of Physical & Biological Sciences a gift of $1 million to establish the Dean’s Fund for Diversity in the Sciences.

UCSC receives NEA grant for art/science project on ocean ecology

UCSC has been awarded an NEA grant to support Blue Trail: Imagination and Innovation for Ocean Sustainability--a series of art installations that will be spread out across the San Francisco waterfront.

De-extinction: Building future worlds with extinct organisms?

De-extinction and the accompanying moral and ethical questions will be probed Wednesday, April 23 as the UC Santa Cruz Science and Justice Working Group hosts “De-Extinction: Building Future Worlds with Extinct Organisms?”

UCSC Farm & Garden’s annual spring plant sale set for weekend of May 3, 4

The UCSC Farm & Garden’s spring plant sale this year features many “water-wise” varieties of food and landscape plants, along with information on water-conserving crops and practices, and a free seed exchange hosted by UCSC’s Demeter Seed Library.

UCSC highlighted in Guide to Green Colleges

UCSC is one of four UC campuses scoring 99 points–the most possible–in The Princeton Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges, a free guide featuring colleges with a strong commitment to the environment and to sustainability.

Systemwide Review of Proposal to Renew UC Policy on Supplement to Military Pay

The University invites comments on the proposal to renew the University of California Policy on Supplement to Military Pay for a four-year period, effective July 1, 2014.

In Memoriam: Gene Stone

Russell "Gene" Stone, Jr., a police chief at UC Santa Cruz for 16 years, died on April 11 from complications related to cancer. He had turned 81 a day earlier.

UC Santa Cruz increases admission to California freshmen for fall 2014

UC Santa Cruz offered admission to 23,176 students for its fall 2014 freshmen class, the vast majority coming from California high schools.

Student Response to April 20th

Check out the festival from 2 to 6 p.m. at OPERS East Field on April 20.

Appointment of new chief campus counsel

Chancellor Blumenthal and CP/EVC Galloway announce the appointment of Michael A. Troncoso as chief campus counsel.

New program pairs alumni mentors with engineering undergraduates

Engineering students benefit from the experience and industry connections of alumni mentors.

UCSC grad students to showcase digital art with social impact

Eleven graduate students from UCSC's Digital Arts and New Media M.F.A. Program (DANM) will conclude two years of artistic study with "Undercurrents"--an exhibition running on campus April 26 through May 4.

UC Santa Cruz workshop offers basics of citrus selection, planting and care

The keys to successful citrus growing will be explained at “Get Zesty! Citrus for the Home Gardener and Small-Scale Grower" Saturday, April 26, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the UCSC Farm on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

'Condor Watch' enlists citizen scientists to help an endangered species

Biologists studying the endangered California condor have launched a new web site to enlist the help of citizen scientists.

Public Safety Alert for April 20

This notification is being provided to advise members of the campus community, others with valid reasons for visiting the UC Santa Cruz campus, and campus neighbors of the potential for disruptions and hazards associated with an unsanctioned gathering known as "4-20" during the afternoon of Sunday, April 20.

DNA Day on April 25 commemorates completion of Human Genome Project

UCSC will host an informative celebration of DNA Day, a national event on Friday, April 25.

In Memoriam: Ginny Fitzmaurice

We regret to inform you that Virginia "Ginny" Fitzmaurice, a long-time employee at UC Santa Cruz, died February 8 following a prolonged illness.

Alumnus Robert Dawson receives Guggenheim award for photography

UC Santa Cruz alumnus Robert Dawson has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in the Creative Arts for photography.

Panetta to deliver keynote at Launch! a celebration of the student experience

Leon Panetta, former CIA director and secretary of defense, will address whether America is in renaissance or decline during Launch! A celebration of the UCSC student experience featuring a dinner and exhibitions of student work.

President Obama nominates UCSC alumnus as NEH chair

President Obama announced today his intent to nominate UC Santa Cruz alumnus Dr. William “Bro” Adams as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

B. Ruby Rich to host lecture series on 'New Queer Cinema'

This spring, the 2014 Arts Dean's Lecture Series "Issues in the Arts" features a series of free lectures by guest speakers from the film course "Lesbian, Gay, and Queer Cinema," taught by UCSC professor and film critic B. Ruby Rich.

History professor Terry Burke to give 2014 Emeriti Faculty Lecture

Emeritus history professor Edmund “Terry” Burke III, director of the UCSC Center for World History, will deliver the 2014 Spring Emeriti Faculty Lecture on Thursday, April 17, at the UCSC Music Center Recital Hall.

Deer fawning season alert

Please be aware that spring is the prime birthing season for a wide variety of campus wildlife, including deer.

Campus visits by candidates for University Librarian

The search committee for the University Librarian has selected three finalists to visit campus this month. This is your opportunity to participate in the interview process, and I hope you will attend.

Coupon sharing app wins top prize in first UCSC hackathon

About 100 UCSC students turned out for HACK UCSC 2014, the first UCSC hackathon.

'War to Home' exhibition shares veterans' realities of military service

An exhibit at UCSC's Porter College explores the impact of military service, deployment, and homecoming for 40 veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Memoriam: Bruce Picano

With sadness we write to inform you of the death of Bruce Picano, a 3rd year graduate student in the Visual Studies Ph.D. program.

Walk to Class Challenge Day on April 22nd

An exciting, new annual event called Walk to Class Challenge Day that will take place on April 22, 2014.

Systemwide Review of UC Policy on Copyright and Fair Use

We write to announce systemwide review of proposed revisions to the 1986 Policy on the Reproduction of Copyrighted Materials for Teaching and Research, a presidential policy on copyright and fair use.

Orbital physics is child's play with 'Super Planet Crash'

An online game and educational resources are offshoots of the software astronomers use to find planets beyond our solar system

International Court of Justice rules against Japanese whaling program

UCSC mathematical biologist Marc Mangel testified in a case challenging the legality of Japan's controversial whaling program.

This week's strike activities

Chancellor Blumenthal writes about the two-day strike throughout the UC system April 2-3 — and its impact on the campus.

Registration for Recreation Classes and Workshops

Registration begins on Tuesday, April 8th at 9 am. We offer an amazing assortment of classes and workshops to meet every students needs.

UCSC alumni photographers focus on environment for exhibition

Three UC Santa Cruz alumni photographers will present their work as artists, environmentalists, and educators at a new exhibition beginning April 9, at the Sesnon Gallery.

Today's strike activities

Today was the first day of a two-day systemwide strike called by the United Auto Workers union. I appreciate the calm and professional manner in which UC police handled this morning's challenge. Other members of the campus community are also to be commended for their patience and understanding.

Stay informed about impacts from local strike activities

In a campus message last week, Chancellor Blumenthal and Campus Provost/EVC Galloway shared information about systemwide strike activities announced for UC campuses on Wednesday and Thursday, April 2 and 3.

Edge of Eden Musical Festival

The Dean of Students Office, in association with the Student Union Assembly, is proud to announce the line-up for the first annual Edge of Eden Music Festival taking place on Saturday, May 10, at the East Field from 2 to 10 p.m.

'April in Santa Cruz' music festival returns to UCSC, April 4-18

The UCSC Music Department will present "April in Santa Cruz," a two-week series of free performances on campus, April 4-18.

$2-million gift supports natural history fieldwork at UC Santa Cruz

A $2-million gift from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation in honor of the late professor Kenneth Norris will help ensure that UC Santa Cruz continues as a leader in natural history and at the forefront of educating students to become environmental leaders.

Music and stargazing draw summer visitors to Lick Observatory

For over 30 years, the summer programs at UC's Lick Observatory have drawn music lovers and astronomy buffs to the top of Mt. Hamilton.

Major gift will support a hallmark of the UCSC student experience

Chancellor Blumenthal announces a $2 million gift from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation to support a hallmark of the UCSC student experience.

Seymour Center honors Ocean Conservancy's Andreas Merkl with Global Oceans Award

Ocean Conservancy president and UCSC alumnus Andreas Merkl was honored at the Global Oceans Awards Gala.

UCSC Arboretum holds annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 12

The Arboretum offers new, colorful, drought-tolerant, and unusual plants for creating dynamic central coast gardens.

In Memoriam: Glen Langdon

Glen Langdon, professor emeritus of computer engineering, passed away on March 11 at the age of 77.

Possible UAW Strike on April 2-3

Chancellor Blumenthal and EVC Galloway inform the campus community that the UAW has said it will hold a two-day strike throughout the UC system April 2-3.

Scholarship fund opened in memory of slain UCSC grad Elizabeth Butler

A scholarship fund has been opened in memory of Elizabeth Butler, the UC Santa Cruz Community Studies graduate who became a Santa Cruz police officer and was killed on duty a year ago.

Genome scientist Melissa Cline honored for mentoring women in science

Melissa Cline, a project scientist for the Cancer Genomics Browser, will receive the 2014 Ellen Weaver Award for mentoring young women in science.

Lemonade on Science Hill supports cancer research

The lemonade stand that will be set up in the engineering courtyard on Friday, April 18, is about far more than a glass of lemonade.

UCSC students will code for Santa Cruz in April 5-6 'hackathon'

The first UC Santa Cruz "hackathon" will bring together student software developers, designers, and entrepreneurs.

Free, guided tours of UCSC Farm begin monthly starting Sunday, April 6

Free, guided tours of one of Santa Cruz’s most beautiful locations – the 30-acre organic farm at UC Santa Cruz – are offered from 2 to 3:30 pm on the first Sunday of the month beginning April 6.

Lick's Automated Planet Finder: First robotic telescope for planet hunters

In its first months of operation, the APF has found two new planetary systems, giving astronomers a taste of planetary riches to come

Exxon Valdez oil spill was a turning point for biologist Terrie Williams

Twenty-five years ago, the Exxon Valdez ran aground off the coast of Alaska and spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil.

Deconstruction begins of historic Cowell Ranch barn

Crews began dismantling the historic Cowell Ranch hay barn Tuesday (March 18), the first step in a multi-year process to rebuild it as a home for many of UCSC's leading environmental and sustainability programs.

Gary Young wins 2014 George Bogin Memorial Award for poetry

UCSC humanities lecturer and alumnus Gary Young has received the 2014 George Bogin Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of America.

UCSC alumnus Hoyt Peckham awarded Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation

Hoyt Peckham has been awarded a 2014 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation to expand on work he began as a UCSC grad student.

UCSC results of systemwide campus climate survey

Chancellor Blumenthal writes about a UC systemwide survey, assessing the institutional climate of the university. Nearly one-third of us at UC Santa Cruz took the time to fill out the survey.

2014 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity Nominations

As a reminder, you are invited to submit nominations for the 2014 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity.

Alumni Weekend: Get ready for 'likes,' laughs, and memories

Banana Slugs will turn their antennae back to their redwood-forested alma mater from April 25-27 for Alumni Weekend 2014, returning to the special place that provided many alums with their "original social network."

UC Santa Cruz graduates lead major social science associations

UC Santa Cruz graduates Annette Lareau and Carroll Seron are leading two major social science associations.

Reintroduction experiments give new hope for a plant on the brink of extinction

A critically endangered plant is inching back from the brink of extinction thanks to a UCSC plant ecologist and her students.

UCSC's 'Project Awesome' supports women in computing

Project Awesome is an ongoing effort to recruit and retain more women students in computer science and computer engineering.

SAB Winter/Spring Chancellor’s Staff Forum

All UCSC staff are invited to the SAB-sponsored Winter/Spring Staff Forum with Chancellor Blumenthal on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Stevenson Event Center.

In Memoriam: Krish Patel

Krish Patel, a College Nine senior majoring in Business Management Economics and Applied Physics, has passed away.

UCSC announces three finalists for national architect competition

UC Santa Cruz announced that Allied Works Architecture (Portland/New York), Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects (New York), and the team of Patkau Architects (Vancouver, B.C.) and Fong & Chan Architects (San Francisco) have been selected as finalists in the architect search for the campus’s new Institute of the Arts and Sciences.

UPDATE: At-Risk Missing Person

Camille Reyesgilpin has been found.

Appointment of Associate Vice Chancellor for Research

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Quentin Williams, professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, as associate vice chancellor for research with primary responsibility for our academic relationship with NASA.

CASFS apprenticeship alum wins land steward award from Georgia Organics

Celia Barss, a 2002 graduate of the Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food System’s apprenticeship program at UC Santa Cruz, won the 2014 Land Steward Award as Georgia’s organic agriculture community held its 17th annual organics conference.

Acclaimed lawyer for Holocaust survivors to speak at UCSC

UC Santa Cruz will present a lecture by UC Hastings College of the Law Professor Morris Ratner titled "A Monument Man in the Courtroom: Litigating the Holocaust," on Monday, April 7, at UCSC’s University Center.

2014-15 Salary Increase Program for Academic Employees

We are pleased to inform you that President Napolitano has approved a salary increase program for all faculty and eligible non-represented academic employees for fiscal year 2014-15.

UC Santa Cruz ranked among top schools for game design

The game design programs at UCSC were named among the top programs in the country by the Princeton Review.

50th Anniversary Brown Bag: Tell your UCSC story!

We write as Co-Chairs of the 50th Anniversary Campus Coordinating Committee to invite you to the Winter campus-wide Brown Bag meeting.

Senate confirms UCSC alumnus Vince Chhabria as U.S. District judge

The U.S. Senate last week confirmed UC Santa Cruz alumnus Vince Chhabria ('91, Merrill, politics) as a U.S. district judge for the Northern District of California.

Diane Gifford-Gonzalez elected president of the Society for American Archaeology

Diane Gifford-Gonzalez, professor of anthropology at UC Santa Cruz, has been elected president of the Society for American Archaeology.

Eduardo Mosqueda wins early career scholar award

Eduardo Mosqueda, assistant professor of education at UC Santa Cruz, has won the 2014 Hispanic Research Issues Special Interest Group (SIG) Early Career Scholar Award.

Event Santa Cruz features talks by UCSC professors and alumni

Three UC Santa Cruz social science professors and three alumni who have started businesses in Santa Cruz are featured speakers at the next Event Santa Cruz set for 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, at the Nickelodeon Theatres.

UCSC alumna Kathryn Sullivan confirmed as NOAA administrator

The U.S. Senate has confirmed UCSC alumna Kathryn Sullivan as under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere.

2013-14 Excellence in Teaching Awards Nominations

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

Psychology's Haney discusses solitary confinement on NPR's 'Fresh Air'

An interview with UC Santa Cruz psychology professor Craig Haney is scheduled on the public radio program "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross.

UPDATE: Protest at Hahn has ended

Beware of Scams

The Police Department and Information Technology Services want to take this opportunity to warn you about recently reported IRS and PG&E scams.

Play with Barbie dolls affects career aspirations for girls

Girls who play with Barbie dolls tend to see fewer career options available to them compared with the options available to boys, according to a new study by researchers at Oregon State University and the UC, Santa Cruz.

UAW calls off March 5 strike after campus and union reach agreement

Yosemite bears and human food: Study reveals changing diets over past century

A new study reveals how much human food has contributed to the diets of Yosemite bears over the past century.

UPDATE: Power restored in Quarry Plaza

All electrical power to Quarry Plaza and to the Classroom Building has been restored as of Sunday 3/2 at around 1:50 pm.

UPDATE: Power outage in Quarry Plaza

It now appears that regular power will not be restored to Quarry Plaza until Sunday evening at the earliest.

Possible UAW Strike on Wednesday, March 5

Chancellor Blumenthal and EVC Galloway write to the campus, saying UCSC has been informed that strike activities may take place on campus on Wednesday, March 5.

2014-15 Salary Increase Program

We are pleased to inform you that at the direction of President Janet Napolitano, the University is making plans to implement a system-wide salary increase program for non-represented staff for fiscal year 2014-15.

Grant supports UC Santa Cruz research on the cause of childhood leukemia

A new grant from the nonprofit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation will help UCSC researcher Camilla Forsberg advance her work to identify the root cause of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in infants and children.

Gardening course focuses on optimizing under drought conditions

Drought conditions can be especially daunting for gardeners, but as gardening expert Orin Martin points out, “Although the drought is a challenge, it’s also an opportunity to give your garden the horticultural equivalent of a 50,000-mile tune up.”

UCSC physicists to answer questions at special screening of "Particle Fever"

Award-winning documentary about particle physicists opens with special screening followed by Q&A panel with UCSC faculty

UCSC students shine at CAMP Statewide Symposium

Five UC Santa Cruz undergraduates received awards for their research presentations at the 2014 CAMP symposium

New Zipcars on campus

The campus Zipcar fleet is expanding to ten vehicles and UCSC students, staff, and faculty interested in becoming members can take advantage of Zipcar's latest promotion.

UC, AFSCME reach tentative agreement; strike called off

We are very pleased to report that the University of California and AFSCME reached a tentative agreement late last night that covers more than 8,300 service workers systemwide, including approximately 500 of our own employees.

Operations during power outage in Quarry Plaza

All electrical power to Quarry Plaza (Bookstore, Express Store, Student Union, Redwood Building, Grad Commons, Career Center, Ethnic Resource Centers, and Joe's Pizza and Subs) and to the Classroom Building has been off since Wednesday evening.

UCSC film professor creates video to address LA public health crisis

UCSC professor of Film and Digital Media John Jota Leaños, is one of six artists tapped by a Los Angeles media arts organization to create videos addressing a public health crisis.

Spotted seal study reveals sensitive hearing in air and water

Two spotted seals at Long Marine Lab are giving scientists a rare opportunity to learn about how these arctic seals perceive their environment.

UC Dining takes top honors in Boardwalk Clam Chowder Cook-Off

Redwood Sluggers, a clam chowder cooking team from UC Santa Cruz Dining, took top honors Saturday, February 22 at the 33rd Annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off, at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

UCSC, UC Hastings Law offer accelerated law degree program

A new joint program, the first of its kind in the University of California system, will enable UC Santa Cruz students to earn a bachelor's degree and law degree in six years instead of the usual seven.

UCSC alumnus Ron Yerxa up for ‘Best Picture’ Academy Award

"Election," "Cold Mountain," "King of the Hill," "Little Miss Sunshine"…these are just a few of the high-quality films produced by Ron Yerxa since he left UC Santa Cruz with a masters degree in 1976...

UC Santa Cruz appoints Keith Brant vice chancellor of University Relations

Keith E. Brant has been named vice chancellor of University Relations, a key campus leadership position that oversees fundraising, alumni relations, communications and marketing, government and community relations, and special events.

Appointment of Vice Chancellor of University Relations

Chancellor Blumenthal and CP/EVC Galloway announce the appointment of Keith E. Brant as vice chancellor of University Relations.

2014 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity - Call for Nominations

You are invited to submit nominations for the 2014 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity.

UCSC engineering students find inspiration in eBay scholarship program

A team of engineering students has developed promising new approaches for doing online shopping from mobile devices

Staff Advisory Board Staff and Faculty Blood Drive

The Staff Advisory Board is sponsoring a Blood Centers of the Pacific Blood Drive for Staff and Faculty on Tuesday, March 4th, 2014 at the Stevenson Event Center.

Our University - February 2014

This month's Our University newsletter for faculty and staff.

Watch the movie at the Nick, see the play at UCSC’s Mainstage

Machinal, the 1928 play by Sophie Treadwell that featured a youthful Clark Gable, is currently back on Broadway this month, drawing a lot of attention from film critics in New York...

‘From These Woods’: UCSC duo honors Santa Cruz guitar makers

A new book by UCSC art alumna Renée Flower and former head of publications for University Relations Jim MacKenzie tells the story of how such a relatively large and robust community of guitar makers came to be located in Santa Cruz

When a black hole shreds a star, a bright flare tells the story

A new study shows what happens during the disruption of a star as it falls into a black hole

UCSC planetary scientist Ian Garrick-Bethell wins Sloan Research Fellowship

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship to Ian Garrick-Bethell, assistant professor of Earth and planetary sciences.

Beat-keeping sea lion back in the spotlight

Ronan, the sea lion who became an Internet sensation last year for her beat-keeping ability, is in the news again.

In Memoriam: Bruce Rosenblum

Bruce Rosenblum, professor emeritus of physics at UCSC, died on February 9, 2014, in Santa Cruz.

Changing Medical Plans after Open Enrollment during the January 1, 2014 - March 31, 2014 period

In recognition of the variety of changes made to medical plans this year, UC employees now have the opportunity to change to a different medical plan until March 31, 2014.

Gabriela Arredondo named to historians lectureship program

Gabriela F. Arredondo, associate professor of Latin American and Latino studies at UC Santa Cruz, has been appointed to the Organization of American Historians (OAH) Distinguished Lectureship Program for the 2014-2017 term.

UCSC researchers receive safety equipment at campus-wide distribution

More than 680 UC Santa Cruz researchers were fitted with custom-designed lab coats and eye protection at a distribution event hosted by UCSC's department of Environmental Health & Safety.

Haney testifies at Sacramento hearing on perils of solitary confinement

In testimony before a joint hearing on public safety, UC Santa Cruz professor Craig Haney described California's prison system as an outlier in the nation and world in the way it uses isolation of inmates.

In Memoriam - Josabet Tassu

We regret to tell you that Josabet Tassu, a freshman at the University and a member of Porter College, died Monday night, following a prolonged illness.

UCSC humanities research institute to participate in Mellon Foundation grant

The Institute for Humanities Research (IHR) at UC Santa Cruz has been selected to participate in a $1.35 million grant awarded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to the Consortium of Humanities Centers and Institutes.

MLK Convocation speaker promotes dreams, values, and education

Freeman A. Hrabowski, III delivered a rollicking 25-minute keynote address at the 30th annual UCSC Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation February 6.

Welcome visitors to campus this spring

UCSC will see a large number of visitors to the campus in March and April, many of whom will be our newly admitted frosh and transfer students, along with their families.

Impact of Quarry Plaza construction on Night Shuttle

Impact of Quarry Plaza construction on Night Shuttle

UCSC climate conference draws distinguished scientists, policymakers

Distinguished climate scientists, policymakers, and commentators will participate in a major national conference on climate science and climate change at UC Santa Cruz on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1, 2014.

Community Crime Bulletin -- Sexual Battery

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating a report of sexual battery that occurred on February 5, 2014, at 1045 hours, in the OPERS East Field House men's locker room.

Making tangible change

Alums who formed socially conscious nonprofit as a way of keeping in touch have funded more than $180,000 in projects.

Friends of Long Marine Lab supports 16 student research projects

Friends of LML Student Research and Education Awards will support studies of sea otters, sperm whales, extreme waves, and more.

If It ain’t Baroque, don’t fix it

Four decades ago, UCSC music professor Linda Burman-Hall founded the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival and today it's still going strong.

Amborella genome sequenced using material from UCSC Arboretum

The UCSC Arboretum provided plant material from the its collections to researchers working on the Amborella genome project.

UCSC professor’s e-book featured on new web startup for women

A new e-book by literature professor Micah Perks is featured on Shebooks–a just launched startup that publishes short pieces designed to bridge the gap between magazines and books...

Computer-human interaction expert Steve Whittaker wins lifetime achievement in research award

UC Santa Cruz psychology professor Steve Whittaker, a specialist in human and computer interaction, has won the 2014 Lifetime Achievement in Research Award given by the Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction.

UCSC ranked second for research influence in world university rankings

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

California's water crisis

Chancellor Blumenthal urges students, faculty, and staff to reduce their water consumption by 20 percent.

In memoriam: David Hayden

David Hayden, a longtime ITS employee, has passed away.

Exhibition and symposium: 'Complicated Labors' opens Feb. 5

An exhibition featuring historical and contemporary work at the intersection of feminism and maternity opens on Feb. 5 at UCSC's Sesnon Gallery, accompanied by a one-day symposium and a screening series.

Innovative probation officer/soccer coach Gina Castaneda to receive 2014 Tony Hill Award

Gina Castaneda is being honored for her groundbreaking work with at-risk teens who use soccer as a way off the streets. She will receive the Tony Hill Award during this year's Martin Luther King Jr. convocation on February 6.

UCSC partners with Stanford, Salk Institute in stem cell genomics center

The California stem cell agency will fund a $40 million center to bridge the fields of genomics and stem cell research.

This month's Our University newsletter for faculty and staff

Our University: New website for UC faculty and staff, Staff Advisor to the Regents, and other news about UC.

Art professor Elizabeth Stephens wins Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship

UCSC art professor Elizabeth Stephens is one of three Santa Cruz County artists who have been awarded a Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship for 2014-15.

UCSC appoints Scott Brandt as vice chancellor for research

As vice chancellor for research, Scott Brandt provides executive leadership and coordination for UCSC research administration and planning.

Appointment of Vice Chancellor for Research

Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Alison Galloway announces the appointment of Scott Brandt as vice chancellor for research.

UCSC offers in-depth apple and pear tree growing workshop February 8-9

Friends of the UCSC Farm & Garden will present an an in-depth weekend workshop in February on selecting, growing and caring for apple and pear trees.

Finding peace in the 'world’s most displaced' country

The signing of a cease-fire in South Sudan last week is a positive step forward but bringing about lasting peace and alleviating poverty will involve substantial grassroots efforts, according to UC Santa Cruz professor Mark Fathi Massoud who has written widely about the world's youngest nation.

2014-15 UC Santa Cruz Hellman Fellows Program

I am pleased to announce the annual call for applications for the UC Santa Cruz Hellman Fellows Program. We are grateful to the Hellman Family Foundation for providing this funding.

Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart pays tribute to late UCSC professor

Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart honored the late UC Santa Cruz music professor Fred Lieberman on Saturday at a celebratory memorial event in the campus’s Music Center Recital Hall

Tom Pettigrew wins American sociology's highest award for social psychology

Thomas F. Pettigrew, research professor of social psychology at UC Santa Cruz, will receive the Cooley-Mead Award for Lifetime Contributions to Sociological Social Psychology from the American Sociological Association in August. It is American sociology’s highest award for social psychology and will be presented at the association’s annual meeting in San Francisco.

Howard Haber and Abraham Seiden to give Faculty Research Lecture on Feb. 11

"The Higgs Boson Unleashed" will be a joint presentation by UCSC physicists Howard Haber and Abraham Seiden

Campus Fire Safety

Please be a part of a safe community and spread the word of these fire dangers to help preserve our beautiful living environment.

Electrical engineer Holger Schmidt named Optical Society Fellow

Holger Schmidt, professor of electrical engineering, has been elected a Fellow of the Optical Society

A story that can inspire change—the 30th Annual MLK Convocation

I hope you will join your colleagues and our community for this inspiring event in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

January issue of the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) newsletter

Welcome back from winter break! CAPS is pleased to share with you the January issue of the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) newsletter,with some great tips for well-being.

Institute of Arts and Sciences third LASER talk on Jan. 28

UCSC’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will present its third “LASER” talk on Tuesday, January 28, beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the Digital Arts Research Center (DARC building, Room 108).


Memorial celebration event for Fredric Lieberman on Saturday, Jan. 25

The UC Santa Cruz Arts Division will present a celebration of the life and work of the late Fredric Lieberman on Saturday, January 25, beginning at 2 p.m. at UCSC's Musical Center Recital Hall.

Astronomer Sandra Faber to give public talk Feb. 5 on our cosmic future

Renowned UC Santa Cruz astronomer Sandra Faber will give a free public lecture on astronomy and cosmology on Wednesday, February 5.

Distant quasar illuminates a filament of the cosmic web

UCSC astronomers discovered a distant quasar illuminating a vast nebula of diffuse gas, revealing part of the cosmic web.

Another record year for undergraduate applications to UC Santa Cruz

Nearly 49,000 prospective undergraduates–the most ever–have applied for admission to the University of California, Santa Cruz for the fall 2014 quarter.

Winter Quarter Update

Chancellor Blumenthal updates the campus on his trip to India, goals for the coming year, the governor's budget proposal, and recent points of pride.

Safety Escort Program

I am pleased to announce that the UC Santa Cruz Police Department is implementing a nighttime Safety Escort Program for the Winter and Spring 2014 quarters.

UCSC music lecturer nominated for a Grammy Award

UCSC music lecturer and percussionist William Winant has been nominated for a 2014 Grammy Award in the Best Chamber Music Small Ensemble Performance category for his work on 'The Ten Thousand Things' by John Cage.

Astrophysicist Piero Madau wins Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics

Piero Madau, professor of astronomy and astrophysics, has been chosen to receive the 2014 Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics.

New technique allows 'nanobiopsies' of living cells

UCSC researchers have developed a robotic "nanobiopsy" system that can extract tiny samples from inside a living cell without killing it.

Carl Walsh appointed scientific adviser to Norway's central bank

Carl Walsh, distinguished professor of economics at UC Santa Cruz, has been appointed as a scientific adviser to Norges Bank, the central bank of Norway, for three years through December 2016.

UCSC alumni glow in TV spotlight

It's been a hot week in Hollywood for two former students at UC Santa Cruz.

In Memoriam: Ivan Mercado

Ivan Mercado, a senior student at Porter College, was struck and killed by a passing car this weekend in downtown Santa Cruz.

DANM student nominated for four Independent Game Festival Awards

Deirdra 'Squinky' Kiai--a first-year student in UCSC's Digital Arts and New Media MFA program (DANM)--has been named a finalist in four categories of the 2014 Independent Game Festival Awards.

Decline of large carnivores creates dire environmental ripple effect

UC Santa Cruz environmental researchers contributed to an analysis of 31 carnivore species that shows for the first time how habitat loss, persecution by humans, and loss of prey combine to create global hotspots of carnivore decline.

Electrical engineer Alyson Fletcher receives NSF CAREER Award

Alyson Fletcher, assistant professor of electrical engineering, has received a prestigious CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation.

Tobacco-free policy took effect on January 1

A ban on smoking on the UC Santa Cruz campus took effect on January 1, as the campus and other UC schools joined more than 1,000 universities and colleges nationwide that are making tobacco-free environments the new normal.

Community Crime Bulletin -- Persons of Interest

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in identifying two persons of interest involved in a November 20, 2013 battery of police officers, obstructing police officers, and trespassing investigation.

Arson Fire -- Porter College

Early this morning, UC Santa Cruz Police and Fire Departments responded to a suspicious fire at Porter College, north of parking lot #124 between Porter Kresge Road and Heller Drive. Cal Fire investigators are assisting in the case.

Campus comes through for the less fortunate during holiday season

UC Santa Cruz community members demonstrated their generosity once again during the holiday season, stepping up to feed hungry families, distribute toys, and raise funds for social services agencies.

Crowd sourcing effort helps build Zimmerman Scholarship fund

A scholarship fund in Gabe Zimmerman's honor has grown to nearly $80,000 and is poised to grow further from an innovative crowd sourcing effort launched January 8, the third anniversary of the UCSC alumnus's death.

UCSC grad student’s book on Tibet earning acclaim from press in India

Three months ago, a new book by Tsering Wangmo Dhompa—a graduate student in literature at UC Santa Cruz—was launched in Dharamsala, India, by the prime minister of the Tibetan government in exile...

Cancer Genomics Hub adds childhood cancer data

Researchers studying the genetics of childhood cancers now have access to a large and growing set of genomic data through UCSC's Cancer Genomics Hub.

Mathematical biologist Marc Mangel awarded honorary degree

The University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, has awarded an honorary degree to mathematical biologist Marc Mangel.

Marine scientist Adina Paytan honored at AGU meeting

Adina Paytan was chosen to give the Rachel Carson Lecture at the 2013 Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco.

Volleyball player not afraid to dream

The sport and the camaraderie of teammates taught student Kaitlyne Fisher about believing in herself and coping with adversity.

UCSC astronomers discover ultra-bright young galaxies

Astronomers have discovered four surprisingly bright galaxies that are among the earliest and most distant galaxies ever observed.

World's most powerful exoplanet camera looks skyward

Much of the key technology for the Gemini Planet Imager was demonstrated and validated at UCSC's Laboratory for Adaptive Optics.

Launch of New Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in Core West

Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) is pleased to announce that four new electric vehicle charging spaces are now available to all UCSC employees, students and visitors at the Core West Parking Structure.

7th Annual Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival takes place on January 19

Thirty purveyors of delectable chocolate treats will offer their wares for tasting on Sunday, January 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. as the UC Santa Cruz Women's Club presents the 7th annual Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival.

Expanded permit requirements at Cowell, Stevenson, and Porter

Starting Monday, January 6, 2014, parking permits will be required seven days a week in the Cowell and Stevenson parking lots (Lots 107, 108, 109, and 110), and in the Porter parking lots (Lots 124 and 125).