2015  All Activity Areas

Deadline for cyber security awareness training remains Jan. 31

Last night, the UC Learning Center sent out a notification in error saying the due date for the Cyber Security Awareness training had been changed from Jan. 31, 2016 to Dec. 8, 2015. The correct date remains Jan. 31, 2016.

Spread of algal toxin through marine food web broke records in 2015

Researchers found record levels of the algal toxin domoic acid in samples from a wide range of marine organisms in 2015.

UCSC hires game designer Erin Swink as creative director of master's program

Independent game developer Erin Robinson Swink will be creative director of the master's program in games and playable media

Gamma rays from distant galaxy tell story of an escape

New observations from VERITAS and other telescopes advance our understanding of bright galaxies called "blazars"

In Memoriam: Macario Yonn

We write to you with sad news that Macario Yonn, a member of the Porter College community in fall 2014, died Wednesday, November 18.

Cultivating a garden — and food security — in Watsonville

College Nine and Ten Provost Flora Lu and her students are forging campus-community collaborations through a community garden at Calabasas Elementary School in Watsonville.

Sea lions exposed to algal toxin show impaired spatial memory

Brain damage caused by the neurotoxin domoic acid may affect sea lions' ability to survive in the wild.

Exoplanet atmospheres range from clear to cloudy in survey of 'hot Jupiters'

A survey of Jupiter-sized exoplanets reveals why some of these worlds appear to have less water than expected.

UC Santa Cruz faculty win Rydell Visual Arts Fellowships

Three faculty members from the UC Santa Cruz Arts Division have been awarded Rydell Visual Arts Fellowships for 2016-17

Computer scientist Wang-Chiew Tan named ACM Fellow

Tan, a professor of computer science, was named a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery.

UC Research Catalyst Award supports conservation genomics project

$1.76 million grant will fund collaborative research among UCSC and four other UCs

New sexual violence discipline policy becomes effective January 1, 2016

I am writing to let you know about significant changes that will become effective January 1, 2016 in how the University of California disciplines students who are found responsible for policy violations in cases of sexual violence (sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking).

Marine lab water projects lead to significant savings

The Long Marine Lab has recorded a significant drop in freshwater use since two projects were completed in August.

Arboretum gift shop offers December discounts

All UCSC faculty, staff and students get a discount at Norrie's gift shop during December.

History professor wins multiple awards for groundbreaking book on slave trade

Associate professor of history Gregory O’Malley has been honored with four awards this year for his latest book, "Final Passages: The Intercolonial Slave Trade of British America, 1619-1807."

How UC Santa Cruz became unique (in just over eight minutes)

“How UC Santa Cruz Became Unique,” a snappy eight-minute history of UC Santa Cruz’s first 50 years and its effect on the town, has been produced by founding faculty member G. William Domhoff.

How alumni carry on Gabriel Zimmerman’s legacy of public service

Since 2011, the Gabriel Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship has raised more than $100,000 to help UC Santa Cruz students dedicated to careers in public service. Now a matching fund has launched to increase that figure.

First-in-family student pursues game design

A freshman at UC Santa Cruz, Briana Sidney is the first in her family to attend college, and she's on the road to becoming a game designer.

Film professor speaks at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented a lecture by UC Santa Cruz film and digital media professor Shelley Stamp on December 3, at the Linwood Dunn Theater...

Declaration of human rights added to discussions at UN Climate Change Conference

As world leaders gather this week in Paris for the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, a group of environmental and legal scholars including S. Ravi Rajan of UC Santa Cruz has drafted a resolution stating human rights must be more explicitly acknowledged during climate discussions.

UC Santa Cruz will host third annual hackathon January 29 to 31

Hack UCSC 2016 will draw coders, designers, and entrepreneurs for a coding marathon

Exceptions to Campus Closure 2015-2016

The UC Santa Cruz campus will close during the holiday season in an effort to conserve energy at a time when university business is generally slow.

Three UC Santa Cruz affiliates named 'Community Heroes'

Three people with UC Santa Cruz affiliations are among 18 local residents honored as Community Heroes by United Way of Santa Cruz County as part of its annual Community Assessment Project.

Internships support new concentration in agroecology and sustainable food systems

Beginning this fall, environmental studies majors are able to add a concentration in agroecology and sustainable food systems to their undergraduate major. Internships integrate undergraduates into the seasonal work of the campus’s 33 acres of organic farmland and market gardens.

Campus creates 'smart' building, reducing carbon footprint

The Music Center has reduced its carbon footprint by 98 tons, an example of the commitment by staff members to work across divisions to improve campus sustainability and efficiency.

UC Santa Cruz hosts international summer program on exoplanetary atmospheres

The 2016 Kavli Summer Program in Astrophysics will focus on 'Exoplanetary Atmospheres.'

Art professor to screen film shortlisted for Oscar nomination

Last Day of Freedom, an award-winning animated short by UC Santa Cruz associate professor of art Dee Hibbert-Jones, will be screened on campus, December 3 at Kresge Town Hall.

2015 Campus Holiday Food Drive

Please make a donation to support the campus holiday food drive either by dropping food off in one of our campus pantry barrels or by using the donation envelopes distributed through campus mail.

In Memoriam: Marge Frantz (1922-2015)

An inspiring and beloved teacher, skilled activist and generous friend, Marge Frantz died in Santa Cruz on October 16 at the age of 93.

Deadline today at 5 p.m. for open enrollment health plan changes

Today, Tuesday, Nov. 24, is the last day of Open Enrollment.

In support of social justice, committee seeks nominations for Tony Hill award

The award will be presented at the 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation in February. Nominations will be accepted until January 22.

Vice Provost for Student Success

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jaye Padgett, professor of linguistics, as interim vice provost for the Division of Student Success, effective immediately.

Earth scientist Paul Koch elected 2015 AAAS Fellow

Koch, dean of physical and biological sciences, was honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

UC Santa Cruz ranked second for research influence in world university rankings

Published as part of the THE World University Rankings 2015-16, the analysis measured overall research influence based on the average number of citations per paper.

Building the UC Santa Cruz alumni community

With 100,000 alumni around the world, UC Santa Cruz is the hub of a powerful network that can connect recent graduates with established alumni.

Leadership change in the Arts Division

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Ladusaw, professor of linguistics, as interim dean of the Arts Division. The appointment is effective January 9, 2016 through December 31, 2016.

Holiday Open House and 50th Anniversary Celebration

Chancellor George Blumenthal and his wife, Professor Kelly Weisberg, invite faculty, staff and friends to join together in a special holiday gathering on Tuesday, December 15, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Porter College Dining Hall.

Campus civility in the midst of turmoil

Let us make the conscious choice to seek common ground, to forge understanding, and to cultivate compassion.

Campus fills eight UC Presidential chairs in support of research mission

The eight new chairs - in everything from screenwriting to open-source software - bring the campus total to 30.

Library signs lease with Cafe Brasil for Global Village Cafe

The menu will be based on Cafe Brasil's "Amazon Juices" concept in Capitola, which includes juices, smoothies, acai bowls, hot sandwiches, salads, and rice bowls.

Faye Crosby wins Society of Justice Research Lifetime Achievement Award

Psychology professor and Cowell College Provost Faye Crosby will receive the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Justice Research.

In Memoriam: Matthew Margulis

We write to you with sad news that Matthew Margulis, a member of the Kresge College community, died on Sunday, November 15th.

Youth Success Campaign: November 1-30

We are asking all UC Santa Cruz employees to use this season of giving to focus on Youth Success and support the following local organizations:

UC Santa Cruz launches conservation scholars program to increase diversity

A UC Santa Cruz program to nurture a diverse cadre of environmental conservation leaders will receive $2 million over four years from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, joining four other universities in the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program.

EPA recognizes dining’s waste reduction efforts

The campus achieved impressive source reduction of wasted food through a variety of approaches involving both staff and students.

Slug Support seeks donations to benefit students in need

Slug Support, the new initiative program working under the Dean of Students Office, is seeking the help of faculty and staff at UCSC.

Reminder: Open Enrollment ends 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24

Open Enrollment ends in one week, on Tuesday November 24th at 5:00 p.m.

Community Crime Bulletin - Auto Thefts and Prowls in Parking Lots

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in obtaining leads or other information that may lead to the identification of those responsible for auto thefts and auto prowls/burglaries that occurred in campus parking lots this past week.

UCSC Arboretum appoints Martin Quigley as director of gardens and grounds

Quigley was previously a professor of botany and director of the Chester M. Alter Arboretum at the University of Denver.

Women's volleyball, soccer teams to compete in NCAA championship

The UC Santa Cruz women's volleyball and soccer teams are headed to the NCAA Division III championships.

CARE office provides confidential advocacy in cases of sexual violence

CARE is the advocacy office at UC Santa Cruz, providing support and resources for survivors of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking.

Annual Gift and Wreath Sale at the Arboretum will be held Nov. 21 and 22

The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum's annual Gift and Wreath Sale will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22.

Annual Giving Tree Program

The Student Volunteer Center (SVC) is pleased to announce its annual Giving Tree Program, which is designed to help collect gifts for children in the Santa Cruz Community.

Diversity group to explore Principles of Community

The group will explore what each principle means from both an institutional and individual viewpoint.

Theater Arts collaborates with Tandy Beal & Company for ‘Nutz Re-Mixed’

Over 30 dancers and world circus artists will perform acts of comedy and outrageous skill in "Nutz Re-Mixed," running Nov. 20 to Dec. 6 at the Mainstage Theater.

How rugby arrived—unexpectedly—at UC Santa Cruz

Begun in the late 1960s, rugby teams remain a force on campus, and committed alumni have launched a new tradition of an annual rugby reunion

Biologist Susan Strome receives Outstanding Faculty Award

The annual award is the highest honor for faculty achievement in the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences.

A message about campus safety

The campus community serves as the eyes and ears for our police officers. It is imperative that we all do our part to share in the responsibility to maintain a safety community and care for one another.

Building Our Global Presence

I've just returned from an 11-day trip to China, where campus representatives and I met with U.S. Ambassador Max Baucus, as well as with academic leaders and students at Chinese colleges, universities, and high schools.

Community Crime Bulletin - Burglary at Interdisciplinary Sciences Building

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in obtaining leads or other information that may lead to the identification of those responsible for a burglary that occurred at the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building.

California’s poet laureate emeritus Al Young to read at annual Morton Marcus event

Award-winning American poet, novelist, and former UC Santa Cruz lecturer Al Young will be the featured guest at the sixth annual Morton Marcus Memorial Poetry Reading.

Bat disease fungus found to be widespread in northeast China

Discovery greatly expands the known distribution of the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats.

Launch of additional 'smart' bike lockers

These lockers are available to all UCSC employees, students and visitors on a first-come, first-served basis, and provide on-demand, safe, secure, and covered bike parking.

Open Enrollment 2016

The annual Open Enrollment (OE) period begins today, Thursday, October 29, and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24.

Ruth Wilson Gilmore to speak at UC Santa Cruz on police and prisons

On Nov. 9, the UC Presidential Chair in Feminist Critical Race and Ethnic Studies will present a free public lecture, “Organized Abandonment & Organized Violence: Devolution & the Police.”

Conference to focus on utopian thinking in the face of environmental threats

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of UC Santa Cruz, the conference on November 6 and 7 will offer a gamut of futurists sharing new visions and old, on the campus, California, and the world.

Federal grants to support student success, equity initiatives at UC Santa Cruz

Totaling $3.6 million, the awards are the result of a campuswide effort to look at how UC Santa Cruz can best serve Latino and other students who have a difficult time when they start college.

Physicist Sue Carter named Faculty Climate Action Champion for 2015-16

Carter plans to establish a campus sustainability lab to support student-led research and training.

Banana Slug Parade brings campus, community together

The “first-on-the-planet” procession was a whimsical and entertaining celebration of UC Santa Cruz’s five-decades-long residence in Santa Cruz.

UC sexual violence and sexual harassment policy and resources

The University of California, Santa Cruz is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which all persons who live, work, and learn in our campus community can be free of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and retaliation.

Invitation to Open Forums for AVC Staff Human Resources Candidates

Four finalists for the position of AVC SHR will be visiting the UCSC campus during the first two weeks of November 2015. As a member of our campus community, I invite you, or your designee, to participate in each of the candidate open forum sessions that are outlined below.

Four UC Santa Cruz students receive Global Food Initiative fellowships

Four UC Santa Cruz students have received $4,000 UC Global Food Initiative fellowships for the 2015–2016 academic year.

In Memoriam: Ron Enomoto

Ron Enomoto, who served as interim executive director of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum for more than three years, died October 7 while traveling in Tibet. He was 73.

2015-2016 Campus Food & Garden Guide now available in print and online

This year an online interactive companion to the printed guide is available and will go live Friday, Oct. 23 in anticipation of National Food Day, Saturday.

Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz to participate in new research initiative

Fellows chosen for a "Time Domain Astrophysics" Scialog initiative include six with UC Santa Cruz connections.

Physicist Joel Primack honored by American Physical Society

Primack will receive the 2016 Leo Szilard Lectureship Award from the APS.

Carsharing opportunities

UCSC subscribes to Zimride, a campus-specific ride-matching service and the cost of the service is free to all UCSC students, staff, and faculty.

How a black hole swallows a star: new observations confirm theory

New details about what happens when a black hole tears apart a star have been gathered by x-ray telescopes.

Carmel International Film Festival to screen film professor’s new documentary

“'Daisy and Max' is not the film I had planned to make,” says UC Santa Cruz assistant professor of film and digital media Jennifer Maytorena Taylor...

Mosquitofish populations with more females have greater ecological impact

Scientists investigating the ecological consequences of sexual dimorphism and sex ratio variation found dramatic effects

Formation of coastal sea ice in North Pacific drives ocean circulation and climate

New understanding of changes in North Pacific ocean circulation could lead to better global climate models.

Campus exceeds goal for water savings, seeks to do more

The campus and its efforts to save water were recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

Bridging science and tradition

A dedicated group of scientists has launched One People One Reef, a five-year conservation effort on Ulithi Atoll in Micronesia aimed at sustaining the ecological health of the islands—and the islanders

Arts Division to present ‘The Business of Entertainment’ panel of industry leaders

Six executives in the entertainment business--including several UC Santa Cruz alums--will share their knowledge with students and the community in a special Nov. 6 panel discussion at the Music Center Recital Hall.

UC Santa Cruz a top university for social mobility

UC Santa Cruz is No. 8 nationwide and the second in the state, according to CollegeNET's Social Mobility Index.

Research Frontiers Evening features six talks on social science research

Six UC Santa Cruz professors will deliver lively “Ed Talks” describing how their research confronts and connects contemporary issues when the UCSC Social Sciences division holds its third annual Research Frontiers event.

Winter Campus Curtailment 2015-2016

Our 2015-2016 Winter Campus Curtailment is scheduled for December 24, 2015 through January 3, 2016.

More than economics: New book explores how equality helps economies grow

Communities that know together, grow together is the premise of UC Santa Cruz professor Chris Benner’s new book, 'Equity, Growth, and Community: What the Nation Can Learn From America’s Metro Areas.'

Ecologist Kristy Kroeker wins prestigious Packard Fellowship

The Packard Fellowship supports Kroeker's research on environmental change in dynamic environments and complex ecosystems.

Important changes to improve cybersecurity

The University of California has been working to address systemwide challenges in cyber-security and develop a culture to effectively manage and respond to these on-going threats.

Library's cafe to be closed during transition to new vendor

The Global Village Cafe in the McHenry Library will be closed for approximately four weeks beginning Saturday, October 17 while the space is prepared to reopen under new management.

Seasonal flu vaccine clinics on campus for staff and faculty

Seasonal Flu vaccines 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.

Flu vaccine clinics on campus for students

Seasonal flu vaccines 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.

Center for Creative Ecologies at UC Santa Cruz to present talks on global climate justice

The new Center for Creative Ecologies at UC Santa Cruz offers a place to consider the intersection of visual culture, politics, and the environment...

Ocean scientist Adina Paytan to receive inaugural Dansgaard Award

The Dansgaard Award from the American Geophysical Union recognizes contributions to paleoceanography and paleoclimatology.

Systemwide review of proposed revisions to Presidential Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence

The University invites comments on the proposed revisions to the Presidential Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence.

Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Alison Galloway stepping down

With more than 25 years of service to UC Santa Cruz, Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor (CP/EVC) Alison Galloway has let me know that she will be stepping down from her post at the end of December 2016.

Fall 2015 Living Writers Series kicks off October 8

Each quarter, the Humanities Division’s Living Writers Series brings visiting authors and poets into UC Santa Cruz classes to give students an in-depth look into the world of the working writer.

UC launches Cool Campus Challenge in push toward carbon neutrality

The Cool Campus Challenge runs Oct. 6 through Dec. 10 and is open to all students, staff and faculty of the University of California.

New on-chip optical sensing technique used to detect multiple flu strains

Researchers developed a new way to do diagnostic assays for multiple strains of flu virus on a small, dedicated chip.

Campus wins best practice award for drought planning and water savings

UC Santa Cruz won a best practice award for drought planning and water conservation efforts at the 2015 California Higher Education Sustainability Conference hosted by San Francisco State University.

Service animals on campus

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

Study reveals key structure in telomerase enzyme, a target for cancer drugs

UC Santa Cruz researchers have determined the structure an enzyme active in most cancers.

Life, realized

Alumni authors give voice to transformative experiences at UC Santa Cruz that changed their lives and shaped their careers.

SAB Fall Chancellor's Forum - Thursday, October 8th, 2015

All UCSC staff members are invited to the Staff Advisory Board-sponsored Fall Forum with Chancellor George Blumenthal from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, October 8 at Kresge College's Town Hall.

Social sciences faculty awarded $8 million in research funding

Faculty in the Social Sciences Division of UC Santa Cruz garnered more than $8 million in research funding from just over 100 grants for the year August 2014 to August 2015.

Deer Alert – Rutting Season

This time of year drivers and cyclists need to be extra vigilant about deer darting into roadways.

Bugs in an urban jungle: What green spaces mean for ecology and community

Since 2013, UC Santa Cruz environmental studies professor Stacy Philpott has studied insect biodiversity in urban gardens to better understand the ecological role these green spaces provide.

Internationally acclaimed artist to lead evening of stargazing at UC Santa Cruz

Acclaimed artist Russell Crotty and the grad student-led Astronomy Club will present an evening of stargazing on the hillside above UC Santa Cruz’s Great Meadow on October 14.

Physicist Sue Carter elected fellow of American Physical Society

Election as an APS Fellow recognizes Carter for her outstanding contributions to physics.

Required State and Federal Notices

The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report 2014 is now online.

Welcome to Fall Quarter

Welcome to Fall Quarter and to my new monthly newsletter. I plan to send it each month to share news, celebrate achievements, and give you a heads up on campus issues.

Environmental studies lecturer wins anthropology association public policy award

Barbara Rose Johnston, a UC Santa Cruz lecturer in environmental studies, has been named a winner of the 2015 Anthropology in Public Policy Award from the American Anthropological Association.

'U.S. News' visits UC Santa Cruz on a 'College Road Trip' in 'Best Colleges 2016'

UC Santa Cruz is featured in the “College Road Trip” section of U.S. News World Report’s “Best Colleges 2016” guidebook, which hits newsstands this week.

Grants fund efforts by UC Santa Cruz scientists to fight deadly bat disease

Scientists will conduct field trials this winter of two strategies for protecting bats from white-nose syndrome.

Picture this: An app for blind photographers

Grad student Dustin Adams, who works in UC Santa Cruz's Interactive Systems for Individuals with Special Needs lab, designed a tool to recognize and describe photos.

UC to begin implementation of new $15 an hour minimum wage policy

Under the new UC Fair Wage/Fair Work Plan, all employees hired to work at least 20 hours a week will be paid a minimum of $13 an hour starting Thursday, Oct. 1. That minimum will increase to $14 an hour on Oct. 1, 2016, and to $15 an hour on Oct. 1, 2017.

Privacy in the age of big data to be focus of symposium

For the inaugural event, DataLex will feature data scientists, policymakers, legal scholars, and privacy advocates to collectively consider important issues.

StoryCruz: Bittersweet moment

In our new audio stories project, Charles and Adrienne Coleman of Greenville, S.C., share their bittersweet feelings about dropping their son, Vernon, off for his freshman year at UC Santa Cruz.

Gift funds new Presidential Chair for the UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves

Endowment established by Helen and Will Webster Foundation broadens opportunities to use natural reserves as living labs and outdoor classrooms.

Community Crime Bulletin: Mail theft on campus

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department has received multiple reports of mail theft from residents in Family Student Housing (FSH) in the past couple weeks.

Chip-based technology enables reliable direct detection of Ebola virus

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed chip-based technology to detect Ebola and other viral pathogens.

New UC Presidential Chair to strengthen screenwriting program at UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz has received a gift from arts alumnus Ken Corday, plus funds from the UC Regents, to establish a new Kenneth R. Corday Family Presidential Chair in Writing for Television & Film.

51st entering class distinguished by academic achievement, diversity

UC Santa Cruz welcomes approximately 3,600 freshmen, 1,150 transfer students, and 550 graduate students.

New senate faculty members build campus strengths

From environmental sociology to game design, UC Santa Cruz professors are studying problems aimed at improving the world in which we live.

Wednesday Night Cinema Society kicks off new film series curated by grad students

The UC Santa Cruz weekly film series, Wednesday Night Cinema Society, is back this year, with films specially curated by grad students.

Research Review Day on October 14 highlights advances at the Baskin School of Engineering

Data science for social good, technology management, and nanopores are featured topics at annual Research Review Day.

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum holds Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, October 10

Annual sale features beautiful, drought-tolerant plants from around the world.

No reason to retire

In their 70s and 80s, many pioneer faculty are still working on campus—for the chance to open students’ eyes, for the excitement of discovery, and for the love of teaching.

Local group funds cancer research at UC Santa Cruz

Four UCSC cancer researchers have received grants from the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group.

Staff Mentorship Program applications deadline extended

The application for the Staff Mentorship Program has been extended to Wednesday, September 30. The pilot program is a volunteer effort that will pair more experienced UC Santa Cruz staff with newer staff who are seeking professional development mentorship.

Alumna Gillian Welch receives Lifetime Achievement Award in Songwriting

UC Santa Cruz alumna Gillian Welch took home a Lifetime Achievement Award in Songwriting at the 2015 Americana Music Awards Sept. 16.

Oakes College founding provost to speak on his journey

J. Herman Blake will deliver a talk, “My Unique Journey: Learning Never Ends,” at 11 a.m. Sept. 26 outside the McHenry Library as part of Founders Celebration weekend.

UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute partners with Microsoft to accelerate biomedical research

The Microsoft partnership provides the Genomics Institute with access to new compute, data storage, and analysis capabilities.

City replacing water main valve

The City of Santa Cruz Water Department is planning to replace a water main valve, a major project that will begin on Tuesday, September 22.

Biologist Susan Strome to give annual Faculty Research Lecture

Professor Strome will deliver the 50th annual UCSC Faculty Research Lecture on Friday, September 25.

Important Notice - Annual campus Move In

This week we are preparing to welcome more than 8,500 residential students to our community. University Housing will open their doors for occupancy beginning Thursday, September 17, and student Move In will continue through Sunday, September 20.

Student Health Center Closure on September 15, 2015

the Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Student Health Outreach Promotion (SHOP) will be closed all day for patient/client care on September 15, 2015.

UCSC Farm hosts Fall Harvest Festival Sunday, Sept 27

Celebrate fall’s arrival with pumpkins, music, great food, a fall plant sale, farm tours, and much more at the UCSC Farm & Garden’s Fall Harvest Festival, coming up on Sunday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at UC Santa Cruz’s 30-acre organic farm.

In soil we trust: How military veterans learn to become organic farmers at UC Santa Cruz

Agriculture is an appealing career option for many soldiers transitioning to civilian life, say veterans enrolled in the Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture at UC Santa Cruz.

Study finds different ways for a black hole to swallow a star

When a star passes too close to a dormant supermassive black hole, it gets torn apart by tidal forces.

Pie potluck, barn dance mark Cowell Ranch Hay Barn dedication Saturday, Sept. 12

A pie potluck and barn dance will be featured at the dedication of the newly rebuilt Cowell Ranch Hay Barn that will soon become a multi-use teaching, office and event space, and headquarters for the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at UC Santa Cruz.

Pister Award winner rises from poverty, works to save lives

Khanh Nguyen is heading to UC Santa Cruz to study biochemistry. He hopes to become a doctor for the World Health Organization.

Dean of the Arts Division named president of University of the Arts

We write to share news with you that the University of the Arts has announced David Yager as its next president and CEO. David, who has served our campus as dean of the Division of Arts since 2009, will assume this new post in Philadelphia on January 15.

Long-running UC Santa Cruz program supports diversity in biomedical sciences

Renewal of NIH grant provides $4 million for program supporting underrepresented minority students in biomedical fields.

Gift to UC Santa Cruz funds new presidential chair for physics of information

Endowed chair established by Federico Faggin, a physicist who developed the first commercial microprocessor.

Astronomy alumni join Chancellor Blumenthal in panel discussion Sept. 26

Three distinguished alumni and a current grad student join Chancellor Blumenthal to discuss astronomy, space, and discovery

Many organizations to participate in History Fair on October 24

The Friends of the Cowell Lime Works Historic District is presenting a local history fair, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Henry Cowell's purchase of the land that would become UC Santa Cruz. The event will take place on Saturday, October 24, on the UCSC campus.

Molting elephant seals add mercury to coastal seawater

UC Santa Cruz researchers traced elevated mercury levels in coastal seawater to hair shed by elephant seals.

Tearing down the walls

Pioneering UC Santa Cruz professors and staff challenged convention and traditional academics. In the process, they helped reform American higher education.

Application deadline approaching for Cowell College Provost position

As a reminder, the Division of Undergraduate Education is undertaking a search during 2015-16 for a part-time faculty administrator.

Tearing down the walls

Pioneering UC Santa Cruz professors and staff challenged convention and traditional academics. In the process, they helped reform American higher education.

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum marks 50th Anniversary with Sept. 20 Jubilee

The Arboretum will celebrate its first 50 years and raise funds for the future at the 50th Anniversary Jubilee.

New programs to mentor, recognize staff

The UC Santa Cruz Staff Advisory Board is proud to announce two new programs to help staff members develop professionally and be recognized for their stellar work.

Dogs, cats, and big-wave surfers: Healthy heart lessons from animals and athletes

Heart rates of big-wave surfers are among the surprises from 30 years of studying exercise physiology in people and wild animals.

Dickens Project receives NEH grant for public outreach to schoolteachers

The Dickens Project at UC Santa Cruz has received a $119,417 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for a four-week NEH Summer Seminar that will be held on campus in 2016.

New managing director brings business and scientific expertise to the Genomics Institute

Ravi Jain will oversee the institute's strategic planning, business development, and operations, among other responsibilities.

Astronomer Claire Max appointed director of UC Observatories

UC President Janet Napolitano has appointed UC Santa Cruz astronomer Claire Max as director of UC Observatories.

Farm to label: How alumnus helped bring organic labeling policy to the nation

Mark Lipson, now a research associate at Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, was instrumental in standardizing organic farming in the U.S. Now back at UCSC, he continues the mission of institutionalizing public policy support for organic farming.

UC Santa Cruz launches new legacy course on the Holocaust with Coursera

UC Santa Cruz has launched a new version of its free online course, "The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry," through the Coursera platform.

Community Crime Bulletin: Man arrested for terrorist threats against campus

UC Santa Cruz Police Officers arrested a 25-year-old Santa Cruz man in connection to an anonymous social media post that referenced creating explosives, homicide, suicide and a past university shooting.

Seagate gift supports UC Santa Cruz research on genomic data storage

Donation includes 2.5 petabytes of storage for studying large-scale data storage challenges in genomics and other areas

'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.

Dickson Emeriti Professorship awarded to chemist Phil Crews

The Edward A. Dickson Emeriti Professorships recognize research, teaching, and public service by emeriti professors.

Cowell College dedicates new Coeleen Kiebert Sculpture Patio

The courtyard outside the Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery at Cowell College was packed Friday evening with friends and admirers of distinguished artist, teacher and UC Santa Cruz alumna Coeleen Kiebert...

In Memoriam: Diane Lewis (1931-2015)

After fighting cancer since December, UC Santa Cruz Professor of Anthropology Emerita Diane Lewis died Thursday in her home surrounded by her daughter Raven Chaney and her grandchildren Kevin and Rosalie Chisolm.

Undergrads exhibit summer research projects at annual symposium

More than 80 undergraduate students presented their summer research projects at the 2015 Summer Research Symposium.

Enjoy the peak season of produce from the UC Santa Cruz Farm

With summer in full swing, it’s time to sign up for the UCSC Farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and enjoy the peak season of organic produce from the UC Santa Cruz Farm.

Alumnus Cary Fukunaga and film undergrad win Princess Grace Awards

Emmy Award-winning UC Santa Cruz alumnus Cary Fukunaga and current Film and Digital Media undergraduate student Jeny Amaya have been honored with 2015 Princess Grace Awards.

Fifth annual Farm to Fork Benefit Dinner opens new Cowell Ranch Hay Barn

The fifth annual Farm to Fork Benefit Dinner at the UC Santa Cruz Farm will be held at the newly renovated Cowell Ranch Hay Barn Saturday, September 12.

UC Santa Cruz psychology Ph.D. graduate wins Fulbright fellowship for research in Israel

A recent UC Santa Cruz psychology Ph.D. graduate has won a Fulbright postdoctoral award to support 20 months of research at an Israeli university where he will look at how different groups justify violence on moral terms.

Aug. 15 — PG&E testing natural gas pipeline

This is a reminder that PG&E, which provides natural gas to UC Santa Cruz, will be testing its main pipeline through Santa Cruz County beginning Aug. 15.

Male elephant seals use 'voice recognition' to identify rivals, study finds

Researchers from UC Santa Cruz have been studying the behavior of northern elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Reserve since the late 1960s.

2015-16 Salary Increase Program Administrative Guidelines

Here are the 2015-16 Salary Increase Program administrative guidelines.

UC Job Board Upgrade

The UC Systemwide Job Board has been upgraded and now enhances the visibility of UC jobs at all locations.

Save the Date: 2015-2016 Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program

The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) is excited to announce the course schedule for the 2015-16 ODEI Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program.

'Doing something significant with my life'

Molecular, cell and developmental biology student Hector Navarro, who came from humble beginnings, now works in a genetics lab on campus with the goal of becoming a cancer researcher.

'Science Notes 2015' now available online

The annual magazine published by the UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Program offers feature stories and multimedia packages.

In Memoriam: Priscilla (Tilly) Washburn Shaw (1930-2015)

Priscilla (Tilly) Washburn Shaw

Astrophysicist Piero Madau awarded prestigious international research chair

Piero Madau, distinguished professor of astronomy and astrophysics, has been appointed to an International Blaise Pascal Research Chair.

California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine funds UC Santa Cruz pediatric cancer project

The state initiative is providing $1.2 million for the Genomics Institute's California Kids Cancer Comparison project.

New method reveals hidden population of regulatory molecules in cells

UC Santa Cruz researchers have revealed a previously undetected population of small RNA molecules involved in cell regulation

UC Santa Cruz alumnus Brannon Braga wins Peabody award for ‘Cosmos’

UC Santa Cruz alumnus Brannon Braga (Film & Digital Media, 1990) has received a Peabody Award for the science documentary television series, "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey."

New Presidential Chair to support Dickens Project and Literature Studies at UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz has received a $500,000 gift, plus matching funds from the UC Regents, to establish a $1 million Jordan-Stern Presidential Chair for Dickens and Nineteenth-Century Studies.

Summertime, and the research is happening

Transfer student Guinevere Ashley, who is working this summer in a campus lab, has found meaning and purpose in biomedical sciences research.

Sad news about the loss of a dear friend

Chancellor Blumenthal shares news of the death of Karen Sinsheimer, wife of Chancellor Emeritus Robert Sinsheimer.

2015-16 Salary Increase Program

At the direction of President Janet Napolitano, UC Santa Cruz is making plans to implement a systemwide salary increase program for non-represented staff for fiscal year 2015-16.

Year-long UC Santa Cruz seminar to examine global migration and non-citizenship

The phenomena of global migration, disenfranchisement, and hardships of living in territories while not holding traditional citizenship will be examined in a year-long seminar conceived by five UC Santa Cruz professors and funded with a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

A loss that touches us all

With many in the community, we are grieving the tragic death of Madyson "Maddy" Middleton, the 8-year-old girl whose disappearance Sunday prompted a tremendous outpouring of concern.

Courtesy notice regarding annual systemwide payroll disclosure

As part of the university’s commitment to being transparent and publicly accountable for its conduct, including the way it compensates its faculty and staff, UC is conducting its annual disclosure of systemwide employee compensation for calendar year 2014. This disclosure parallels last year’s payroll disclosure and is consistent with similar practices at many other public institutions.

Surfing the web of life

UC Santa Cruz faculty members who ride the waves say the sport is beautiful and spiritual—and allows their minds the space to wander.

University approves updated Non-research Animal Policy

The updated policy aligns the Coastal Science Campus with the restriction on domestic animals at the main campus. The policy exempts service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

NOAA scholarship supports graduate student's elephant seal research

Grad student Sarah Kienle is one of four students nationwide selected by NOAA to receive a 2015 Nancy Foster Scholarship.

Management Skills Assessment Program (MSAP) – Call for Applications

Staff Human Resources is pleased to announce recruitment for the Fall 2015 Management Skills Assessment Program (MSAP).

Warhol Foundation grant goes to Institute of the Arts and Sciences project

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts has awarded a $30,000 grant to support an innovative artist residency and exhibition developed by the Institute of the Arts and Sciences (IAS) at UC Santa Cruz and the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in San Jose--in collaboration with the UC Lick Observatory.

Humanities Dean Tyler Stovall named president-elect of American Historical Association

Humanities Dean Tyler Stovall has been chosen as president-elect of the American Historical Association, the largest professional organization in the U.S. devoted to the study and promotion of history.

Study identifies ways to reduce flood risk while protecting natural habitat

Scientists from UC Santa Cruz and The Nature Conservancy release a timely report as forecasts indicate El Niño could bring dangerous flooding to California.

In Memoriam: Robert A. Ludwig (1948-2015)

Keck Foundation awards UC Santa Cruz $2 million for human genome variation project

The Human Genome Variation Map being developed by the UCSC Genomics Institute will be a valuable new resource for medical researchers.

Power outage early a.m. July 22

Last night there were two power outages (one from approximately 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. and a second from 3:15 a.m. to 4 a.m.) that impacted the whole campus except for Family Student Housing and Lower Campus.

Aug. 15 — PG&E testing natural gas pipeline

PG&E, which provides natural gas to UC Santa Cruz, will be testing its main pipeline through Santa Cruz County beginning Aug. 15. In order to do this testing, PG&E will be reducing the gas supply to its customers served by this pipeline.

Alumna Priya Ganguli wins GSA Outstanding Woman in Science Award

The Geological Society of America will award the 2015 Doris M. Curtis Outstanding Woman in Science Award to Ganguli, who earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Earth sciences at UC Santa Cruz.

Gift to UC Santa Cruz funds new chair in water resources and food sustainability

UC Santa Cruz has received $500,000 from the Helen and Will Webster Foundation that with matching funds from UC Regents has established the Stephen R. Gliessman Presidential Chair in Water Resources and Food System Sustainability.

Data security

Ensure that your computer and mobile devices are up to date with the latest software and operating system updates and patches.

Graduate student earns life sciences fellowship

UC Santa Cruz graduate student Jessica Perez-Cunningham was selected to receive a fellowship from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's newly expanded Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study Program.

Chancellor names professors Haney and Strome as UC Presidential Chairs

UC Santa Cruz Chancellor George Blumenthal has named professors Craig Haney and Susan Strome to three-year terms as UC Santa Cruz Presidential Chairs.

Arts Division emeriti faculty receive Dickson Emeriti Professorship Award

Two UC Santa Cruz arts professors received Edward A. Dickson Emeriti Professorships for the 2014-15 academic year in recognition of their outstanding contributions and achievements in artistic scholarship and teaching.

Study finds surprisingly high geothermal heating beneath West Antarctic Ice Sheet

UC Santa Cruz team reports first direct measurement of heat flow to the bottom of the West Antarctic ice sheet

Astronomer Douglas N.C. Lin receives prestigious Bruce Gold Medal

Lin will receive the 2015 Catherine Wolfe Bruce Gold Medal from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

Community Alert Bulletin

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department has received two reports today regarding a suspicious person reported to be carrying a large knife or machete in the wooded area located in the northern remote part of the campus between Chinquapin and Twin Gates.

UC Santa Cruz pediatric cancer project receives $250,000 to fight high-risk neuroblastoma

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has awarded the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute a $250,000 grant for pediatric cancer research.

UC Santa Cruz grad River Charles earns Sutter scholarship for medical school

River Charles will receive the Primary Care Physician Award from Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center and the Central California Alliance for Health.

Ion channel mechanics yield insights into optogenetics experiments

UCSC researchers have determined the molecular mechanism of proteins that make nerve cells respond to light.

In 50th year, campus will enroll class with exceptional academic credentials

With the largest applicant pool in the history of the campus, and a smaller freshman class than the previous year, UC Santa Cruz increased its admission selectivity.

Scholarships available for UC Santa Cruz organic farming apprenticeships

Aspiring organic farmers and gardeners are invited to apply for the 2016 Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture at UC Santa Cruz. Now in its 48th year, the Apprenticeship is the longest running university-based organic farming training program in the U.S.

UC Santa Cruz develops innovative online courses available to all UC students

UC Santa Cruz faculty are venturing into the brave new world of online education.

In Memoriam: Andrew Shan

We regret to tell you that Andrew Shan, a first year student at the University and a member of Kresge College, died Wednesday, June 24, 2015.

UC Santa Cruz archivist contributes essay to Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary box set

On July 3-5, more than 200,000 people attending the final “Fare Thee Well” shows of the Grateful Dead will be able to walk across the street from Soldier Field in Chicago to see an exhibition featuring nearly 100 items from the Grateful Dead Archive at UC Santa Cruz.

A 'hydrothermal siphon' drives water circulation through the seafloor

A new study explains previous observations of ocean water flowing through the seafloor from one seamount to another.

Alumni Profile / Kris Perry: Standing for equality

Kris Perry (Merrill '86) doesn’t think about the way historians will tell her story. Instead, she thinks how life will be different for children nationwide because of her fight for marriage equality.

Caffeine culture: Anthropology student traces coffee’s route from farm to cup

When Katie Slocum, an anthropology major at UC Santa Cruz, got her first espresso fix at Verve, the specialty Santa Cruz coffee bar, she had no idea that a year later she would be following the company to a Honduran mountaintop on a journey through the coffee supply chain.

Film grad lands fellowship at Democracy Now!

Next week, 2015 graduate Juan Dávila Santiago will embark on a new chapter in his life--he’s off to New York where he landed a one-year News Production Fellowship to work at Democracy Now!.

Original thinkers shifted paradigms, changed the world

From discovering a cell’s molecular motor to showing women’s role in evolution, UC Santa Cruz professors have made world-changing contributions through their research and scholarship.

Memorial service for Joseph Bunnett on Saturday, June 27

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, for Joseph Bunnett, professor emeritus of chemistry and biochemistry.

UCSC and SRI release new game for DARPA crowd-sourced software verification program

Sophisticated gamers can help improve security of the country's critical software by playing a new game created by UC Santa Cruz researchers.

UC Santa Cruz partners with UC Merced in nanotechnology center

Nanotechnology researchers at UC Santa Cruz are partners in a new center for nanomaterials research funded by NASA and based at UC Merced.

UC Santa Cruz team introduces new web-based tools for finding videogames

The proliferation of videogames has created a "discoverability" problem for game enthusiasts and others, but help is now just a click away.

A visionary, a genius, and the human genome

In 2000, two dogged researchers at UC Santa Cruz defied the odds to become the first in the world to assemble the DNA sequence of the human genome.

California Whistleblower Protection Act- Annual Notice

The University established a systemwide independently operated whistleblower hotline to allow for calls or web-based reporting from faculty, staff and students with a provision for anonymous reporting.

Women’s basketball coach attends invite-only leadership program

UC Santa Cruz Head Women's Basketball Coach Todd Kent was part of a select group of head coaches who attended The Center for Coaching Excellence held at Columbia University from June 8-10.

Original vision

Reflections on the tumultuous '60s, the heady days of UC Santa Cruz's beginnings, and the ways the campus has stayed true to its mission through the decades

Selection process begins for new restaurant operator at Quarry Plaza

Healthy fare, with soups, salads, sandwiches, and espresso – especially espresso and coffee drinks – are the preferred options from a survey of customers last year for a new restaurant in the Graduate Student Commons building at Quarry Plaza.

Social Sciences division launches first annual summer reading list

What happens when you ask UC Santa Cruz faculty, staff, alumni, and students from the Division of Social Sciences - and even the Chancellor - for book recommendations related to themes of social justice, citizenship, ethics, and social responsibility?

Steck Award honoree delves into the trauma of civil war

The response has been overwhelmingly positive for Dominic Romano's project, which examines physical and historical trauma.

Graduate to help urban teens find path to college

Brittany Alba is poised to help many other Californians follow her path to higher education by serving a two-year fellowship that will have her advising San Jose high school students.

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 2015-16.

Call for 2014-15 staff performance appraisals

Annual performance appraisals are an essential tool for effective management of employees. They are required for all university career staff employees.

Eight faculty members honored with Excellence in Teaching awards

The Excellence in Teaching Awards given each year by the UC Santa Cruz Academic Senate Committee on Teaching are among the highest honors faculty members can receive. This year's awards honor eight instructors who have demonstrated exemplary and inspiring teaching.

Police ambassador program helps students with career plans

Graduating students Wesley Huynh and Jessica Bauman found that the UC Santa Cruz Police Ambassador Program helped prepare them for careers in law enforcement and accounting.

History professor Kate Jones receives Dizikes Award for teaching in Humanities

History professor Kate Jones was presented with the John Dizikes Teaching Award in Humanities at the Humanities Division’s 2015 Spring Awards celebration.

Campus earns systemwide environmental health and safety award

The University of California President’s Award for Campus Excellence in Environmental Health and Safety is given to the UC campus with the greatest reduction of Cal/OSHA recordable cases (medical treatment beyond first aid) in the past year and the overall reduction in injury rate from previous years.

Parking during year-end activities

As the campus prepares for the many commencement and year-end celebrations this weekend, I wanted to alert you to the impact this will have on traffic and parking.

Fish declines linked to effects of excess nutrients on coastal estuaries

Offshore fisheries that depend on the health of fish nurseries in coastal estuaries are adversely affected by excess nutrients in runoff from land

Bike path closures planned for maintenance

The Great Meadow Bike Path will be closed for maintenance twice during the month of June.

9th annual screening of Soc Doc graduate films at Del Mar Theater

UC Santa Cruz presents the ninth annual exhibition of thesis films from the Film and Digital Media Department’s masters program in Social Documentation on June 10, at the Del Mar Theater in Santa Cruz.

Campus ranks No. 1 among Peace Corps’ top volunteer-producing Hispanic-serving institutions

Forty-two alumni are serving in the Peace Corps. More than 800 UCSC alumni have traveled abroad to serve as volunteers with the Peace Corps, which was founded four years before the campus opened in 1965.

TAPS Parking Fare Proposal

Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback on the TAPS Parking Fare Proposal.

Student entrepreneurs pitch business ideas at annual Silicon Valley event

The Center for Entrepreneurship held its third annual Business Design Showcase on Saturday, May 30, at the UCSC Silicon Valley Center.

Large bloom of toxic algae under way in Monterey Bay and beyond

Researchers have detected large blooms of toxin-producing algae in Monterey Bay, raising concerns about potential effects on marine mammals and seabirds.

Scientists discover a protein that silences the biological clock

A protein associated with cancer cells is a powerful suppressor of the clock that drives the daily rhythms of cells throughout the body.

Sleuthing a killer shrub

Students like Jennifer Thompson—who researched why Scotch Broom is toxic to Douglas fir—take advantage of a unique opportunity at UC Santa Cruz: the ability to do research as an undergraduate.

Community Crime Bulletin: UPDATE -- Kresge College Investigation

An arrest has been made in connection with the assault and hate crime investigation at Kresge College.

Community Crime Bulletin: Peeping in Bathroom, College 10

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in obtaining suspect information connected to a peeping incident at 8:45 p.m. Saturday, May 30 in the fourth floor restroom of College 10, House 5.

In memoriam: Laura Garciacano Sobrino, alumna became the 'Mariachi Queen'

Laura Garciacano Sobrino (Porter, ’81, individual music major), who became one of the best-known female mariachi musicians in the United States and Mexico, died May 21 in Whittier, Ca., at age 60.

In Memoriam: Robert Durling

Robert M. Durling, professor emeritus of Italian and English Literature at UC Santa Cruz, died May 21st.

Undergrads experience the rewards of research

Students such as Sanjin Mehic showcase one of UC Santa Cruz's most valuable opportunities—the chance to do original research as an undergraduate.

‘True Original’ alumni return for UC Santa Cruz 2015 commencement ceremonies

Several distinguished alumni – all True Originals – will return to campus as UC Santa Cruz holds commencement ceremonies during this 50th anniversary year for 10 colleges, graduate division, and Baskin School of Engineering, Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14.

UC Santa Cruz receives gift to establish University Librarian Presidential Chair

UC Santa Cruz has received a $500,000 gift from The Helen and Will Webster Foundation, plus matching funds from the UC Regents, to establish a $1 million Richard L. Press University Librarian Presidential Chair.

Julie Guthman wins excellence award for research in food justice issues

Julie Guthman, UC Santa Cruz professor of social sciences, whose research looks at agricultural systems, food justice issues, and environmental health, has been selected to receive the 2015 Excellence in Research Award from the Agriculture, Food and Human Values Society.

In Memoriam: Joseph F. Bunnett

Professor Emeritus Joseph F. Bunnett, a long-time member of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UC Santa Cruz, passed away on May 22.

Possible rally on Monday, June 1

Campus lecturers have announced plans for a "Support UCSC Lecturers" picnic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a rally scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. This is an advisory to be prepared and to stay informed.

UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden’s market cart produce stand opens June 2

Tuesday, June 2 is opening day for the UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden's Market Cart at the corner of Bay and High streets at the base of the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Robert P. Kraft, eminent astronomer and former director of UC Observatories, dies at age 87

Kraft was a widely recognized researcher and a gifted administrator who helped guide astronomy into the modern era.

Accounting's Bob Shepherd wins state CPA society outstanding educator award

Robert Shepherd, former director of the economics accounting track at UC Santa Cruz, has been named winner of the 2015 Outstanding Educator Award by the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA).

Campus Election Results

The results of the Spring 2015 Campus Elections are now available at elections.ucsc.edu

Welcome to Retirement Event June 18th / Staff Appreciation Picnic May 28th / Thumbs Up Deadline June 1st

Dates for retirement event, staff appreciation picnic and thumbs up deadline.

Dance professor fights cultural amnesia with ‘Splinters in Our Ankles'

'Splinters in Our Ankles' is UC Santa Cruz theater arts professor Gerald Casel’s choreographic response to what he calls "the collective cultural amnesia" about the Philippine national dance.

UC Santa Cruz plans Center of Excellence in Data Science Research

The Data, Discovery, and Decisions (D3) center aims to foster collaboration between industry and academia.

Campus visit by U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights

The OCR staff will visit UC Santa Cruz on May 26-28 to talk with students directly about their experiences on campus related to sexual violence/harassment prevention and response.

Community Crime Bulletin — Car Burglary in North Remote Parking Lot

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community's help in finding two suspects who burglarized a car shortly after 3 p.m. on May 20 in the north remote parking lot.

Center for Emerging Worlds hosts screenings of films on global Islam

The UC Santa Cruz Center for Emerging Worlds presents two nights of film and video on the theme of global Islam, Friday and Saturday, May 29, 30 at the Film and Digital Media Department on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Community effort provides new 'gold standard' for genomic data analysis

UC Santa Cruz researchers contributed to a comprehensive assessment of methods for identifying mutations in cancer genomes.

Proposal to increase parking fees

For those who haven't yet submitted comments about the current proposal to increase UCSC parking fees, I'd like to remind you that the deadline for submittal is next Tuesday, May 26th.

Undergraduate Education seeks part-time administrator: Cowell College Provost

The Division of Undergraduate Education is undertaking a search for a part-time faculty administrator

Gifts from alum Sage Weil provide $3 million for open source research at UC Santa Cruz

Alumnus Sage Weil has established an endowed chair and provided an additional $2 million for research in open source software.

UC Santa Cruz politics professor Mark Massoud wins Guggenheim Fellowship

Mark Fathi Massoud, assistant professor of politics and legal studies at UC Santa Cruz, has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship to further his research on law in war-affected regions.

LASER talk to explore research in environmental art, recycling, ocean medicines, and film

UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will present its final LASER talk of the academic year on campus this spring on Tuesday, May 19, at 7 p.m. in the Digital Arts Research Center.

Emeritus psychology professor Pavel Machotka wins systemwide emeriti award

Pavel Machotka, professor emeritus of psychology at UC Santa Cruz, has won a 2015 Constantine Panunzio Distinguished Emeriti Award that honors UC emeriti professors in the humanities and social sciences.

Against all odds: Astronomers baffled by discovery of rare quasar quartet

Astronomers discovered four quasars, each one a rare object in its own right, in close physical proximity to each other.

Today's budget news

Chancellor Blumenthal and Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Alison Galloway update the campus on the governor's budget proposal.

Berries, flowers from campus Farm & Garden go on sale at Quarry Plaza

On Friday, May 15th, Wednesday, May 20th, and Wednesday, May 27th, a limited engagement produce and flower stand will open at Quarry Plaza with berries and beautiful flower bouquets from the Alan Chadwick Garden.

Persistence yields progress in AIDS vaccine research at UC Santa Cruz

Veteran vaccine researcher Phil Berman has developed a new approach based on an old vaccine and recent advances in HIV immunology

Student-organized campus clean up nets 285 pounds of litter in three hours

In just three hours, participants of the First Annual Campus Clean-Up during Alumni Reunion Weekend collected 285 pounds of litter from across campus, the UC Santa Cruz Sustainability Office reports.

Students to document, share trip to World Economic Forum on Africa

"Focus on Africa," taught by documentary filmmaker Melvin Cox (Merrill, '73), has been offered through Merrill College. Cox is discussing Africa's current affairs with students and teaching them about methods to document the World Economic Forum on Africa.

Campus utility power interruptions expected May 16-18

Utility-supplied electric power at UC Santa Cruz will be disrupted from 11 p.m. Saturday, May 16 to 7 a.m. Sunday, May 17 and from 11 p.m. Sunday, May 17 to 6 a.m. Monday, May 18.

VOTE NOW in 2015 Campus Elections

Student polls are now open for the Spring 2015 Campus Elections.

Nearly two dozen students supported by NSF grants

Twenty-two UC Santa Cruz graduate and undergraduate students have been supported by National Science Foundation fellowships in the past academic year.

Center for Analytical Finance workshop looks at high-frequency trading

The chief economist of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission will open a daylong workshop and conference on high-frequency trading, Friday, May 15 at UC Santa Cruz.

First annual Arts Division emeriti awards honor Chip Lord and Lewis Watts

Photographer Lewis Watts (Art Department) and media artist Chip Lord (Film and Digital Media) were honored at an inaugural luncheon to recognize the contributions of emeriti faculty in building the programs, reputation, and physical structures of the Arts Division.

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum inspires young author's nature guide

Nature walk and book signing on May 17 celebrates the publication of 'The Budding Naturalist's Guide to the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum' by 15-year-old Kelly McCandless

Community Crime Bulletin – Peeping in Bathroom, Merrill College

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in obtaining suspect information about a peeping incident Saturday morning at Merrill College, A Dormitory.

Astrophysicist Piero Madau inducted into Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars

Piero Madau, distinguished professor of astronomy and astrophysics, was honored for achieving marked distinction in the physical sciences.

Staff Appreciation Picnic May 28 and Thumbs Up awards

Please join the Chancellor and Staff Advisory Board for the annual staff appreciation picnic on the East Field, Thursday, May 28, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

CASFS updates instructor's manual for teaching small farm direct marketing

The new edition of "Teaching Direct Marketing and Small Farm Viability: Resources for Instructors," 2nd Edition, draws on nearly 50 years of experience teaching beginning organic farmers and gardeners at the UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden Apprenticeship.

Setting up for success

The men's volleyball coach has taken the emphasis off wins and losses, encouraging players to build character by "scoring points" in the classroom, applying for jobs, and volunteering.

'CAVE Lab' offers immersive virtual reality tools for research and teaching

A new multi-disciplinary facility featuring interactive 3-D visualization technology is available to researchers across campus.

Community Advisory – Fires at Pogonip

In the past year, the university has been notified about numerous illegal fires on Upper Campus and city/state park lands adjacent to campus.

Spreading science education, one telescope at a time

UC Santa Cruz grad student Tuguldur Sukhbold is using grant money to bring telescopes to schools in Mongolia so that science-starved kids might be exposed to the wonders of the universe.

International Playhouse returns for its 15th season

UC Santa Cruz’s International Playhouse, an annual program of short theater pieces staged in different languages by students in the university’s Language Program, is back for another round of staged pieces.

Astronomers set a new distance record for galaxies

Astronomers have pushed back the cosmic frontier of galaxy exploration to a time when the universe was only 5 percent of its present age.

Formal Review & Employee Comment: Universitywide Police Policies & Administrative Procedures

The University of California is proposing revisions to the Universitywide Police Policies and Administrative Procedures, which are applicable to UC Peace Officers.

Bettina Aptheker featured in NBC’s 'Rebels & Revolutions' documentary

An interview with UC Santa Cruz professor Bettina Aptheker will be featured in Rebels & Revolutions, the second installment of NBC Bay Area’s year-long documentary series Bay Area Revelations, premiering May 9.

Barrios Unidos founder to speak at 12th Cesar Chavez Convocation

Daniel “Nane” Alejandrez, founder and executive director of Barrios Unidos, is the keynote speaker for the 12th annual Cesar Chavez convocation, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the College Nine/Ten Multi-purpose Room on the UC Santa Cruz campus. It is free and the public is invited.

Student study tells the stories of low-wage workers in Santa Cruz County

A year-long study by UC Santa Cruz students that finds low-wage workers in Santa Cruz County earn about $10 an hour compared with the county median of $17.81 will be released at 'Working for Dignity,' a public event 7-9 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at the Museum of Art and History in Santa Cruz.

UC Santa Cruz ranks 2nd in the U.S., 8th overall among universities under 50

UC Santa Cruz ranks 2nd in the U.S. and 8th overall among the top universities in the world under 50 years old, according to an annual analysis by "Times Higher Education."

UC Santa Cruz ranks 2nd in the U.S., 8th overall among universities under 50

UC Santa Cruz ranks 2nd in the U.S. and 8th overall among the top universities in the world under 50 years old, according to an annual analysis by "Times Higher Education."

UC Santa Cruz biomedical research facility wins $2 million NIH grant

Grant funds new instrument used to explore the structures and functions of complex molecules involved in human health and disease.

Bike to Work Week activities

UCSC's Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) has joined with Ecology Action to host the 28th annual Santa Cruz County Spring Bike Week, May 4 - 8, 2015.

New mass notification system in the works

UC Santa Cruz will soon start using a new mass notification system to power CruzAlerts, the text messages, emails and phone calls that warn the campus community of potential dangers.

UC Santa Cruz history professor elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

UC Santa Cruz history professor Gail Hershatter has joined Nobel Prize-winning chemist Brian Kobilka, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, singer-songwriter Judy Collins, novelist Tom Wolfe, and UC President Janet A. Napolitano as a newly elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Cosmologist Robert Kirshner explores accelerating universe in public talk on May 13

Kirshner's talk, "The Accelerating Universe: Einstein's Blunder Undone," is free and open to the public.

Scientists find evidence for groundwater in Antarctica's Dry Valleys

A salty aquifer beneath Antarctica's Dry Valleys may support previously unknown microbial ecosystems.

An Alumni Weekend to remember

A record-breaking crowd of 2,500 revelers, more than half of them alumni, took part in UC Santa Cruz's Alumni Weekend this year—a special edition of the event that was bigger and more elaborate than ever before in honor of the campus's 50th anniversary.

Earth scientist Jim Gill to give Emeriti Lecture May 11

James Gill, professor emeritus of Earth and planetary sciences, will discuss "Volcanism as the Re-creation of Earth."

Stephen Bruce named Distinguished Social Sciences Alumni Award winner

The UC Santa Cruz Social Sciences Division has named Stephen Bruce, a 1979 economics graduate of Cowell College, as winner of the Distinguished Social Sciences Alumni Award for 2014-15.

Service Recognition Award Nominations

The Student Volunteer Center is pleased to announce its annual Student Recognition Ceremony.

In Memoriam: Christopher Chitty

The History of Consciousness department, and the Divisions of Humanities and Graduate Studies mourn the loss of graduate student Christopher Chitty (1983-2015).

Art professor’s documentary short wins at Full Frame film festival

An animated short by UC Santa Cruz associate professor of art Dee Hibbert-Jones and artist Nomi Talisman won two awards at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.

Spread of pathogens between species is predictable, study finds

Scientists studied disease dynamics in a grassland on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Stress management Relaxation Station for students

The Relaxation Station is a set of stress management skill-building resources for students to access with drop-in and self-serve convenience.

UC Santa Cruz named one of Princeton Review's top 50 'greenest' colleges

UC Santa Cruz once again ranks high among the nation’s “greenest” colleges and universities.

UC Santa Cruz part of NASA coalition leading search for life on distant worlds

Astrophysicist Jonathan Fortney is one of 15 principal investigators for a new NASA initiative searching for life on planets around other stars.

Public Radio host and alum Jesse Thorn to podcast live from Kuumbwa

UC Santa Cruz alums Jesse Thorn and Jordan Morris return to Santa Cruz April 24, for a live taping of their popular podcast at Kuumbwa Jazz Center. Proceeds benefit KZSC.

UCSC Farm & Garden’s 35th annual Spring Plant Sale set for May 2, 3

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden’s Spring Plant Sale, offering the region’s largest collection of organically grown herb and flower starts, vegetables, and beautiful perennials.

Classes without quizzes: Alumni Weekend Teach-Ins

Returning UC Santa Cruz alumni should get ready to exercise their brains, but with no fear of final exams, at the ever-popular "Teach-Ins" featuring professors Bettina Aptheker and Craig Haney.

Film professor to share research on Hollywood director at LA Times Festival of Books

UC Santa Cruz film and digital media professor Shelley Stamp will be featured on a panel about arts biography this weekend at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books--the largest public literary festival in the country.

Changes in Humanities and Graduate Division leadership

Changes this spring in the leadership of the Humanities and Graduate Divisions.

Slugs celebrate National Volunteer Week

MLK speechwriter to give talk on civil rights movement

Clarence B. Jones, a former personal counsel, draft speech writer, and close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will deliver a free public talk about the civil rights movement on May 4.

DANM to mark 10th anniversary with arts festival and masquerade ball

The Digital Arts and New Media M.F.A. program (DANM) at UC Santa Cruz will mark the completion of its first decade on April 25 with a daylong celebratory extravaganza titled "It’s Pan-DANM-onium!"

Staff Advisory Board Call for Nominations

The nomination period for 2015-2016 Staff Advisory Board (SAB) members is now open.

Public Safety Alert for April 20

Members of the UC Santa Cruz community, others with valid reasons for visiting the campus, and campus neighbors are advised there is the potential for disruptions and hazards during the afternoon of Monday, April 20 because of an unsanctioned gathering known as "4-20".

Solving ancient riddles: UCSC hosts archaeological genetics conference

The newly formed UC Santa Cruz Archaeological Research Center will hold its first public research conference on how the analysis of ancient DNA can unlock secrets from the past Tuesday afternoon (April 14) on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Faculty and staff: Help make Alumni Weekend 2015 the most memorable yet

Faculty and staff: April 23-26 will see the return of hundreds of our alumni to their "home away from home" in the redwoods. With such a large gathering at this year's event, there are a number of ways you can support our efforts.

Biologist Beth Shapiro explains the science of 'de-extinction' in new book

A leading expert on ancient DNA, Shapiro aims to separate science from science fiction in her new book 'How to Clone a Mammoth.'

Alum’s feature film heralds wildlife and landscape of Big Sur’s wild coast

Acclaimed wildlife photographers, UC Santa Cruz alumnus Kennan Ward and his wife Karen, will screen their new film “It’s a Wild Life” featuring the Big Sur coast Friday, April 17 at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz.

U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights investigation

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights will review the campus's handling of sexual violence and sexual harassment complaints.

Proposed increases to parking fees and program fares

Consistent with the campus review and approval process, this message is to notify the campus community of a proposal to increase parking fees and to solicit feedback.

TEDxSantaCruz, part of Alumni Weekend, to explore "Radical Collaboration"

April 24 event to feature speakers from a wide variety of disciplines challenging themselves, casting aside their differences, and sharing their findings.

Revisions to UC CANRA policy and updates to UC Santa Cruz CANRA website and materials

In order to comply with California State Assembly Bill 1775 (AB 1775), which went into effect on January 1, 2015, the UC Office of the President revised the UC Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) Policy, effective March 17, 2015, to reflect the new legislation.

Egyptologist awarded NEH Digital Humanities Start-Up Grant

Assistant professor of history Elaine Sullivan has received a Digital Start-Up Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to develop a three-dimensional model and virtual tour that will demonstrate how an ancient Egyptian site evolved over more than 3,000 years.

Bacteria inhibit bat-killing fungus, could combat white-nose syndrome

UC Santa Cruz researchers are testing bacteria as a potential treatment to control white-nose syndrome, which is devastating bat populations.

Possible physicians strike April 9-13

The Union of American Physicians and Dentists, which represents doctors and dentists at the student health centers across the University of California, has announced its intention to hold a strike from 7 a.m. April 9 through 7 a.m. April 13.

Month of events, activities set to raise awareness of sexual assault and violence

A month full of activities in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month includes the screening of "The Hunting Ground" in Santa Cruz Friday, April 10.

It's deer fawning season, keep your distance, let them be

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

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum holds Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 18

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Arboretum offers colorful, drought-tolerant plants for California gardens.

Who says the quarry can't rock again?

By Alison Galloway, Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor – The Quarry Amphitheater is one of the gems of this campus. Sadly, it has been closed since 2006. Now, thanks to generous donations from alumni and a truly monumental financial contribution from students, we stand on the verge of being able to reopen the Quarry Amphitheater.

Final review of the UC policy on copyright and fair use

The campus has the opportunity to review and comment on the final draft of the proposed revised UC Policy on Copyright and Fair Use (currently called the 1986 Policy on the Reproduction of Copyrighted Materials for Teaching and Research).

Family ties

When family members have the experience of attending UC Santa Cruz in common, they've walked the same paths—contributing to a sense of pride, connection, and shared values.

Campus review: Proposed UC Santa Cruz non-research animal policy and procedures

As required by the standard campus policy review process and in preparation for the implementation of the Coastal Long Range Development Plan (CLRDP), Business and Administrative Services is proposing updated/new versions of the following policy/procedures.

In Memoriam: Megan Dill

It is with great sadness that we write to inform you that we have experienced a loss in our community.

Feminist Islamic scholar to speak of global movements for women, equality, and justice

Amina Wadud will speak of "Muslim Women: Equality and Justice Movements Globally" Thursday, April 16 as part of the Center for Emerging Worlds' Global Islam series.

In Memoriam: Jenna Rose Fiorello

We regret to tell you that Jenna Rose Fiorello, a first year at the University and a member of Kresge College, died Wednesday April 1st. Jenna Rose was studying environmental studies.

UC Santa Cruz conference to honor visionary feminist philosopher Gloria Anzaldúa

The UC Presidential Chair in Feminist Critical Race & Ethnic Studies will present a conference on the work of feminist philosopher and writer Gloria Anzaldua, April 10-11, at the Humanities Complex on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

SAB Spring Chancellor Forum – Thursday, April 9, 2015

All UC Santa Cruz staff are invited to the Staff Advisory Board-sponsored Spring Staff Forum with Chancellor Blumenthal, Thursday, April 9, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Stevenson Event Center.

Conservationist M. Sanjayan to receive Alumni Achievement Award

The host of the new PBS series EARTH A New Wild and executive vice president of Conservation International travels the globe to find "partnerships" between humans and the planet.

New chief communications officer starts Wednesday

Sherry Main joins UC Santa Cruz Wednesday, April 1, as assistant vice chancellor for communications and marketing.

Evening concerts and rare telescope viewings draw visitors to UC’s Lick Observatory

For 35 years the Summer Series program at UC's Lick Observatory has drawn concert fans and astronomy devotees to the summit of Mt. Hamilton.

Student support gives major boost to Quarry reopening

Efforts to restore and reopen the landmark Quarry Amphitheater received a major boost with the endorsement of using up to $6.38 million in existing student fee reserves toward the project.

LASER talk to explore research in bio-acoustics, film, archaeology, and art

UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will continue its series of LASER talks on campus this spring on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in the Digital Arts Research Center. Admission is free and open to the public.

Alumni Weekend—Come Home

Every Alumni Weekend feels like a milestone for returning Banana Slugs and a chance to be part of a living history. But this year those impulses will be stronger than ever since the event serves as one of the anchor pieces of the campus's yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.

UC Santa Cruz ranked among top graduate schools for game design

Princeton Review's 2015 list of the top 25 graduate schools to study game design features UC Santa Cruz at number 8.

Local seventh graders set sights on college

Half of Santa Cruz County’s seventh graders – more than 1,400 – attended the 7th Grade College and Career Summit on campus on Friday, March 20.

Historic hay barn rises again to become a center for sustainability programs

Over a weekend, volunteers joined professionals to raise the timber-framed superstructure for the re-creation of the Cowell Ranch hay barn on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Wandering Jupiter accounts for our unusual solar system

Jupiter swept clear the inner solar system, resulting in the formation of a planetary system unlike any other astronomers have yet found

Community Crime Bulletin - Bicycle thefts

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the public's help with its investigation into nearly two dozen reported bicycle thefts since February 24.

UC Santa Cruz alum writes first children’s book in City Lights’ 60-year history

“American history is filled with stories of brave and powerful men, but have you ever wondered where the women are?” So begins Rad American Women A-Z, a new book by humanities alumna Kate Schatz...

UC Santa Cruz to host UC Systemwide Bioengineering Symposium

The Bioengineering Symposium will bring together faculty, researchers, and students from all ten UC campuses.

Barn raising set for re-creation of historic Cowell Ranch Hay Barn

A new-fashioned community barn raising is set for Saturday, March 21 at UC Santa Cruz when professionals and volunteers will assemble and raise the timber framing for the re-creation of the historic Cowell Ranch Hay Barn.

Formal Review & Employee Comment: PPSM 80 – Staff Personnel Records

The University of California is proposing revisions to PPSM 80 Staff Personnel Records, a policy which applies to staff employees in the Professional & Support Staff, Managers & Senior Professionals, and Senior Management Group members.

Nanopipette technique earns prize in NIH 'Follow that Cell' challenge

A proposal by UC Santa Cruz biomolecular engineer Nader Pourmand was one of five prize winners in an NIH challenge competition

Focus of climate change discussions shifts from mitigation to adaptation

UC Santa Cruz climate conference addresses coastal resilience and 'wicked tradeoffs.'

Original vision

Reflections on the tumultuous '60s, the heady days of UC Santa Cruz's beginnings, and the ways the campus has stayed true to its mission through the decades

UC Santa Cruz volunteer service day March 28 honors Cesar Chavez

The UC Santa Cruz community will be taking part in Cesar Chavez Volunteer Service Day, set for Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Homeless Garden Project Natural Bridges Farm.

Last week's disruptions

Over the past week, many questions, comments, inquiries, and demands have come our way regarding last week’s disruptions.

Physicists anticipate new discoveries with restart of Large Hadron Collider

UC Santa Cruz physicists have been at the forefront of U.S. participation in the LHC and contributed to a major upgrade

Arts Dean’s Lecture Series to explore music, cognition, biology, and language

This spring, the Arts Dean's Lecture Series will offer up a series of public lectures by eminent scholars and artists to explore the fundamentals of why and how we make and hear music.

UC Santa Cruz professor aims to expand science internships for high school students

Astronomer Puragra GuhaThakurta will use a sabbatical at Google to expand and diversify the Science Internship Program.

Community Crime Bulletin - Lewd Conduct at Stevenson College

Several female students have reported to university officials that they have been sexually harassed and/or asked to engage in unwelcomed sexual activity by a male student.

Treasure hunting in the University Archives

By Elizabeth Cowell, University Librarian — If the 50th anniversary of UC Santa Cruz has made you curious about the history of this campus, you need look no further than McHenry Library to find a goldmine of historical artifacts.

Methane in Arctic lake traced to groundwater from seasonal thawing

Groundwater from seasonal melting may be an important contributor to emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from Arctic lakes

Community Crime Bulletin — Robbery and False Imprisonment

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is asking for assistance from witnesses and the community in identifying the suspect or suspects who may have been involved in a robbery and false imprisonment of a student at 10:50 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2015.

Systemwide Review of Proposed Revisions to Presidential Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence

The University invites comments on the proposed revisions to the Presidential Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence. This policy applies to all members of the UC community.

New 3rd edition of 'Teaching Organic Farming & Gardening' now available

Drawing on nearly 50 years of experience, "Teaching Organic Farming & Gardening: Resources for Instructors, 3rd Edition" addresses practical aspects of organic farming and gardening, applied soil science, and social and environmental issues in agriculture.

Planned Protest Action March 5th

There is a possibility that access to the main campus may be impeded on Thursday, March 5th due to student protests. We offer the following guidance to help campus employees plan in advance.

Possible Protest Action on Thursday

UC Santa Cruz is anticipating potential protest activities and a student walkout tomorrow as part of the "96 Hours of Action." This is an advisory to be prepared and to stay informed.

Demonstrations and respect for the rights of others

We are upset by reports today that UC Santa Cruz students were apparently involved in demonstrations that obstructed traffic on local highways and streets for several hours, impacting countless members of our community.

Native habitat restoration begins with herbicide application

The UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves and UC Santa Cruz Grounds Services will conduct herbicide applications at Younger Lagoon Reserve beginning Monday, March 9, 2015 (weather permitting). This herbicide application is intended to reduce non-native invasive plant cover in advance of native habitat restoration plantings.

Astrophysicist Ken Chen wins award for high impact scientific achievement

Postdoctoral researcher Ken Chen was honored in the early career category of the 2015 High Performance Computing Achievement Awards.

UC Santa Cruz students compete in global challenge for $1 million Hult Prize

A team of UC Santa Cruz students has advanced to the regional finals of the sixth annual Hult Prize, the world’s largest student competition and start-up platform for social good.

Distinguished alumni to speak on conservation, film, law, art, writing

'True Originals' speaking series will feature accomplished Banana Slugs giving thought-provoking talks during Alumni Weekend 2015.

Two UC Santa Cruz professors elected Fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology

Newly elected fellows Karen Ottemann and Fitnat Yildiz are both professors of microbiology and environmental toxicology.

UC Santa Cruz psychology professor honored with 'Best Paper' award

UC Santa Cruz associate professor of psychology Shelly Grabe and social psychology graduate students Rose Grose and Anjali Dutt have been named winners of the 2015 Georgia Babladelis Award by the Society for the Psychology of Women.

Top scientists, policymakers to speak at UCSC climate conference March 13-14

UC Santa Cruz will host a major national conference on climate change featuring top climate scientists and policy experts.

Possible protest actions March 2 - 5

UC Santa Cruz is anticipating potential protest activities from Monday, March 2 to Thursday, March 5.

In Memoriam: Alex Helman

It is with profound sadness that I share news of the death of Alex Helman, who passed away on Thursday, February 5, with his wife Aliki by his side.

New book explores the myth of secularism in contemporary France

UC Santa Cruz anthropology professor Mayanthi Fernando’s book “The Republic Unsettled: Muslim French and the Contradictions of Secularism” provides insight to understanding Islamic culture and secularism in contemporary France.

Power outage scheduled for Saturday, February 21

Utility-supplied electric power at UC Santa Cruz will be disrupted from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, February 21

Working to improve campus climate

One of the important things we learned about our campus from the recent systemwide campus climate survey is that UC Santa Cruz has work to do to create a fully welcoming and supportive experience for all students.

Welcome visitors to campus this spring

We expect over 6,000 visitors in the next couple of months for Spring Spotlight.

Evaluating office space in Scotts Valley

The campus has been considering the Enterprise Technology Centre (the old Borland building) in Scotts Valley as a potential location to bring together the off-campus staff members within Business and Administrative Services, Information Technology Services and University Relations.

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum holds annual Hummingbird Days March 7-8

Tiny birds make a big impression with aerial acrobatics at this family-oriented event.

Conference at UC Santa Cruz to explore modern Jewish spaces and identity

The Center for Jewish Studies at UC Santa Cruz will present a two-day conference, “Liminal Spaces and the Jewish Imagination” on campus February 18-19.

Deadline for Farm & Garden docent training is Tuesday, March 3

The 2015 Farm & Garden docent-training program will take place on the UC Santa Cruz Farm on six Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, beginning March 10 and ending April 14.

Goats to begin clearing ground for Coastal Biology building project

A herd of goats will begin clearing vegetation in preparation for construction of the Coastal Biology building at the Coastal Science Campus.

Anita Hill to speak at UC Santa Cruz on gender and racial equality Feb. 26

Anita Hill’s life changed forever in 1991 when a television audience of 22 million saw her testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee during the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Judge Clarence Thomas.

Community Crime Bulletin -- battery causing great bodily injury, hate crime, mayhem, obstructing officers and drunk in public

At 12:38 a.m. on February 7, UC Santa Cruz Police arrested a male student and a male unaffiliated with campus on suspicion of battery, obstructing an officer, and drunk in public after officers responded to 911 calls of a reported fight at Kresge College.

Hate crime investigation

Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Alison Galloway writes to the campus community about an incident on campus that is being investigated as a hate crime.

New UC hands-on experience class modeled after UC Santa Cruz 'supercourse'

A uniquely UC Santa Cruz course that offers undergraduates hands-on research experience has been adopted by the UC Natural Reserve System and is now open to students from all nine UC undergraduate campuses.

Update: Auto burglary suspect arrested

On January 27, 2015 at 6:40 a.m., UC Santa Cruz Police Department officers arrested Patrick Sizemore and Emily Barnett on a suspicion of auto burglary.

Google gives Lick Observatory $1 million

Google Inc. has given $1 million to support the University of California's Lick Observatory.

Genomics Institute director David Haussler awarded prestigious Dan David Prize

Haussler will share a $1 million prize with two other leaders in bioinformatics.

2015 Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity - Call for nominations

You are invited to submit nominations for the 2015 Annual Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity (CAAFD).

Staff Advisor to the UC Board of Regents

The University is pleased to announce the application period for selection of the 2015-2017 Staff Advisor to the UC Board of Regents.

Institute of Arts and Sciences to host first LASER talk of the year

UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will present its first “LASER” talk of 2015 on Tuesday, February 10, at the Digital Arts Research Center.

Our vision, our goals, our future

I am pleased to announce the finalized Strategic Plan is now available at envision.ucsc.edu.

Campus mailing addresses created for individual buildings

In an effort to improve emergency response times on campus, individual building addresses have been created over the past two years.

Shrinking range of pikas in California mountains linked to climate change

The American pika is disappearing from low-elevation sites in California mountains, and the cause appears to be climate change.

State legislature commends economics chair Rob Fairlie for public service

Rob Fairlie, chair of the Economics Department at UC Santa Cruz, has been commended by the state legislature for service to California through his work to reduce poverty and inequality, improve education and human capital, and increase job opportunities and entrepreneurship.

Friends of Long Marine Lab supports 17 student research projects

From sea otters to sea level rise, Student Research and Education Awards will support a wide range of student research projects.

Blue Shield of California and Sutter Health Provider Negotiations

The University is pleased to announce that as of late last night, Blue Shield and Sutter Health have settled on a two-year contract.

Armed robbery at 7-Eleven on Cardiff Place

Police officers with the City of Santa Cruz and UC Santa Cruz responded at 3 a.m. January 30 to an armed robbery at the 7-Eleven on Cardiff Place.

Community crime bulletin — Arson near Red Hill Road

A UC Santa Cruz employee called dispatchers with the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 4 a.m. on January 30 to report a fire in the ravine east of Red Hill Road and west of McLaughlin Drive, near Science Hill.

Community crime bulletin: Arrests made in recent auto burglaries, person of interest identified

UC Santa Cruz police officers arrested two people in connection with recent car burglaries on campus.

Roses bloom in tide pools: warm water brings southern sea slug to Central Coast

Bright pink, inch-long sea slugs have shown up in the highest numbers and northernmost locations reported since the 1998 El Niño

Game designer Brenda Romero honored with Game Developers Choice Award

Romero, director of the UC Santa Cruz Games and Playable Media master's program, will receive the GDCA Ambassador Award

Fifty artists from five decades: UC Santa Cruz 50th alumni exhibition opens Feb. 5

UC Santa Cruz alumni from across the country are contributing their works to "50/50"—a new art exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the campus that opens on February 5.

Campus, city take home prestigious governor's award

In 2011, the City and UCSC created the GreenWharf program to foster the development and incorporation of innovative technology into the structure and operations at the Santa Cruz Wharf.

UC establishes full-time advocates, other measures to address sexual violence on campuses

The University of California will meet its January goals toward implementing a comprehensive approach to addressing sexual violence on campuses.

Scientists drill through half mile of Antarctic ice for data on ice sheet stability

A team including researchers from UC Santa Cruz has become the first ever to reach and sample the "grounding zone" of an Antarctic ice sheet.

2015 UC Santa Cruz Hellman Fellows Program open for proposals from assistant professors

I am pleased to announce the annual call for applications for the UC Santa Cruz Hellman Fellows Program.

Researchers find a novel signaling pathway involved in appetite control

UCSC scientists uncovered details of a molecular signaling system in the brain that is involved in the control of body weight and metabolism.

Steve Whittaker named fellow of Association of Computing Machinery

Steve Whittaker, UC Santa Cruz professor of psychology, has been named a fellow of the Association of Computing Machinery for his work in human-computer interaction

Campus community invited to spread radical ideas at TEDx Santa Cruz

This year’s TEDx Santa Cruz is focused on radical collaborations. Organizers are looking for speakers and performers whose creative and innovative ideas have changed the world.

Heart arrhythmias detected in deep-diving marine mammals

Exercising while holding their breath remains a physiological challenge for marine mammals, despite remarkable adaptations to aquatic life.

UC Santa Cruz astronomer Claire Max recognized for astronomical instrumentation

The American Astronomical Society awarded the Joseph Weber Award for Astronomical Instrumentation to UC Observatories director Claire Max.

Alumnus Tom Franco brings his collaborative art culture to UC Santa Cruz

“This is a curatorial class—it’s a great atmosphere to experiment,” artist Tom Franco told the 20 students gathered at their first meeting in the Sesnon Gallery at UC Santa Cruz…

UC Santa Cruz hosts conference for undergraduate women in physics

The 10th annual Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics will take place at UC Santa Cruz January 16 to 18.

Person of interest sought in multiple auto burglaries on campus

On January 8, 2015, a Community Crime Bulletin alerted the campus community about multiple auto burglaries reported over the past few weeks. Since then, two more auto burglaries have been reported.

UC Santa Cruz to lead effort to build a new map of human genetic variation

The Simons Foundation awarded UCSC up to $1 million to develop a comprehensive Human Genome Variation Map for scientific and medical research

In 50th year, UC Santa Cruz sees unprecedented undergraduate interest

Nearly 55,000 prospective undergraduates applied for the fall 2015 quarter, an 11 percent increase from the previous year, and the second highest percentage increase among the UC campuses.

Karen McNally, noted seismologist and earthquake risk expert, dies at age 74

Karen McNally, professor emeritus of Earth sciences, died at her home in Davenport, CA, on December 20, 2014. She was 74.

Angela Davis, activist, professor emerita, to headline annual MLK Convocation

Activist, author, and distinguished UC Santa Cruz professor emerita Angela Davis is this year's keynote speaker at the 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation, which is at 7 p.m., Wednesday, January 28, at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.

Community crime bulletin: Multiple auto burglaries

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the public's help with its investigation into several reported auto burglaries that have occurred since December 26. The burglaries appear to have occurred in the evening or early morning hours. Items taken include money, clothing, laptops, tablets, GPS, and other personal items.

‘Questions that Matter’: New public humanities series brings campus to community

The UC Santa Cruz Institute for Humanities Research (IHR) will present "Making the Cosmos Local"—the first event in a new series of public dialogues titled Questions That Matter—on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Kuumbwa Jazz Center.

Dressing up to party down

Time to head to the vintage store or rifle through the closet to channel your inner Twiggy—in honor of its upcoming 50th anniversary celebration starting in 2015, UC Santa Cruz is holiding an informal 1965-style dress-up day on January 15.

Blue Shield of California and Sutter Health Provider Negotiations- Contract Termination and Transition Period

Blue Shield of California and Sutter Health were unable to agree on a contract for 2015, which affects many UCSC employees using the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

Red Cross Staff & Faculty Blood Drive this month

The Staff Advisory Board is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive for Staff and Faculty on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at the Stevenson Event Center from 10am to 3pm.

New expanded campus address system will aid emergency responses

In an effort to improve emergency response times on campus, individual building addresses have been created over the past two years. This addressing system was developed in conjunction with both the UC Santa Cruz Police Department and what is now the Santa Cruz City Fire Department.

Multimedia campaign to bring nationwide attention to campus

In support of the 50th anniversary, UC Santa Cruz has launched a national multimedia marketing campaign to showcase the campus’s original thinking that’s pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

'Missing Microbes' author Dr. Martin Blaser to speak on overuse of antibiotics

Dr. Martin Blaser will give a public lecture on Thursday, January 15, at 7 p.m. at the Rio Theater in Santa Cruz.

In Memoriam: Raul Altamirano

I write with great sadness about the death of Raul Altamirano, assistant to the registrar and business manager for the Office of the Registrar.

Formal Review: Whistleblower Protection Policy

The University of California is proposing extensive revisions to the Whistleblower Protection Policy, which applies to all University employees and all applicants for University employment.