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A tilt of the head facilitates social engagement, researchers say

Every time we look at a face, we take in a flood of information effortlessly: age, gender, race, expression, the direction of our subject's gaze, perhaps even their mood. How the brain does this is a mystery.

Isaí Ambrosio named UCSC's inaugural "activist-in-residence"

Isaí Ambrosio is going back to school in January. The program director of the Davenport Resource Service Center (DRSC) has been named the inaugural activist-in-residence of UCSC's Research Center for the Americas (RCA).

The Department of Athletics & OPERS launches a new facility access and registration software

In order to provide the best possible experience for UC Santa Cruz students, faculty, staff, and the local community, the Department of Athletics & OPERS is launching new software.

UC negotiations with journal publisher

Calling for a significant change in our university's relationship with Elsevier, the world's largest publisher of academic journals.

Revising the Strategic Academic Plan documentation

Over the course of the fall quarter, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Herbie Lee and his team have produced another draft of the Strategic Academic Plan document based on robust feedback from the Senate and our community.

High Surf Advisory Sunday through Monday

The National Weather Services has issued a High Surf Advisory for Sunday and Monday through 9 p.m., December 16-17. These conditions can produce dangerous swells and large breaking waves from 25 to 40 feet, some locations exceeding 50 feet.

Two new books published by UC Santa Cruz poet, lecturer, and alumnus Gary Young

UC Santa Cruz literature lecturer Gary Young has just released "That's What I Thought," a new poetry collection which has been honored with the Lexi Rudnitsky Editor's Choice Award from Persea Books in New York City.

New book reframes activism of Native leaders who sowed seeds of Red Power Movement

In her new book, Anthropology Professor Renya Ramirez portrays her grandparents, legendary Native leaders Henry and Elizabeth Cloud, as "Christian warriors" whose activism sowed the seeds of what would come to be known as the Red Power Movement.

Mathematical biologist Marc Mangel honored by American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists

Marc Mangel, distinguished research professor of applied mathematics, has been chosen to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award of the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists

Demographics of deportation: Noncitizens fare better in communities that are 20-40 percent Hispanic

An exhaustive new analysis of deportation practices across the country reveals a "protective effect" for noncitizens living in communities that are 20 percent to 40 percent Hispanic.

Student Health Services closures next week

The Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), CARE and Student Health Outreach Promotion (SHOP) will be closed for the following December dates and times for mandatory staff trainings.

Interim director of Transportation and Parking Services

Dan Henderson will take over for Larry Pageler, who is retiring with 35 years of service to the university. Larry's last day is Jan. 3.

Save the date—forum on the development of Early Education Services for students, faculty, and staff

CITRIS releases call for seed funding proposals

Proposals must be submitted online and are due by Jan. 31. UC Santa Cruz will host an information session at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 9 in Baskin Engineering 2, Room 180 (The Simularium).

Submit comments on proposed changes to Title IX rules by Dec. 21

The draft rules are open for public comment until January 28, 2019 (60 calendar days from their publication in the Federal Register). The rules address a topic of great significance to the UC community, and it is critical that the Office of the President provide comments.

Ocean fertilization by unusual microbes extends to frigid waters of Arctic Ocean

Researchers have documented nitrogen fixation by an unusual type of cyanobacteria in the cold waters of the Bering and Chukchi Seas.

The complex history of Earth’s magnetic reversals

UC Santa Cruz geology professor Robert Coe will be presenting his paper, “What We Know and Don’t Know about Reversals” during the upcoming American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting in Washington, D.C. this December.

Biochemist Glenn Millhauser receives Outstanding Faculty Award

The annual award from the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences is the division's highest honor for faculty achievement, recognizing combined excellence in research, teaching, and service.

East Remote Lot Closure Over Winter Break (and other Winter Break tips)

Winter break is quickly approaching and we wanted to alert you to an important change in parking during this time.

Sophos Antivirus Software Replaced with SentinelOne

Over the last several months, ITS technicians have been removing the antivirus software, Sophos, from UCSC managed computers and replacing it with SentinelOne. That work is now complete and we’d like to help answer a few questions and find out if you still have Sophos installed on your computer.

Wild animals key to mediating landscape’s capacity to store carbon, researchers say

Advances in remote sensing technologies are helping scientists to better measure how global landscapes—from forests to savanna—are able to store carbon, a critical insight as they evaluate the potential role of ecosystems in mitigating climate change.

UC Cyber Security Awareness learning activity

The UC Cyber Security Awareness Fundamentals (CSA) learning activity has been updated and available for you to review and complete.

Alumna Irma Eréndira Sandoval leads Mexico's anti-corruption efforts

Mexico's new president tapped UC Santa Cruz alumna Irma Sandoval to lead the government's anti-corruption efforts.

Beach hazard warning through Friday morning

The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazard Statement for sneaker waves. This means that conditions are present to support a heightened risk of unsuspecting beach goers being swept into the sea by a wave.

DVD box set curated by Shelley Stamp wins 2018 New York Film Critics Circle Award

"Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers"--a Kino Classics box set curated by UC Santa Cruz film and digital media professor Shelley Stamp and executive produced by actress, director, and screenwriter Illeana Douglas--has received a 2018 Special Award from the New York Film Critics Circle.

Submit comments on revised proposed policy on open access for theses and dissertations

Art exhibit highlights the ubiquity of motors

“Motors Surround Us”—a collaboration between a physics lecturer, her students, and community artists—will be on display through Dec. 31 in the atrium of the Physical Sciences Building.

Exceptions to campus closure 2018-2019

As in the past, the UC Santa Cruz campus will close during the holiday season in an effort to conserve energy at a time when the university business is generally slow. This year the campus will be closed from Saturday, December 22, 2018 through Tuesday, January 1, 2019, re-opening on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

Environmental, social changes shift how elephant seals communicate

UC Santa Cruz Ph.D. candidate Caroline Casey retraced biologist Burney Le Boeuf's scientific footsteps and discovered the seals’ threat calls no longer had geographic distinctions. Instead, as the northern elephant seal population had increased, the males’ calls had grown more individualized and complex.

More key forms digitized by Office of Industry Alliances and Technology Commercialization

After launching an online Invention Disclosure Form last year, the Office of Industry Alliances and Technology Commercialization (IATC) has followed up this year by digitizing and streamlining its non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and material transfer agreement (MTA) request procedures.

Giving Back this Holiday Season

The holidays are here! Help the Student Volunteer Center (SVC) give back to the community by participating in their annual Giving Drive, happening from now until December 7th.

Campus boating center earns best-in-show award in parade

For the fifth year in a row, the UC Santa Cruz Community Boating Center earned the coveted best-in-show award at the 33rd annual Lighted Boat Parade held at the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor on Saturday, Dec. 1.

Kepler telescope captures extraordinary observations of a star's death throes

Kepler's observations of the supernova known as SN 2018oh showed an unexpected fast rise in brightness that may be an important clue to understanding the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae, which cosmologists use to study the expansion of the universe and dark energy.

Reminder—Dec. 3 town hall focused on chancellor search

The UC Santa Cruz Chancellor's Search Advisory Committee invites and encourages all staff members to attend a town hall at the Stevenson College Event Center at noon on Monday, Dec. 3. The event is an opportunity for you to offer your feedback on the selection of a new chancellor to members of the search committee.

Summer abroad programs offer hands-on learning opportunities

UC Santa Cruz has significantly expanded its faculty-led summer abroad programs, now offering seven different opportunities for students to further their education in other countries.

Racial bias taints neighborhoods—and residents, research reveals

In her research, Courtney Bonam explores the assumptions people make about neighborhoods and schools that are either predominantly black or white, and she has uncovered racial bias in the way people perceive communities.

Introducing New SAB Members

I am excited and delighted to introduce our new board members. Elections were held back in the summer and our new members have hit the ground running.

UC Santa Cruz receives significant Hunter S. Thompson collection

An 800-volume collection of works by famed author and journalist Hunter S. Thompson has been donated to Special Collections & Archives at UC Santa Cruz.

Campus Power Outage Impacts Data Center Services

Power in the Data Center is currently shut down due to an early morning campus power outage. ITS technicians are closely monitoring the situation.

Campus meeting on proposed revisions to the systemwide Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment

In Memoriam: Stuart A. Schlegel

Stuart A. Schlegel, a retired professor, died Nov. 8 at his Santa Cruz home. He was 85 years old.

Retention specialist recognized by student affairs association

Aaron Jones, a retention specialist for African, black, and Caribbean students, was recently recognized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators for his service in its African American Knowledge Community.

Ocean scientist Jonathan Zehr elected 2018 AAAS Fellow

Jonathan Zehr, professor of ocean sciences at UC Santa Cruz, has been awarded the distinction of AAAS Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

High surf advisory and high wind watch this week

Wednesday to Friday: The National Weather Services has issued a high surf advisory beginning today and into Friday. Peak levels are expected on Wednesday. These conditions can produce dangerous swells and breaking waves of 18 to 24 feet.

Prescribed burn today at Wilder Ranch State Park

The California Department of Parks and Recreation with assistance from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection plan to begin a prescribed burn at Wilder Ranch State Park starting today (Monday, Nov. 26) as conditions allow.

Alumni listening session on Dec. 4

The UC Santa Cruz Chancellor’s Search Advisory Committee invites and encourages alumni to join a listening session from 4–5 p.m. on Dec. 4 via video conference.

Massoud elected trustee of Law and Society Association

Mark Fathi Massoud, associate professor of politics and legal studies, has been elected to the board of trustees of the Law and Society Association.

Holiday Open House

Chancellor George Blumenthal and his wife, Professor Kelly Weisberg, invite faculty, staff, and friends to join together for a special holiday gathering on Tuesday, December 18, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Porter Dining Hall.

Grassland expansion—not human hunting—drove ancient African extinctions

A new study revealed ecological changes in the African savanna, not the emergence of our hominin ancestors, led to the extinction of African ‘megaherbivores’ millions of years ago.

Dec. 3 town hall focused on chancellor search

The UC Santa Cruz Chancellor’s Search Advisory Committee invites and encourages faculty, staff, and students to attend town hall sessions at the Stevenson College Event Center on Monday, Dec. 3.

Review and Comment—Presidential Task Force Recommendations for Universitywide Policing

I am sharing with you a memo from Senior Vice President Alexander Bustamante regarding recommendations from the Presidential Task Force on Universitywide Policing.

2018 UCSC Holiday Food Drive

Greetings and cheer from the UCSC Holiday Food Drive. The UCSC holiday food drive works in cooperation with Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County providing healthy meals to our friends and neighbors in need.

Study reveals importance of 'cryptic connections' in disease transmission

Innovative study of fungal disease in bats quantifies unseen interactions that play a key role in the spread of disease through populations and between species.

Required Stronger Account Security Coming 2019

I am writing to inform you about a new security measure that will be rolling out across campus called Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). By October 2019 of next year, MFA will become mandatory for key UCSC services.

Air quality update—Nov. 19, 2018

As weather patterns have changed, the EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) for Santa Cruz has begun to improve, and is currently near the lower end of the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range.

New director of Sponsored Projects

Deirdre Beach has been appointed director of the Office of Sponsored Projects.

Troubled by proposed Title IX changes

I am deeply concerned by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos's proposed rewrite of the rules governing sexual harassment and assault allegations on college campuses. The changes are incongruous with our values as an academic community.

Campus monitoring air quality

Santa Cruz continues to experience poor air quality as a result of smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County.

Last chance to see 'Forest Law' by Ursula Biemann and Paulo Tavares at UC Santa Cruz

Forest Law 2014, a 38-minute multi-channel video installation and photo text assemblage based on research carried out by Ursula Biemann and Paulo Tavares in the Ecuadorian Amazon, is currently on display at the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery through December 1.

Land use scenarios for input

For more than a year, we have been gathering feedback as we work on a new Long Range Development Plan. An LRDP is a land use map that designates campus land according to various uses, such as academic and housing.

Air quality update

Smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County continues to impact our local air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to indicate that Santa Cruz air quality is in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range.

American Council on Education's Internationalization Laboratory

We're delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for our campus: UC Santa Cruz's participation in the American Council on Education's 16th Internationalization Laboratory cohort.

Astronomers find the progenitor to a unique type of supernova

Astronomers may have finally uncovered the long-sought progenitor to a unique type of exploding star called a type Ic supernova.

Sad news regarding campus benefactor Will Webster

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the death of Will Webster, a gifted inventor whose deep generosity has helped shape modern-day UC Santa Cruz.

From chicken guts to ape anatomy: Adrienne Zihlman's emerita lecture

Adrienne Zihlman delivered the 29th annual Emeriti Faculty Research Lecture, "The Inside Story of the Apes," to a capacity crowd in the Music Center Recital Hall on November 13.

Air Quality Status

Smoke from local fires and the Camp Fire in Northern California has been impacting our local air quality over the past week. At this time, the AQI indicates that Santa Cruz air quality is in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range.

Planet discovered orbiting the second closest stellar system to the Earth

Measurements from high-precision instruments, including Keck's HIRES and Lick's Automated Planet Finder, reveal a cold super-Earth around Barnard’s star.

Entrepreneur and UC Santa Cruz benefactor Will Webster dies at 90

Webster, a major donor who invented revolutionary cardiac devices, established a foundation that spearheaded significant campus changes.

Rebecca Covarrubias of Psychology to receive early-career award

Rebecca Covarrubias, assistant professor of psychology, has been selected to receive the 2019 Latino Caucus Early Career Award from the Society for Research in Child Development.

Supporting those affected by wildfires

California is once again seeing communities around the state ravaged by massive wildfires. We mourn all that has been lost in these cities and towns that so many members of our campus community call home.

New opportunities for faculty to engage with Beyond Compliance initiative

UC Santa Cruz faculty members have two new opportunities to help eliminate sexual harassment and sexual violence on campus.

Solar panels, storage system to further campus sustainability

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

Escape responses of coral reef fish obey simple behavioral rules

Loom-sensitive neural circuits characterized in previous lab studies are shown to underlie complex evasive behaviors observed in a natural environment.

In Memoriam: Frank Talamantes (1943–2018)

Frank Talamantes, professor emeritus of molecular, cell, and developmental biology at UC Santa Cruz, died October 8 in El Paso, Texas. He was 75.

ENVS doctoral candidate Paulo Quadri takes top honors for NYC talk

Paulo Quadri, a doctoral candidate in environmental studies, was recognized for giving one of the three best talks during the American Museum of Natural History’s annual Student Conference on Conservation Science.

Lit prof offers true love and dreams of miraculous escape

The latest book by UC Santa Cruz literature professor Micah Perks, is a unique anthology of her short stories that sometimes reads like a novel. Written over the past 15 years, it’s a linked collection of engaging tales about the same people--all set in Santa Cruz, California.

Ancient DNA evidence reveals genetic exchanges between the Americas

Unprecedented details about the story of the peopling of Central and South America have been revealed in a new study published in the journal Cell.

Oil and gas development off California's coast—Is more in our future?

The Ken Norris Memorial Lecture at the Seymour Center on Tuesday, November 13, features a moderated discussion with an expert panel.

Summer Session team earns awards for work

UC Santa Cruz Summer Session recently won five awards at the 2018 North American Association of Summer Sessions (NAASS) conference held in Portland, Oregon.

SocDoc alumna’s film about Syrian women refugees to have world premiere at DOC NYC

We Are Not Princesses, the first feature film by UC Santa Cruz alumna Bridgette Auger (SocDoc ’11) will have its world premiere on November 14 at DOC NYC, the largest documentary film festival in the United States.

Beyond campaign rhetoric: What's really needed to secure California's economic future

With the world's fifth-largest economy, California has legitimate bragging rights as it proudly leads the "resistance" to federal attacks on immigrant rights, environmental policy, and progressive values in general. But that's not the whole story.

Fire in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, near campus

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is closely monitoring a new wildland fire near the main campus. This one is in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which is just east of campus.

Fire near campus near full containment

Fire officials report they have near full containment of a roughly 4-acre vegetation fire that is burning in a steep, heavily wooded area just east of campus, where Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Santa Cruz’s Pogonip greenbelt area intersect.

Long noncoding RNA identified as a key regulator of inflammation

New findings add to growing evidence that previously dismissed "junk DNA" actually produces RNA molecules with important regulatory functions.

Hear the "Inside Story of the Apes" on Tuesday, Nov. 13

Adrienne Zihlman had a hunch 30 years ago that the study of human evolution would benefit from the analysis of more than skeletons. That hunch set her on a career path that established her as an internationally recognized authority on human origins.

Request to update directory and CruzAlert contact information

The University of California, Santa Cruz, continues to undertake efforts to log the work locations of all employees in campus Directory and CruzAlert.

SAB Staff Mentorship Program: Mentee Application Period Open

The application period is now open in order to apply to be mentee in the 2019 SAB Staff Mentorship Program.  The deadline to apply is November 26th, 2018. 

From asexuality to heteroflexibility: 21st century ushers in new openness about intimate relationships

The 21st century has ushered in a "quiet revolution" in the diversity of intimate relationships, and a leading scholar says the scale and pace of this social transformation warrants a "reboot" of relationship studies.

SAP: Academic priority areas and oversight

With fall quarter in full swing, I'm delighted to provide this brief update about our Strategic Academic Plan.

Wildland fire near campus

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is closely monitoring a wildland fire near Highway 9, north of Paradise Park.

Vote in Nov. 6 mid-term election!

Tuesday, Nov. 6 is Election Day in California. There are important matters on the ballot—candidates for governor as well as federal, state, and local offices in addition to several local and state initiatives. Voting is a citizen's fundamental right, and UC Santa Cruz urges you to let your voice be heard.

Legendary poet Gary Snyder to read at UC Santa Cruz for annual Morton Marcus event

Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet, essayist, and environmental activist Gary Snyder will be the featured guest at the ninth annual Morton Marcus Memorial Poetry Reading on Thursday, November 15, at the Music Center Recital Hall on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

UCSC chemists develop safe alternatives to phthalates used in plastics

Growing concern over the health effects of phthalates has spurred a search for alternatives that can add flexibility to plastics without leaching out.

Exhibit showcases art inspired by the UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves

'Reserves of Inspiration: Exploring UC Santa Cruz Natural Landscapes' opens November 6 at the Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery in Cowell College.

Community Crime Bulletin — Residential Burglary

Burglary at the Crown/Merrill apartments

In Memoriam: Helene Moglen (1936 – 2018)

UCSC interns among top high school presenters at Sigma Xi Student Research Conference

Five high school students participating in UCSC's Science Internship Program took top honors for geosciences and for physics and astronomy in the high school division.

Campus review: revised Workplace Violence Policy BAS-008

Business and Administrative Services invites comments on the proposed updates to the UC Santa Cruz Workplace Violence policy. The policy addresses intimidation, threats, and acts of violence in the workplace.

Supporting all transgender and gender non-conforming members of our community

We write to condemn a recent move by the Trump administration to redefine gender under Title IX, and to reaffirm our commitment to the transgender and gender non-conforming members of our community.

Tragedy in Pittsburgh

We are shocked and saddened by the shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA.

$9.3 million education grant to support Pajaro Valley students in college journey

The grant, to the UC Santa Cruz Educational Partnership Center (EPC), will serve 1,630 underrepresented students in the Pajaro Valley beginning in their sixth and seventh grades and on through their first year of college.

New policy on disclosure of financial interests and management of conflicts of interest in private sponsors of research

The policy applies to any research activity that is funded or supported by a non-governmental entity in whole or in part through a contract or grant; by a gift which is designated by the gift donor for a specific research project, or a specific Principal Investigator, or a laboratory or research program headed by a Principal Investigator; or through in-kind support provided under a material transfer agreement (MTA).

On campus photography contest

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

Advisory committee named for chancellor search

University of California President Janet Napolitano today announced the formation of an advisory committee to help in the international search for a new chancellor to lead our campus.

Campus status updates

UC Santa Cruz received notice on Oct. 12, 2018 that there will be a labor strike beginning 4 a.m. on October 23 and ending at 3:59 a.m. on October 26, 2018 by AFSCME patient care technical workers.

Grant supports improved stormwater management

With support from a federal grant, UC Santa Cruz will improve stormwater drainage at the Emergency Response Center to promote infiltration into the soil and protect water quality.

Open Enrollment 2019

The annual Open Enrollment (OE) period begins Thursday, October 25th and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20.

Moschkovich named 2019 distinguished scholar

Judit Moschkovich, professor of mathematics education, has been selected to receive the 2019 Distinguished Scholar Award from the Special Interest Group for Research in Mathematics Education.

Update on campus demonstrations

As today’s labor action on campus by AFSCME patient-care workers and their supporters wraps up, we encourage members of the campus community to keep checking for updates starting early Wednesday on continuing demonstrations and how they might be affecting campus operations.

NIH grant funds development of a wayfinding app for the blind

Engineer Roberto Manduchi develops assistive technologies for people with disabilities.

Information and resources about this week's strike

As the leaders for Student Success, Graduate Studies, and Colleges, Housing, and Educational Services, our charge is to ensure that students thrive. We support the whole student, employing practices that enable UC Santa Cruz students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

Stay informed during strike

As previously shared, the University of California has been informed that there will be a labor strike on all of its campuses and medical centers beginning at 4 a.m. on Oct. 23 and ending at 3:59 a.m. on Oct. 26.

Visionary tech pioneer Jaron Lanier to deliver Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture

Computer scientist, composer, visual artist, and acclaimed author Jaron Lanier will deliver the 2018 Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture on Monday, October 29, at the Music Center Recital Hall. He will speak on the topic, "How the Internet Failed and How to Recreate It."

Creating a culture shift in fieldwork

A workshop designed by a UC Santa Cruz professor and Ph.D. student aims to help scientists learn how to prevent and deal with sexual assault and harassment in field settings, where researchers often work in harsh conditions and close quarters miles from help.

3D-printed supercapacitor electrode breaks records in lab tests

Advances in supercapacitor technology could lead to wider use of fast-charging energy storage devices and novel designs for electronic gadgets.

NSF honors astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz among Hispanic leaders in science

In recognition of their efforts and Hispanic Heritage Month, the National Science Foundation profiled eight leaders in their fields.

Winter campus curtailment 2018-2019

Our 2018-2019 Winter Campus Curtailment is scheduled for Saturday, December 22, 2018 through Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

UC Santa Cruz receives Mellon Foundation humanities grant to explore Earth Futures

Catastrophic environmental breakdown, mass species extinction, financial collapse, racist separatism, global nuclear war…there is much speculation these days that we are living at the end of democracy, liberalism, capitalism, a cool planet, and civilization as we know it...

Study documents paternal transmission of epigenetic memory via sperm

Susan Strome's lab at UC Santa Cruz is making steady progress in unraveling how environmental effects on health and development can be transmitted across generations.

Building an inclusive community

We have received numerous reports about chalking graffiti and fliers posted on campus with white nationalist/white supremacist messages. As a university, UC Santa Cruz is committed to continued education for faculty, staff, and students about different forms of oppression.

Community invited to housing project hearings

UC Santa Cruz will be holding two public hearings next week on Student Housing West’s revised draft environmental impact report.

Earthquake preparedness drill and test of the UCSC emergency notification system, CruzAlert

On October 18 at 10:18 a.m., UC Santa Cruz will participate in The Great California Shake Out, an earthquake awareness and preparedness campaign.

Revisions to the UC Policy on Vehicle and Driver Selection

The Office of the President invites comments on a proposed revision to Presidential Policy on the Use of Vehicles and Driver Selection (BFB-BUS-46).

Fire training near Crown Meadow on Wednesday

Firefighters will be conducting training near Crown Meadow on Oct. 17, from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 5:30 p.m.

SAB Fall Chancellor Forum on Oct. 30 and Staff Polls

With Chancellor George Blumenthal announcing his retirement, President Janet Napolitano is forming a search committee to find our next chancellor.

Information and resources about upcoming strike activities

UC Santa Cruz received notice on Oct. 12, 2018 that there will be a labor strike beginning 4 a.m. on October 23 and ending at 3:59 a.m. on October 26, 2018 by AFSCME patient care technical workers.

Getty Research Institute and PBS feature work by alumna book artist Felicia Rice

On October 20, The Getty Research Institute will present the world premiere screening of Visionaries, the newest episode from PBS's award-winning documentary series, Craft in America. UC Santa Cruz arts alumna Felicia Rice is featured in that episode.

Electioneering on campus

The next general election is a little less than a month away. Now is the time to make sure you are able to participate in this important civic activity on Nov. 6, 2018.

Library Journal Utilization and Cancellation Survey

The University Library, in cooperation with the Academic Senate-COLASC and with the support of IRAPS, requests your input for the Library Journal Utilization and Cancellation Survey. The survey will be open from October 11, 2018 through January 23, 2019.

Gary Griggs covers region's history of natural disasters in new book

Griggs puts the natural disasters of recent decades into historical context in his latest book, 'Between Paradise and Peril: The Natural Disaster History of the Monterey Bay Region.'

Arts professor to participate in Television Academy Foundation’s 2018 Faculty Seminar Program

UC Santa Cruz associate professor of film and digital media L.S. Kim is one of 25 professors from colleges and universities across the country selected for the Television Academy Foundation’s 2018 Faculty Seminar Program.

Three UCSC professors honored as Fellows of the California Academy of Sciences

Biologist Beth Shapiro and astronomers Claire Max and Natalie Batalha are among 14 new fellows elected to the California Academy of Sciences for 2018.

UCSC hosts free public forum Oct. 22 on the Santa Cruz housing crisis

Six UC Santa Cruz scholars will discuss rent control and other proposals to address the Santa Cruz housing crisis during a free public forum on Monday, October 22, in the Kresge Town Hall.

Astronomer Natalie Batalha to receive Alumni Achievement Award

After serving as science lead for NASA’s Kepler Mission from 2011 to 2017, Batalha is returning to UC Santa Cruz as a professor of astronomy and astrophysics.

UC Santa Cruz honors outstanding staff, teaching, research

The Division of Social Sciences at UC Santa Cruz presented several major awards today (Tuesday, October 9) to recognize outstanding accomplishments by faculty, staff, researchers, and emeriti faculty.

Nine in 10 Silicon Valley jobs pay less now than 20 years ago, new research reveals

The vast majority of workers in Silicon Valley have been excluded from the area’s enormous economic boom, according to the results of a new study that reveals that nearly nine in ten jobs pay less today than they did 20 years ago.

Beyond Compliance Forum

I am pleased to announce that my office has scheduled a Beyond Compliance Forum for 4–6 p.m. Oct. 11 at Kresge Town Hall. The meeting will focus on what we are doing to address and prevent sexual violence and sexual harassment on our campus.

SAP moving forward

As the academic year begins to unfold, I am delighted to share with you two updates on our Strategic Academic Planning process.

Local group funds four UC Santa Cruz cancer researchers

The Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group is continuing its support for cancer research at UC Santa Cruz with new grants.

New twist on 'The Turn of the Screw' to have West Coast premiere at UC Santa Cruz

The West Coast premiere of a new interpretation of the Henry James Gothic classic, 'Strange Window: The Turn of the Screw'--directed by acclaimed stage director and UC Santa Cruz theater arts professor Marianne Weems--will take place October 12-14 on campus at the Experimental Theater in the Theater Arts Center.

CP/EVC’s Staff Fellows Program

I am excited to announce the launch of the Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Staff Fellows Program.

Molecular guardians monitor chromosomes during cell division

Cell biologist Needhi Bhalla investigates the intricate choreography of cell division and the chromosomal surveillance apparatus that guards against disaster.

Alumni Profile: Author-naturalist Christian Schwarz crusades on behalf of the planet

With his smart phone in hand, Christian Schwarz is empowering "citizen scientists" to document today's biodiversity in hopes of inspiring action before it's too late.

Arctic ecology field course a memorable experience for students

After studying Arctic ecology and environmental change in the classroom, students experienced it firsthand on a three-week summer field trip .

Housing crisis impacting city and county employees, survey reveals

Those who work for and serve the city and county of Santa Cruz are being impacted by the housing crisis, according to researchers who surveyed nearly 500 people.

Prescribed burn on Friday

As announced last fall, CAL FIRE is planning to conduct a number of prescribed burns cooperatively with UC Santa Cruz through 2018.

SACNAS to honor UC Santa Cruz chapter at annual diversity in STEM conference

The UCSC chapter will be recognized as 2018 Chapter of the Year for its outstanding achievements.

Required state and federal notices

The University of California, Santa Cruz, is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their safety and security.

Central Valley Freedom Summer registers voters, changes lives

For most kids who grow up in the Central Valley, the goal is to get out. But this summer, 25 UC Santa Cruz and UC Merced students turned that narrative on its head and returned home, eager to give back to their communities.

ARCS Foundation scholarships support UCSC graduate students

Thirteen UC Santa Cruz graduate students have received scholarships worth a total of $141,000 from the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation.

19 UCSC film students collaborate on documentary about Santa Cruz housing crisis

"At Capacity"—a collectively-made documentary feature film by 19 students in a UC Santa Cruz film class--will screen twice at the 2018 Santa Cruz Film Festival, which takes place downtown October 3-7.

NSF grant funds program to increase diversity in physics and astronomy

The Cal-Bridge program has received a $5 million grant to support Ph.D. pathways at 24 campuses.

LA County's new public defender is guided by 'presumption of innocence'

This fall, UCSC alum Ricardo Garcia will take the helm of the LA County Public Defender's Office—the largest and oldest public defender's unit in the country.

UC Santa Cruz wins USDA grant to support beginning farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has funded an effort by UC Santa Cruz to help programs that support beginning farmers and ranchers evaluate their effectiveness.

Chancellor recognized as community hero

Chancellor George Blumenthal was among 11 community heroes honored by Assemblyman Evan Low, who represents Silicon Valley.

New academic year, new possibilities

No matter if you are new or continuing your UC Santa Cruz journey, start the academic year off right: Get involved, introduce yourself to someone new, or just do what Slugs do — blaze a new trail in whatever area you choose!

First-year Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam survey results yield cosmological constraints

UC Santa Cruz astronomer Alexie Leauthaud has been involved in the HSC survey project from the beginning of the survey.

Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz elected fellow of American Physical Society

Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz, professor and chair of astronomy and astrophysics, has been elected an APS Fellow in recognition of his outstanding contributions to physics.

Proposed policy updates on protecting personally identifiable information

The Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy, Protection of Administrative Records Containing Personally Identifiable Information (BFB-RMP-7).

Proposed revisions to the UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

The Office of the President invites comments on proposed revisions to the Presidential Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment.

Systemwide Review of the UC Policy on the Principles of Accountability with Respect to Financial Transactions

The Office of the President has invited the University community to comment on the proposed Presidential Policy on the Principles of Accountability with Respect to Financial Transactions.

Reports of sexual misconduct by a professor

We expect everyone in our campus community to know that sexual harassment and sexual misconduct are at odds with the values of our campus.

Deer Alert - Rutting Season

This time of year drivers and cyclists need to be extra vigilant about deer darting into roadways. It is deer rutting season, when the bucks are in hot pursuit of mates. Deer will often run across roads, appearing to come out of nowhere as the mating season progresses.

2018-2019 UCSC Campus Transit and Metro Bus Service

As our UC Community gears up for the 2018-2019 academic year, we wanted to send everyone a quick note with some information regarding on-campus transit and Santa Cruz Metro Bus Services to-and-from UCSC.

Civil rights guide new Title IX director’s approach

Title IX Director Isabel Dees hopes to continue the push for educational equity and social justice by focusing on improving how the office responds to complaints, spending more time engaging with the campus community, and ultimately demonstrating that the work of the Title IX office is civil rights work.

Update on Kresge College renewal to be given during town hall

Campus invited to celebrate the Healthy Campus Network

Attendees can grab a bite and talk with folks about the many programs that are available to the campus community to improve wellness.

Planetary scientist Francis Nimmo awarded 2018 Farinella Prize

Francis Nimmo, professor of Earth and planetary sciences, was awarded the 2018 Paolo Farinella Prize at the European Planetary Science Congress in Berlin.

Ocean scientist Phoebe Lam leads Pacific Ocean research cruise

Lam is one of three chief scientists on the U.S. GEOTRACES GP15 cruise to sample the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to Tahiti.

Campus review of the revised Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment Policy

In response to recent revisions to the UC Office of the President Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy as well as campus feedback, Business and Administrative Services is proposing updates to the UC Santa Cruz Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy and invites your comments.

Community engagement enhances graduate education

Associate Professor Elliott Campbell and Professor Chris Benner co-taught a Spring Quarter class to connect first-year graduate students with environmental problems in the Salinas Valley Basin and to foster collaboration with off-campus stakeholders.

Major revisions to the Electronic Information Security Policy

The University of California Office of the President has issued major revisions to the Electronic Information Security Policy (IS-3) following a systemwide review.

Chancellor Blumenthal announces plan to retire

In a message to campus, Chancellor George Blumenthal announced his plan to retire at the end of the 2018-19 academic year.

UC president offers 'profound' gratitude to retiring chancellor

UC President Janet Napolitano praised Chancellor George Blumenthal for greatly expanding access to the university during his tenure as chancellor.

Canvas for Fall 2018

Fall quarter is just around the corner. This message provides information about using the campus Learning Management System, Canvas, for making course materials and information available to your students, and how you can get help.

Annual campus Move-In begins Thursday, September 20

This week we are preparing to welcome more than 9,000 residential students to our community. University Housing will open its doors for occupancy beginning Thursday, Sept. 20 and student Move-In will continue through Sunday, Sept. 23.

Decisive sea otters distinguish differences by touch

Research at Long Marine Laboratory reveals the sensitivity of sea otters' paws and whiskers, as well as their ability to process tactile information rapidly.

With changes to Student Housing West, campus revises draft environmental review

Though UC Santa Cruz provides housing for 9,300 students—roughly half of its student body—there remains an urgent need for affordable campus housing, especially for upper-division students who otherwise would be living in the surrounding community. Student Housing West is the single largest housing project underway in Santa Cruz County.

Exciting times ahead for Strategic Academic Plan

Our community’s truly insightful and innovative work has led us forward in strategic academic planning, and the astute insights and feedback will continue to shape both SAP and the future of this university. I am pleased to note that leadership of this process has transitioned to Vice Provost of Academic Affairs Herbie Lee.

NSF funds UC Santa Cruz study of tech in agriculture

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz are leading a new, NSF-funded, multi-campus initiative to explore the intersection of agriculture, food, and technology.

Student Housing West environmental study

Student Housing West is crucial to the future of our university. It will give us more than 3,000 new on-campus beds, which we believe will pull upper-division students now in the local housing market back to campus, helping them while also easing pressure on the greater local housing market.

Emeritus UCSC philosophy professor honored at Oxford University as All Souls College’s first African Prize scholar

In 1959, UC Santa Cruz emeritus professor of philosophy William Abraham won a Prize Fellowship at Oxford University’s All Souls College, an award recognized by many as the ultimate post graduate achievement at the renowned institution. In doing so, the Ghanaian academic became the first African to receive this honor, and in fact remains the only African Prize Fellow to date.

Quantum information science on the verge of a technological revolution

Theorist Yuan Ping is developing computational methods to guide the design of new materials for quantum computing and other quantum information technologies.

Possible traffic disruptions

The campus community should know about two upcoming events that may impact traffic to and from campus.

Data science researchers to tackle privacy challenges in genomics

Computer scientist Abhradeep Guha Thakurta has won NSF funding to investigate ways to protect the privacy of individuals while allowing access to large genomic data sets.

Very few sexually active gay and bisexual men use prophylactic drug to prevent HIV transmission, study finds

Only 4 percent of sexually active gay and bisexual men in the United States use Truvada, a highly effective medication used to prevent the transmission of HIV, according to the results of a first-of-its-kind study.

Library digitizes over 6,000 photos from Pirkle Jones/Ruth-Marion Baruch collection

Thousands of previously unseen photographs from The Pirkle Jones and Ruth-Marion Baruch Collection at UC Santa Cruz are now available online to the general public, thanks to a collaboration between the campus library and the California Digital Library.

Data Center Maintenance - Sept. 12

This Wednesday, September 12, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., ITS will be performing additional work to the campus Data Center network switches.

NSF funds powerful new supercomputer for UC Santa Cruz researchers

The new high-performance computer system will support research in theoretical astrophysics, climate science, materials science, and other fields.

With track record in social mobility, UC Santa Cruz advances in U.S. News and World Report ranking

Boosted by its success in helping students achieve social mobility, UC Santa Cruz jumped this year to among the top 30 public national universities, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Sounding it out

Alumnus Alexis Harte’s long career as a singer/songwriter has included original albums and songs for TV and film, and his company has become a pioneer in scoring and sound design.

Reminder about UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment

The University of California, Santa Cruz, is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Accessing Library Digital Resources from Off Campus

On October 5, 2018, the University Library is retiring the use of the library barcode number as an authentication option for accessing library journals, eBooks and online resources from off campus.

Adaptable lizards illustrate key evolutionary process proposed a century ago

The 'Baldwin effect' has now been demonstrated at the genetic level in a population of dark-colored lizards adapted to live on a lava flow in the desert.

UC Santa Cruz helps address massive data demands from Large Hadron Collider as part of $25 million NSF project

Computer scientist Carlos Maltzahn will work with Princeton University on an NSF-funded project to establish the Institute for Research and Innovation in Software for High Energy Physics.

Student Health Services closures

The Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), CARE and Student Health Outreach Promotion (SHOP) will be closed for the following September dates and times for mandatory staff trainings in September.

Revision to the Sustainable Practices policy

The University of California Office of the President has issued a revision to the Sustainable Practices policy.

Tracking marine migrations across geopolitical boundaries aids conservation

By tracking migratory marine species, scientists reveal movements through different countries' waters and in the open ocean beyond areas of national jurisdiction.

Injection wells can induce earthquakes miles away from the well

A study of earthquakes induced by injecting fluids deep underground has revealed surprising patterns, suggesting that current recommendations for hydraulic fracturing, wastewater disposal, and geothermal wells may need to be revised.

Bay Area’s 'Soundwave' festival to feature work by UC Santa Cruz arts faculty and alumnae

"Soundwave ((8)) Infrastructure" runs September through October with six curated performances throughout San Francisco and Oakland. It kicks off on Sept. 8, at Counter Plus in San Francisco with "HVAC: Thermal Comfort," a new work by art lecturer and alumna Dana Hemenway and San Francisco media artist and composer Surabhi Saraf.

PPSM 20 Campus Implementation Forums Announced

As recently announced, PPSM 20, Recruitment and Promotion, was revised with the objective of fostering career development in the UC system. Staff Human Resources would like to invite UC Santa Cruz employees to attend forums focused on explaining and discussing our new talent development and recruitment practices per the implementation of PPSM 20.

Conserving water

Conserving our precious natural resources is one of our core values. With the City of Santa Cruz adopting a stage one water shortage alert, I want to remind everyone in the campus community to ensure they're minimizing their water use.

Vandalism at Merrill College (Case no. 18-951, 18-952)

On Monday (Aug. 27), two incidents of vandalism were reported to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department. The vandalism consisted of large block letter designs painted on Merrill College walls.

Gifts to UC Santa Cruz fund new presidential chair for diversity in astronomy

UCSC astronomer Sandra Faber and her husband made the lead gift to establish an endowed chair named in honor of Faber's mentor, distinguished astronomer Vera Rubin.

UC Santa Cruz researchers contribute to new assessment of Central Coast climate impacts

Nearly a dozen UC Santa Cruz researchers contributed to a new state-issued report that assesses the dire impacts of climate change throughout California.

New diversity, equity, and inclusion online program joins two other requirements for entering students

We Are Slugs! combines two online requirements AlcoholEdu for College Students and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (the latter previously called Haven) with a new program, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Students.

LHC scientists detect Higgs bosons decaying into bottom quarks

UC Santa Cruz physicists made important contributions to the discovery, which confirms the fate of the vast majority of all Higgs bosons produced in the LHC.

Film professor Jennifer Taylor wins grant from the SFFILM 2018 Documentary Film Fund

UC Santa Cruz associate professor of film and digital media Jennifer Maytorena Taylor has received a grant from the SFFILM Documentary Film Fund to support her latest project, "The Gut."

Renting a room to a student

Offering a room in your home to a student who has not been able to find housing for the school year would be a tremendous support to their success at UCSC.

North Remote Lot is now North Perimeter Lot - permit requirements have changed

Please be advised that as of September 1, 2018, the North Remote lot has been renamed the North Perimeter Lot and R permits will no longer be valid therein. This change has been made to better accommodate parking demand in the Engineering / Science Hill area of the campus.

Expect minor campus disruptions Aug 23 to Sept. 17

Contract work taking place across main campus Aug. 23 to Sept. 17 may cause minor disruptions for motorists, bus riders, pedestrians, and diners.

Alumna Reyna Grande pens NY Times op-ed on immigration

Earlier this week, the New York Times published an op-ed by UC Santa Cruz alumna Reyna Grande titled "The Impossible Choice My Father Had to Make." The piece was a response to a statement by Ivanka Trump that appeared to blame immigrant parents for the separation of families this summer at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Where'd I put my keys?

Ben Storm, an associate professor of psychology, is fascinated by how memory supports thinking, learning, and creativity.

In Memoriam: Nik Madsen

UC Santa Cruz staff member Nikolas Madsen died July 20 in an auto accident while traveling in the country of Columbia.

New book by UC Santa Cruz arts professor examines cultural impact of video games

In her new book, 'On Video Games: The Visual Politics of Race, Gender and Space,' UC Santa Cruz professor Soraya Murray goes beyond the technical discussions of games and instead offers a deep dive into their cultural dimensions.

Oil spill on campus

An oil spill was discovered Friday morning that impacts Coolidge Drive, High Street, and Mission Street. Motorists should use caution if they're on those roads.

Tough life on the savannah

Researchers have identified dietary differences among chimpanzees that live in distinct habitats, an insight that may shed light on the past diets of early human ancestors.

UC Santa Cruz awarded two NEH grants for Humanities projects

UC Santa Cruz has received two grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to support humanities projects in the Literature Department.

Aspiring archaeologists get hands-on experience in Haiti, St. Croix

J. Cameron Monroe, associate professor of anthropology, took four Howard University undergraduates on an archaeological expedition to Haiti and St. Croix this summer as part of a UC partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Three UCSC scientists elected fellows of the American Geophysical Union

Andrew Fisher, Adina Paytan, and Eli Silver are among the 62 eminent scientists honored by the American Geophysical Union (AGU) as members of the 2018 class of AGU Fellows.

Certificate program seeks to reframe sustainability

The certificate program seeks to examine sustainability not only through the lens of the environment, but also through the lens of people. Registration opens Aug. 14.

Coastal Science and Policy graduate program welcomes first cohort of students

The new graduate program in Coastal Science and Policy at UC Santa Cruz will welcome its first cohort of students in fall 2018.

Traffic control at Empire Grade Road from Aug. 13 to Aug. 31

As part of maintenance work on UC Santa Cruz sewer lines, the campus will have traffic control measures in place from Aug. 13 to Aug. 31, creating possible delays for motorists.

Harry Noller to receive Biophysical Society's 2019 Ignacio Tinoco Award

Molecular biologist Harry Noller has been chosen by the Biophysical Society (BPS) to receive its 2019 Ignacio Tinoco Award.

No evidence of 'hobbit' ancestry in genomes of Flores Island pygmies

The pygmy population near the cave where Homo floresiensis fossils were found appears to have evolved short stature independently from the mysterious ancient hominins.

Moral decision making is rife with internal conflict, say developmental psychologists

A new in-depth study of moral reasoning challenges the popular notion that people are unable to think through difficult moral problems and rely primarily on automatic "gut" reactions to make tough decisions.

Campus fire safety

Firefighters yesterday extinguished a small wildfire in upper campus, near the Pogonip.

Deportation and family separation impact entire communities, researchers say

The deportation and forced separation of immigrants has negative effects that extend beyond individuals and families to entire communities in the United States, according to the Society for Community Research and Action, which has issued a policy statement calling for changes to U.S. policy.

UC Santa Cruz ranks among most LGBTQ-friendly campuses

The Affordable Colleges Online ranking looks at academic rigor, affordability, and support for LGBTQ students. UC Santa Cruz came in at No. 30 overall and No. 5 among UC campuses.

In Memoriam: Ben Doniach

Ben Doniach, a former UC Santa Cruz employee, died on July 10, 2018 from injuries suffered in a collision with a car while riding his bike. He was 61.

Devastating events can drive human trafficking, paper shows

Researchers found an uptick in online ads for sexual services mentioning Jamaican and Caribbean ethnicities following a 2016 hurricane in the Caribbean.

In Memoriam: Armando Luis Calderon

Armando Luis Calderon served at UC Santa Cruz as an assistant cook for Dining Services since September 2003.

Natural habitat can help farmers control pests, but not always a win-win

An international team of scientists found that natural habitat surrounding farm fields is not always an effective pest-control tool for farmers worldwide.

Two UCSC graduate students win HHMI Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study

The Gilliam Fellowships support exceptional graduate students who are committed to increasing diversity among scientific leaders.

Groundwater recharge project informs statewide sustainability efforts

Study shows how collecting storm-water runoff to replenish depleted groundwater supplies can be coupled with a simple strategy to reduce nitrate contaminants.

New meta-analysis reveals pace and extent of river recovery

A new global meta-analysis by UC Santa Cruz researchers reveals patterns of river responsiveness to disturbances such as oil spills, wastewater contamination, and fires.

Alumna author Kate Schatz spotlights ‘rad girls’ under age 20

'Rad Girls Can': Stories of Bold, Brave, and Brilliant Young Women is the title of the latest book by UC Santa Cruz alumna Kate Schatz, the New York Times best-selling author of 'Rad Women Worldwide' and 'Rad American Women A-Z.'

Psychology's Adriana Manago receives early-career award

Adriana Manago, assistant professor of psychology, has received an Early Career Award from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology.

Among golden-crowned sparrows, a false crown only fools strangers

Researchers can change dominance relationships between birds by altering the colors on their heads, but only if the birds don't already know each other.

Email Scam Alert - July 24, 2018

There is a widespread email scam being sent from hackers who say they have compromised your computer.

Campus, Silicon Valley leaders celebrate Lick Observatory’s 130th anniversary

The University of California owns and operates the observatory, which was founded by a bequest from James Lick. It opened in 1888.

Update: 2017-18 Employee Appraisal and Merit Program

This communication provides updates on the UC Santa Cruz 2017-18 performance appraisal call for all staff and the policy-covered employee merit program.

Changes to the CruzNet wireless system July 30

On July 30, CruzNet will become a guest only WiFi service and be renamed to UCSC-Guest.

Staff member honored for outstanding leadership in college housing

Alex Belisario, senior director for college student life at Crown and Merrill colleges, has been honored with the Charles L. Miller Leadership and Service Award from the Western Association of College and University Housing Officers (WACUHO).

New IT leader drawn to campus to improve world

Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Van Williams has already begun meeting with each of the 240 staff members in the ITS organization and will conduct several listening sessions in the coming months to get more feedback and insight from campus constituents.

Professor’s new film 'Redneck Muslim' now streaming on PBS

Redneck Muslim, a new short film by associate professor of film and digital media Jennifer Maytorena Taylor, is one of 25 films currently screening in the 2018 PBS Online Film Festival as a presentation of the PBS series POV.

Beyond Compliance Summer Update from the CP/EVC

I am pleased to provide an update about Beyond Compliance, our UC Santa Cruz initiative that engages faculty to help reshape campus culture with the goal of creating an environment free from sexual violence and sexual harassment.

UC Santa Cruz receives grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts has awarded a $57,000 grant to the UC Santa Cruz Arts Division’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences.

An academic plan for our future

We mark a milestone today with the release of a full draft of our Strategic Academic Plan and Implementation Playbook. This vision for our future—along with a set of concrete steps to get us there—is the culmination of an exciting campus-wide conversation about our strengths and about how we can further the impact of our research and teaching across the world.

Announcing a new dean of students

I am delighted to announce that Garrett Naiman has been selected as UC Santa Cruz’s new associate vice chancellor for student development and engagement, and dean of students.

Equity, inclusion, diversity are priorities for new dean of students

Garrett Naiman, incoming dean of students and associate vice chancellor for student development and engagement, comes to campus with a strong focus on diversity and a long history of working for inclusion.

Tomorrow’s training exercise at Kresge College

As shared last week, UC Santa Cruz will host a multi-agency training exercise from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday (July 18) at Kresge College.

Study finds 50 times more native trees on rat-free Palmyra Atoll

New research demonstrates a strong positive benefit to native trees after removal of an invasive species.

'Inquiry' magazine now available online

The 2018-19 issue of Inquiry@UC Santa Cruz, the annual research magazine from the UC Santa Cruz Office of Research, is now available online.

Campus to host multi-agency training exercise on Wednesday, July 18

UC Santa Cruz will host a multi-agency training exercise from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday (July 18) at Kresge College.

New research calculates capacity of North American forests to sequester carbon

Researchers have calculated the capacity of North American forests to sequester carbon in an analysis that for the first time integrates the effects of natural forest growth and climate changes that are likely to alter the growth process.

Community Crime Bulletin—suspicious person near Music Center

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department received a report about a man who made unwanted comments to another student near the Music Center at 9:30 a.m. on July 10.

VERITAS supplies critical piece to neutrino discovery puzzle

The VERITAS array has confirmed the detection of gamma rays from the vicinity of a supermassive black hole that is potentially the first known astrophysical source of high-energy cosmic neutrinos.

Basic research in fruit flies leads to potential drug for diseases afflicting millions

A promising drug to treat river blindness and other neglected tropical diseases caused by filarial worms is now in preclinical development.

Dickens Universe to offer public talk by alumnus on new novel ‘The Spirit Photographer’

2018 marks the 38th year of the Dickens Universe at UC Santa Cruz, and the event is nearly sold out. But fear not. A special feature of this year's program is a free day, Tuesday, July 17, when the conference will be open without charge to members of the local community.

New vice provost and dean of graduate studies

I am delighted to announce that Lori Kletzer has been selected as UC Santa Cruz’s new vice provost and dean of graduate studies, effective Aug. 1.

Growing graduate programs to meet the needs of today's students

Lori Kletzer enjoys leadership challenges that involve collaboration and strategic thinking, two skills that will come into play in her new role as vice provost and dean of the Division of Graduate Studies.

Campus marks new record for transfer admissions offers

Faced with the largest applicant pool in campus history—67,000 applications—and a smaller enrollment target than the previous year, UC Santa Cruz increased its admission selectivity. UC Santa Cruz anticipates welcoming about 5,600 new undergraduates for fall 2018.

Alumna and film producer Stephanie Allain champions diversity

Stephanie Allain is a rare gem in the film industry. Not only is she brilliant and successful, but as an African-American woman who got her start over 25 years ago in a notoriously and overwhelmingly white and male-dominated business, she has charged ahead to break open established perceptions.

From Math Major to Renowned Hollywood Music Editor, Alumnus Bill Bernstein Knows All the Right Notes

Having been the music editor on over 60 outstanding films during the course of his career, Bill Bernstein’s musical talent is epic. From working on such movies as The Shawshank Redemption, American Beauty (for which he won a Grammy), The Help and Skyfall to many Pixar hits including Finding Nemo, Wall-E, and Finding Dory…it seems like every project he touches is a resounding success.

Request to update directory information

The University of California, Santa Cruz, is undertaking efforts to log the work location of all of our employees. In preparation for emergency planning and other compliance needs, it is critical that the university understand where our current employees spend the majority of their work day.

Gallery between North and South Korea features exhibition by art professor Jimin Lee

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea is an unlikely setting for an art gallery. Established in 1953 as part of an armistice agreement that ended three years of brutal war, the DMZ is a 2.5-mile-wide band that runs 155 miles across the Korean peninsula, serving as a buffer zone between the two countries...

Computer engineer Chen Qian wins NSF CAREER Award

NSF funding supports Qian's research on new memory-efficient and ultra-fast network algorithms and protocols.

Learn how to grow and assemble beautiful bouquets

Learn how to create beautiful homegrown organic flower arrangements at a lecture and demonstration workshop on July 15.

Beach hazards warning from the National Weather Service

Hurricane Fabio in the eastern north Pacific will generate a moderate-height, long-period southerly swell over the coming days. A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued for the entire coast from Monterey to Sonoma County. It will be in effect from late Wednesday through Saturday afternoon.

Welcoming Van Williams, Vice Chancellor for Information Technology

I want to officially welcome to campus Van Williams, who this week begins his vitally important role as UC Santa Cruz’s vice chancellor for information technology.

Farm ranked among top college farms

The UC Santa Cruz Farm has been ranked among the top 15 college farms in the country by Best Value Schools.

In Memoriam: Alex Beletsis

Cowell College student Alex Beletsis passed away after an accident near the end of spring quarter.

Important new work on autism could change interventions

A new paper is pushing back hard on the notion that people with autism are not interested in socializing.

UC issues new policy on export controls

The University of California Office of the President has issued a new policy on Export Controls effective June 21, 2018.

Thank Instagram and Snapchat for your fading memories

Research by UC Santa Cruz doctoral student Julia Soares has found compelling evidence that the act of taking a photograph impairs people’s memories of the event.

B. Ruby Rich invited to join Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

UC Santa Cruz arts dean's eminent professor of film and digital media B. Ruby Rich has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year. The world's preeminent film organization, it is best known for presenting the annual Academy Awards.

A year of strategic academic planning

Over the past eight months we’ve made tremendous progress on our Strategic Academic Plan. We’ve reached campus consensus on our design principles; catalyzed vital interdisciplinary plans for collaboration among researchers; begun to think about ways to reduce or eliminate campus barriers that stand in the way of research, teaching, and learning; and are well on our way to developing a draft of the plan for review by the Academic Senate this summer.

California Whistleblower Protection Act - Annual Notice

The University’s Whistleblower Policy provides multiple avenues for employees to bring forward concerns of potential employee misconduct. Faculty and staff are encouraged to bring forward concerns about possible improper governmental activity directly to their supervisor, department head, Locally Designated Official (LDO) or other appropriate university offices or officials.

ISEE receives presidential award for excellence in STEM mentoring

The UC Santa Cruz Institute for Scientist & Engineer Educators has received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).

Staff Appreciation Picnic this Wednesday

The Staff Advisory Board will be hosting the Staff Appreciation Picnic this Wednesday, June 27th, from 11:30am-1:30pm in the newly renovated Quarry Amphitheater.

'Electrogeochemistry' captures carbon, produces fuel, offsets ocean acidification

Researchers analyzed the global potential for 'negative emissions energy' using electricity from renewable sources to generate hydrogen fuel and capture carbon dioxide.

Astronomer Alexie Leauthaud wins DOE Early Career Award

The award from DOE's Early Career Research Program supports Leauthaud's research on dark energy.

Climate scientist Nicole Feldl wins NSF CAREER Award

NSF grant includes funding for climate research and for a cross-disciplinary environmental game project for students to develop a learning game about climate science.

Five UC Santa Cruz students present futuristic game at IndieCade Showcase

A group of five students from UC Santa Cruz presented their game, "Meet Me in the Garden," at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles last week as part of the annual IndieCade Showcase.

Alumnus Dency Nelson's Brilliant Hollywood Career

With an amazing career in Hollywood spanning nearly 40 years, Dency Nelson has been the stage manager for almost every major award and event show for the past 25 years, including the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, and Kennedy Center Honors.

Corporate-sponsored projects give engineering students valuable experience

UC Santa Cruz engineering students presented their senior design projects to mentors and faculty on Tuesday, June 5.

Linguistics professor Jim McCloskey receives Dizikes Award for teaching in Humanities

Linguistics professor Jim McCloskey was presented with the John Dizikes Teaching Award in Humanities at the Humanities Division’s 2018 Spring Awards celebration held at the Cowell Provost House.

Jody Greene appointed associate vice provost for teaching and learning

Jody Greene, professor of literature, feminist studies, and history of consciousness, and director of the Center for Innovations in Teaching and Learning (CITL), has been appointed associate vice provost for teaching and learning within the Academic Affairs Division. This appointment is through June 2019.

Reforming California's commercial property tax system would boost the economy, report says

Reforming California's property tax structure to tax commercial properties at their market value would boost the economy by generating new revenue, stimulating development, and diversifying industry, according to a new report by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Graduates mark new era, seek to improve world for all

More than 3,200 students participated in commencement ceremonies in the colleges, Graduate Division, and Baskin School of Engineering.

The end of a great academic year

A message from Chancellor George Blumenthal

Prescribed burn in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Fire personnel from the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and CAL FIRE are planning to conduct a prescribed burn at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park on Thursday June 14.

Biomolecular engineer Angela Brooks named Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences

Brooks will receive a $300,000 award over four years to support her research on how mutations associated with cancer cause changes in gene expression.

Dust clouds can explain puzzling features of active galactic nuclei

Mysterious features seen in light emitted from active galactic nuclei may be due to partial obscuration by dust clouds, according to new study.

Children in India exhibit religious tolerance, study finds

A new investigation of how children reason about religious rules reveals a remarkable level of acceptance of different religions' rules and practices.

Steck Award recipient aims to study disease, help society

Josh Gu is this year’s winner of the Steck Family Award, which honors the best senior thesis completed during the academic year, with the winner chosen from the Chancellor's Award candidates. He earned a degree in bioengineering with a biomolecular concentration.

The new queer teenager

Queer youth today are in a paradoxical situation, coming out earlier and becoming leaders even as they cope with the significant challenges of adolescence, Psychology Professor Phil Hammack told a panel convened by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Campus review of the proposed UC Santa Cruz Therapy Animal Policy & Procedures

The campus invites your comments on the draft Therapy Animal Policy, procedures, and related documents.

Annual training exercise for active shooter, June 18 to 22

Similar to prior years, a training exercise sponsored by the UC Santa Cruz Police Department will be held from June 18 to 22 at the Theater Arts Center and Baskin Visual Arts complex.

Limited food options on campus from June 18–23

Most campus dining locations will be closed during intersession.

Without coral reefs, annual flood damages from storms could double globally

New study shows annual costs soaring to $272 billion, sending a powerful signal about reefs and their importance during the International Year of the Reef.

Standing tall and giving back

For graduating senior Asante Nkosi, a double major in sociology and history allowed him to connect his experiences with his interest in black U.S. history, the Civil Rights Movement, and the contemporary moment.

SocDoc graduate documentary films to be screened June 13 at Del Mar Theater

UC Santa Cruz will present the premiere of thesis films by three graduating students in the field of social documentation on Wednesday, June 13, at the Del Mar Theater in downtown Santa Cruz.

Parking and traffic during year-end activities

On Thursday, the Graduate Division will host their commencement in the Quarry Amphitheater beginning at 4pm. On Friday, there are 18 departmental or organizational celebrations scheduled throughout the day, resulting in hundreds of visitors needing on-campus parking.

New Grateful Dead Archive exhibit opens at McHenry Library

"Put Your Gold Money Where Your Love Is, Baby: Counterculture, Capitalism, and the Grateful Dead" is the title of a new exhibition now open to the public at UC Santa Cruz.

Student Health Services reduced hours on Friday, June 15th

The Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), CARE and Student Health Outreach Promotion (SHOP) will be closed between 11:30am—1:30pm on Friday, June 15th.

Undergraduate Education seeks part-time administrator: Oakes College Provost

In 2018-19, the Division of Undergraduate Education is undertaking a search for a part-time faculty administrator.

Help from the wizarding world

A gift from a Harry Potter–themed virtual running club enables a UC Santa Cruz professor to observe whales in Antarctica

Researchers discuss educational needs of Latino, immigrant, and disadvantaged youth

A recent informal interdisciplinary workshop focused on the educational needs and experiences of Latino and immigrant youth.

Permit and bus pass renewal; North Remote changes

Annual parking permits and faculty/staff Metro bus passes expire on June 30, 2018, and the North Remote lot is changing on September 1, 2018.

Enhancing staff engagement

Reminder: UC Santa Cruz will be hosting a listening session at 2 p.m. today at the Stevenson Event Center on the main campus.

Climate scientist James Zachos appointed to Ida Benson Lynn Endowed Chair in Ocean Health

Zachos has spent his career studying episodes of climate change in Earth's distant past and their relevance to current global warming.

Global experts attend academic summit on solitary confinement

Forty-five of the world's experts on the psychological and physical effects of solitary confinement gathered in Santa Cruz recently for a two-day academic summit.

Election Day—today

Please take the opportunity and exercise your right to vote. If you need information about polling locations—on and off campus—and the measures on your ballot, please go to www.votescount.com

Master's degree approved for Science Communication Program

The UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Program will award students a M.S. degree in science communication starting in fall 2018.

Chancellor’s awards recognize achievement in diversity, inclusion

Underscoring the commitment by UC Santa Cruz to promote diversity, inclusion, and excellence, Chancellor George Blumenthal recognized the people and programs making contributions to these goals through their work.

UC Santa Cruz offers new major in environmental sciences

UC Santa Cruz has approved a new interdisciplinary major in environmental sciences leading to a B.S. degree.

Soliciting feedback on candidates for vice provost and dean of graduate studies

The search committee invites your input for candidates for the vice provost and dean of graduate studies position by Tuesday, June 5.

Biochemist Carrie Partch honored for research on biological clocks

The latest findings from Partch's lab have resolved a longstanding question about how the timing of our biological clocks is regulated.

Campus phone service restored

UC Santa Cruz is currently experience an outage in its campus phone service.

Genes found only in humans influence brain size

A set of three nearly identical genes found only in humans appear to play a critical role in the development of our large brains, according to a study led by UCSC researchers.

Campus gearing up for commencement 2018

For the first time in more than a decade, exercises will be held in the newly renovated Quarry Amphitheater, as well as on the East Field.

Annual transportation survey

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

June 5 primary election

Tuesday, June 5, is Election Day in California. There are important matters on the ballot—primary candidates for governor as well as federal, state and local offices in addition to several local and state initiatives.

'First-gen' student pays it forward

The University of California is honoring Valeria Jacqueline Alonso Blanco with a prestigious award recognizing the impact of her leadership, advocacy and activism.

New model explains what we see when a massive black hole devours a star

Theoretical astrophysicists have developed a unified model that explains observations of tidal disruption events, when a black hole swallows a disrupted star.

Awards luncheon celebrates excellence in student scholarship

Students in the Division of Social Sciences gathered with friends, family members, faculty, staff, and donors on Thursday, May 24, to celebrate excellence in student scholarship and creativity.

Speakers challenge audience to rethink modern incarceration

Angela Davis returns to UC Santa Cruz with the two surviving members of the ‘Angola 3’ to discuss solitary confinement and call on society to transform itself to no longer rely on prison repression.

Diverse campus landscapes are ideal outdoor laboratories—and classrooms

UC Santa Cruz is known for its beautiful landscapes, but its meadows, forests, farm fields, and coastal bluffs also support a range of scientific research and hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Educational Partnership Center executive director honored with Winston Doby Impact Award

Maria Rocha-Ruiz, executive director of the UC Santa Cruz Educational Partnership Center, is this year’s recipient of the Dr. Winston Doby Impact Award, which recognizes her commitment to improving educational opportunities for California students.

Public meetings to further dialogue on Student Housing West

In an effort to further discussion on Student Housing West, UC Santa Cruz will hold two information sessions next week and two public hearings the following week.

Selective neural connections can be reestablished in retina after injury, study finds

Circuit repair in the retina of adult ground squirrels can recreate the selective neural connections needed for color vision.

Sammy Showcase features VR and video games from UCSC game design students

The public is invited to a fun, family-friendly game festival on Saturday, June 9, at the UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Campus in Santa Clara.

Possible UAW activities on Wednesday, May 30

Through fliers posted on campus, the UC Student-Workers Union (UAW-2865) announced plans for additional activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30.

Biologist Beth Shapiro selected as Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator

Shapiro’s Paleogenomics Lab at UC Santa Cruz uses ancient DNA to study evolutionary history and the effects of environmental change on species and ecosystems.

New campus field research safety policy

UC Santa Cruz finalized the UC system’s first official field safety policy, Field Research Safety. This new policy follows a familiar risk management paradigm—risk assessment, planning, communication, and participation.

Bettina Aptheker to lead 'Women In the Arts' panel at Kuumbwa

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation Presidential Chair for Feminist Studies and The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz will present "Always Moving Uphill: Women in the Arts," on Tuesday, May 29, at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in downtown Santa Cruz.

Astrophysicist Jedidah Isler will give annual Mandel Lecture on June 7

Award-winning astrophysicist Jedidah Isler will give a free public lecture entitled "Blazars: Nature's particle accelerators" on Thursday, June 7, at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz.

Lightning in the eyewall of a hurricane beamed antimatter toward the ground

The first detection of a downward positron beam from a terrestrial gamma-ray flash was captured by an instrument flown through the eyewall of Hurricane Patricia in 2015.

Racism expert Tom Pettigrew shares award for impactful scholarship

Tom Pettigrew, research professor of social psychology at UC Santa Cruz, is being recognized by the Society for Experimental Social Psychology for the impact of his scholarship.

Computer scientist Owen Arden wins NSF CAREER Award

Owen Arden, assistant professor of computer science in the Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz, has received a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn website debuts

The popular Cowell Ranch Hay Barn now has its own website with information about how to rent the facility and adjacent Ocean View Field.

Proposed policy: Disclosure of Financial Interest in Private Sponsors of Research

The Office of the President invites comments on a proposed new Presidential Policy on Disclosure of Financial Interests and Management of Conflicts of Interest in Private Sponsors of Research.

Undergraduate builds handcrafted bee hotels to attract pollinators

Mindful that the population of European honeybees is crashing worldwide due to Colony Collapse Disorder, Environmental Studies senior Forest Peri wanted to make a welcoming home for native bees.

Planned Power Outage -- Saturday, May 26

PG&E will be replacing a power pole from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 26. This will result in a significant disruption to campus electrical service.

Strategic academic planning: Where we are and where we’re heading

Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Marlene Tromp offers an update on academic priority areas, removing barriers, funding, and more.

Transfer RNA research addresses a blind spot in understanding of human genes

Biomolecular engineer Todd Lowe has received a $2.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support his lab's international leadership in transfer RNA research.

'Future Garden' environmental art installation opens at Arboretum

The Institute of the Arts and Sciences presents the opening of "Future Garden for the Central Coast of California"--a site-specific environmental art installation by emeritus arts research professors Newton Harrison and his late wife Helen Mayer Harrison at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden.

Guidance about Service and Emotional Support Animals at UCSC

We have assembled a number of resources that aim to clarify when and where service and emotional support animals are allowed on campus and answer the most common questions we receive.

Cowell coffee shop to transform into a basic needs cafe

We are pleased to share that Cowell College and Dining Services are moving forward in partnership with the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) to transform the Cowell Coffee Shop into a multi-service basic needs cafe with extended weekend hours, that will maintain a study space for students coupled with free coffee and tea and a food pantry.

Extending comment on the Student Housing West EIR

We have decided to extend the comment period to June 27, 2018. We will hold additional information sessions in May, as well as two more public hearings, on June 6 and 7.

Required eCourse - General Compliance Briefing

UC leadership is helping to raise our awareness of maintaining strong ethical values and the high standards of ethical conduct that are central to our Principles of Community.

Donate at work. Change lives in our community.

This year’s UC Santa Cruz United Way Campaign pledge drive is May 14–26.

Video highlights cultural differences in helpfulness

For the third year, a video by Distinguished Professor of Psychology Barbara Rogoff is featured in the "2018 STEM for All Video Showcase" hosted by the National Science Foundation.

Public presentations by candidates for dean of graduate studies

Our campus is doing an internal recruitment for a vice provost and dean of graduate studies. You are invited to attend their public presentations and to provide feedback to the search committee.

Spate of violence in greater Santa Cruz area

Following a stabbing and a fatal shooting near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, and additional incidents in the Soquel area, I want to remind members of our campus community to be aware of your surroundings.

UC Santa Cruz collaborates with SF Academy of Arts for spring production of 'The Magic Flute'

The UC Santa Cruz Music Department will present a fully-staged production of Mozart’s comic fantasy: Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), May 31 through June 3, on campus at the Music Center Recital Hall.

Angela Davis joins May 22 panel discussion about mass incarceration

Angela Davis will join a May 22 panel discussion about mass incarceration, solitary confinement, and criminal justice reform that is being convened by Distinguished Professor of Psychology Craig Haney.

Sue Carter named provost for Rachel Carson College

Professor Sue Carter said her vision for Rachel Carson College is to strengthen its role in supporting students as they seek to create a more sustainable future and make it a place for them to gain skills needed for green careers in which they can develop sustainable innovations to preserve the environment.

Resuming standard campus operations

As the last day of the AFSCME labor demonstration winds down, UC Santa Cruz expects to resume normal campus operations tomorrow (May 10).

Campus status updates

Get up-to-the minute updates about campus impacts from today's labor strike.

Main campus open; classes can continue; demonstration ongoing

Both entrances to the main campus are open, with the demonstration by AFSCME service workers and others continuing.

Unfounded rumors about immigration enforcement

Late yesterday, we heard rumors that federal immigration officers were on campus to do immigration checks. This is not true.

UCSC Night at the Museum to explore global impact of 1968 protest movements

The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz will present "UCSC Night at the Museum: Global 1968—Race and Revolution around the World," a free public event at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, on Wednesday, May 16.

Update on campus demonstrations

As today’s labor action on campus by AFSCME service workers and others wraps up, we encourage members of the campus community to keep checking for updates starting early Wednesday on the continuing demonstrations and how they might be affecting campus operations.

Main campus open; demonstration continues

Both entrances to the main campus are open, with the demonstration by AFSCME service workers and others continuing.

In Memoriam: Joel Kubby (1957–2018)

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the death of Joel Kubby, professor of electrical engineering and former chair of the department.

Astronomers find an exoplanet atmosphere free of clouds

An international team of astronomers has detected an exoplanet atmosphere that is free of clouds, marking a pivotal breakthrough in the quest to better understand what lies at the outer reaches of our galaxy.

Strike update—Classes starting prior to noon canceled; do not come to main campus

With both entrances of the main campus blocked by strike activity, UC Santa Cruz is canceling classes scheduled at the main campus and Coastal Science Campus starting before noon today with two exceptions.

Today’s strike activities

Everyone can stay updated by checking email, ucsc.edu/advisory, and 459-INFO.

Work expectations during remaining days of labor strike

As we approach tomorrow and the uncertainty it brings in being able to access our campus, we want to share guidance to help you and your employees.

With entrances open, afternoon classes can resume

With both entrances of main campus open, classes scheduled at the main and Coastal Science campuses starting at noon and later today can resume.

Providing instruction during remaining days of labor strike

Thank you for your commitment to our students today as we responded to the labor demonstration.

Information and resources about this week’s strike

As you are aware, we are anticipating a labor strike this week by AFSCME service workers. In advance of this scheduled strike activity, I write to share some information and resources that you may find helpful.

Elkhorn Slough scientist Kerstin Wasson honored as 'wetland hero'

An adjunct professor at UC Santa Cruz, Wasson will receive the 2018 National Wetlands Award for Scientific Research.

Information and resources about next week’s strike

Though we do not know how the strike activities will impact the operation of our campus, we are working to do everything we can to meet your basic needs through what could be a disruptive time.

Labor demonstrations may impact campus dining operations

It is unknown how the strike will impact our campus, however, it is anticipated that dining halls may not have adequate staffing to serve prepared food during this time.

Staff Appreciation Picnic date change and Thumbs Up Award submission extended

This year's picnic will be held in the newly renovated Quarry Amphitheater.

NIH grant supports development of a novel drug for stroke treatment

A drug discovery grant is funding the quest by UCSC chemistry professor Ted Holman to bring a new drug treatment for stroke to clinical trials.

Scheduled labor strike for week of May 7

The University of California has been informed that there will be a AFSCME service worker labor strike on all of its campuses and medical centers beginning at 4 a.m. on May 7 and ending at 4 a.m. May 10.

Undergraduate Eric Medina wins $15,000 Strauss Scholarship to reinvigorate Oakes Garden

Eric Medina, a fourth year at UC Santa Cruz double majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology and Latin American and Latino studies, has received a $15,000 public service scholarship to reinvigorate the garden at Oakes College.

UC Santa Cruz glaciologist leads project to study Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier

Earth sciences professor Slawek Tulaczyk will lead one of eight projects in a joint U.S.-U.K. research program to understand how quickly the massive Antarctic glacier could collapse.

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn recognized for energy-efficient systems

The newly restored Cowell Ranch Hay Barn continues to reap recognition and awards, the latest from professionals in the field of building systems design.

Strategic academic planning update—review proposals and videos, provide input, and register for a forum

Strategic academic planning update—review proposals and videos, provide input, and register for a forum

Enrollment opens for Summer Session

Open enrollment is underway for UC Santa Cruz Summer Session, which offers a wide range of classes and online courses across multiple departments.

Enhancing staff engagement

Ensuring we can enhance our employee engagement is a priority for the campus leadership team.

Award-winning biologist and writer Sean B. Carroll to speak at UC Santa Cruz

Carroll will give the 2018 Sinsheimer Lecture on Thursday, May 10, followed by a free screening of the film 'The Serengeti Rules' on May 11 at the Rio Theater.

Innovative ‘Studies in Medicine’ course will be offered online to all UC students

Developed by UC Santa Cruz biology professor Grant Hartzog and local physician Dr. Greg Gates, the popular course examines the field of medicine through a historical and philosophical lens.

Appraisal call for all staff and training dates announced for managers and supervisors

This communication provides time-sensitive updates on the UC Santa Cruz 2017-18 performance appraisal call for all staff.

Film professor Jennifer Taylor wins fellowship for summer residency at MacDowell Colony

Assistant professor of film and digital media Jennifer Maytorena Taylor has received a fellowship for a summer residency at one of the nation’s leading contemporary arts organizations.

Workplace bullying/abusive conduct

The UC Santa Cruz community is entitled to work in an atmosphere free from bullying and abusive conduct.

Lynda M. Rogers retiring as dean of UCSC Silicon Valley Extension

Lynda M. Rogers, dean of UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, has decided to retire, marking more than 12 years with UC Santa Cruz and 30 years of service in public education.

Face recognition for galaxies: Artificial intelligence brings new tools to astronomy

A 'deep learning' algorithm trained on images from cosmological simulations has been surprisingly successful at classifying real galaxies in Hubble images.

Making airwaves

Celebrating 50 years of broadcasting, KZSC continues to offer homegrown programming to the greater Monterey Bay region. The station will have a number of Alumni Weekend events to celebrate the milestone.

Merger of facilities-related departments formalized

Over the past year, UC Santa Cruz re-organized and combined a number of departments into a new organization named Physical Planning, Development and Operations (PPDO).

Location change for meeting on Student Housing West

Both meetings on Student Housing West will be held in Santa Cruz on May 2 and May 3.

Strategic Academic Planning: Themed Academic Working Group reports

Strategic Academic Planning: Themed Academic Working Group reports

Controlled burn in Wilder State Park

Cal Fire has confirmed that a controlled burn is taking place in Wilder State Park, near the area of Empire Grade and Cave Gulch Road.

Martin Berger to join School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Martin Berger, associate vice provost for Academic Affairs and a professor in the history of art and visual culture, has accepted an offer to join the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to serve as the dean of faculty and vice president of academic affairs.

Prescribed burns through April, early May

Cal Fire has advised that prescribed pile burns will continue on Saturday and through the next two weeks in the areas of Wilder State Park and north campus.

UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute receives funding for Human Cell Atlas projects

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is funding 85 projects, including three at UC Santa Cruz, to support efforts to develop a comprehensive reference atlas of all cells in the human body.

UC Santa Cruz honors alumni Thomas Webb and Susanne Hering

The Physical and Biological Sciences Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize contributions to society by graduate and undergraduate alums.

Bill McKibben, Daniel Ellsberg headline Right Livelihood Laureates' Conference at UC Santa Cruz

Climate change activist Bill McKibben and whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg are two of the crusading global leaders gathering May 15-17 at UC Santa Cruz for the Right Livelihood Conference, a three-day series of public events focused on advancing social and environmental justice.

In Memoriam: Helen Mayer Harrison 
(1927-2018)

Helen Mayer Harrison, artist, educator, activist, and mentor to generations of artists and activists passed away peacefully in her home in Santa Cruz, CA on March 24, 2018.

Mathematical biologist Marc Mangel elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious honorary societies.

April 20 DUI checkpoint and law enforcement efforts

Members of the UC Santa Cruz community and campus neighbors, please be advised there is the potential for traffic disruptions and hazards during the afternoon of Friday, April 20 because of the unsanctioned gathering known as “4–20”.

Nominate a UCSC affiliate for the Service Recognition Ceremony

See if you qualify to be honored at the Student Volunteer Center's Service Recognition Ceremony.

DANM 2018 MFA student exhibition culminates two years of intensive study and creative work

Nine graduate students from the Digital Arts and New Media M.F.A. program (DANM) will conclude two years of artistic study at UC Santa Cruz with "Interstices"--an exhibition of their work running April 27-29, at the UCSC Digital Arts Research Center.

Control theory symposium April 27 features leading academic and industry experts

The Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz will host a regional symposium on Control Theory and Automation on Friday, April 27.

South County housing crisis to be discussed May 2

University researchers and community leaders will host a public forum about the affordable housing crisis on Wednesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the Watsonville Civic Center.

Spring Plant Sale Takes Place April 28-29

The UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden's Spring Plant Sale takes place Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29, in the Barn Theater parking lot at the base of the UC Santa Cruz campus, near the intersection of Bay and High Streets.

Lick Observatory expands evening programs for the public this summer

Tickets for the popular concert and lecture series and new evening tours on Mount Hamilton go on sale at noon on Wednesday, April 18.

J.J. Garcia-Luna-Aceves appointed director of CITRIS at UC Santa Cruz

Computer engineer J.J. Garcia-Luna-Aceves has been appointed to serve as the UC Santa Cruz director for CITRIS (Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society) and the Banatao Institute.

Nature-based solutions can prevent $50 billion in Gulf Coast flood damages

Researchers found that restoration of marshes and oyster reefs are among the most cost-effective solutions for flood risk reduction on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Building a feminist psychology of resistance

On a fateful trip to Nicaragua in 2005, Shelly Grabe, now an associate professor of psychology, met women who were organizing to fight domestic violence, and she saw what real and lasting social change looked like.

Deer fawning season alert

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

Hip-Hop Hesteria heading to Music Center Recital Hall on April 20

The UC Santa Cruz Music Department will present an evening of new hip-hop with live experimental jazz featuring music professor Karlton Hester and his band, Hesterian Musicism, on Friday, April 20, at the Music Center Recital Hall. The concert will include performances by winners of the 2018 Hip-Hop Hesteria Contest.

Coastal stream restoration projects concentrated where residents are 'whiter, wealthier, and more educated,' researchers find

Stream restoration efforts along the coast of Central California are unevenly distributed, with activity more likely to occur in areas that are more highly populated and dominated by residents who are "whiter, wealthier, and more educated," according to an analysis by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Input sought on the future child care program at UC Santa Cruz

Please join us for an open dialogue session regarding the future child care program at UC Santa Cruz.

Environmental review preparations underway for Kresge College renewal

In support of the proposed Kresge College renewal, UC Santa Cruz will host a public information session and begin drafting an environmental impact report.

Unmanned aircraft system (drone) policy

The UC Office of the President (UCOP) recently finalized the University of California Unmanned Aircraft System (Drone) Policy and an accompanying guidance document.

Engineering undergraduate wins prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Aviv Elor, a junior studying robotics engineering in the Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz, has been named a 2017 Goldwater Scholar.

Save the Dates! Spring Forum April 24 and Staff Appreciation Picnic May 17

Mark your calendars for April 24 and May 17.

Questions and answers regarding our Strategic Academic Plan

Academic plan update - questions and answers.

Sesnon Gallery exhibition to celebrate family’s influence on the arts in Santa Cruz County

In 1968, a gift from Barbara Sesnon Cartan established the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery at UC Santa Cruz, in memory of her mother. Beginning April 12, the gallery will present a special exhibition celebrating the life of Mary Porter Sesnon (1868-1930) and her influence on the arts in Santa Cruz County.

New 'Pan-Cancer' analysis reveals the common roots of different cancers

In the largest study of its kind, cancer researchers analyzed and classified more than 10,000 tumors from 33 cancer types to trace connections between different cancers.

Jenny Reardon among scholars speaking out on genomics and race

Sociology Professor Jenny Reardon joined 66 other scholars in signing an open letter about genetics and race, responding to a recent opinion piece in the New York Times written by David Reich, a professor of genetics at Harvard.

2018 Osterbrock Lecture will focus on the role of science in public policy

Rush Holt, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, will speak at UC Santa Cruz on Thursday, April 19 .

Campus hires new environmental health and safety director

Lisa Wisser has more than 25 years of progressive experience leading environmental health and safety programs, with the past 10 years in a university setting.

Astrophysicist Douglas Lin remembers Stephen Hawking

Astrophysicist Doug Lin wrote some personal reflections on his friendship with the late physicist Stephen Hawking.

UC’s secret energy source: retirees

For University of California staff and faculty, retirement does not mean retreat

UC Santa Cruz honors alumni: bestselling author Hector Tobar and historian Virginia Espino

Award-winning journalist and author Héctor Tobar and filmmaker Virginia Espino are the 2018 recipients of the Social Sciences Division's Distinguished Alumni Award.

Campus environment led alumna to pursue architecture

Urban designer and planner Barbara Maloney (Stevenson, ’71, psychology) said working in higher education is “endlessly interesting,” involving not only issues like sustainability and town-gown relations but also transportation and new ways of learning.

Community Studies class showcases public health leaders in 'Year of Alumni'

Eight alumni are returning to campus this spring as guest lecturers in a special-edition public health class offered by Community Studies.

In Memoriam: Randy Turner

It is with deep sadness that we share news of the death of our colleague and friend, Randy Turner.

Campus hires new director of emergency management

Vice chancellor for information technology

Van Williams has been selected as UC Santa Cruz’s new vice chancellor for information technology, effective July 1.

Arrest in recent campus burglary

The UC Santa Cruz community is encouraged to report any suspicious behavior following the arrest of a man suspected of burglary and an ongoing investigation into another burglary.

Student Housing West environmental study now available for review and comment

By Sarah Latham, Vice Chancellor, Business and Administrative Services — Student Housing West—our effort to further increase on-campus housing for our existing students—is entering the next stage of project review.

Get informed for Tsunami Preparedness Week

Seismologists introduce new measure of earthquake ruptures

Seismologists have developed a new measurement of seismic energy release that can be applied to large earthquakes.

Making difficult choices to provide campus housing

Today, the state finds itself in the midst of an unprecedented housing crisis. In our own community, there is a lack of housing, and what is available is prohibitively expensive and in some instances simply unsafe. As campus leaders, we have developed bold plans to try to help our students—plans that will also aid the greater community.

Marine researchers say recent sea star wasting disease epidemic defies prediction

Some sea star communities on the west coast could recover, but marine scientists still can’t pinpoint the environmental factors behind the unprecedented disease outbreak.

UC Santa Cruz graduate programs rank among best in nation in U.S. News survey

The U.S. News and World Report's 2019 Best Graduate Schools guide evaluates graduate schools in business, education, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, social work, criminology, public affairs, and the sciences.

What does a forest hear? Canadian artists bring epic sound art project to Arboretum

"FOREST (for a thousand years...)", a 28-minute sound installation by renowned Canadian artists Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller, will open April 7, outdoors in the redwood grove of UC Santa Cruz's Arboretum and Botanic Garden.

Soil fungi may help determine the resilience of forests to environmental change, according to UC Santa Cruz study

A major new study by Kai Zhu reveals that soil fungi could play a significant role in the ability of forests to adapt to environmental change.

NIH grant funds high-end instrument for shared biomedical research facility

UC Santa Cruz establishes a Bay Area facility in electron paramagnetic resonance with a $1.5-million grant from NIH's High-End Instrumentation program.

Strategic academic planning update

The campus has seen great results with its prioritization survey, with 616 individuals responding: 273 faculty, 211 staff, 80 undergraduates and 52 graduate students.

Textbook on number theory acclaimed for its novel approach

Mathematics professor Martin Weissman's new book has received an honorable mention in the 2018 PROSE Awards and raves from fellow mathematicians.

Influential historian Hayden White dies at 89

Hayden V. White, professor emeritus in the History of Consciousness Department at UC Santa Cruz, died at his Santa Cruz home on March 5, 2018, at age 89. He was a 40-year resident of Santa Cruz who traveled the world.

Alumna and Renowned Actress Adilah Barnes Returns to Campus for A Raisin In The Sun

Being very successful for over 50 years in the entertainment industry is no small feat. But actress Adilah Barnes takes it all in her stride.

Silicon Valley Campus raising profile

By Scott Brandt, Vice Chancellor, Office of Research — The role of UC Santa Cruz in Silicon Valley—an extension of our mission of education, research, and service—is focused on four key areas.

UC Santa Cruz prof and grad student are among honorees at 2018 NEXTies

The local awards show will be held at the Rio Theater in Santa Cruz on Friday, March 23.

UC Santa Cruz ranked among top schools for game design

As in past years, UC Santa Cruz is featured on Princeton Review's 2018 lists for top undergraduate and graduate programs in game design.

Nominations for UC Santa Cruz's Outstanding Staff Award

Make your nomination for the UC Santa Cruz Outstanding Staff Award today.

Four kinds of algal toxins found in San Francisco Bay shellfish

Researchers monitoring San Francisco Bay for algal toxins have found a surprising array of different toxins in the water and in mussels collected from the bay.

Antigen study supports new approach to vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus

RSV causes serious respiratory disease in infants and older adults, but past efforts to develop a vaccine have met with frustration and disappointment.

'And Then They Came for Us' brings history into the present

The Humanities Institute and Cowell College will present a special screening of "And Then They Came for Us," winner of the Accolade Global Film 2017 Humanitarian Award, on March 14 at the Del Mar Theater in downtown Santa Cruz.

Grant to transform upper floor of Science and Engineering Library

A $5 million grant will kick-start the Science and Engineering Library’s transformation and name floor to honor legendary astrophysicist Sandra Faber

SAP update—landscape analysis available, register for workshop

Register by March 15 to attend the all-campus Future State Design Workshop on Tuesday, March 20 in 108 DARC.

Student Housing West—What is happening now?

By Sue Matthews, Associate Vice Chancellor, Colleges, Housing, and Educational Services — The campus is invited to attend open forums to learn more about Student Housing West.

Campus receives Mellon Foundation grant to help create new forms of digital publication

UC Santa Cruz is the lead institution on a $100,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to help build a sustainable system for the digital publication and discovery of historical records.

Symposium explores social mobility, student success

In an effort to share the best means of supporting student success, UC Santa Cruz and CollegeNET hosted a symposium for educators across northern California.

Leadership change in the Graduate Division

Dean of Graduate Studies Tyrus Miller has accepted a position with UC Irvine to serve as dean of its School of Humanities.

From Student Artist to Hollywood Producer, Alumnus Brian Kavanaugh-Jones Has Always Been Passionate About the Arts

From his passion for the arts and accompanying his father on travels around the globe, to his keen enthusiasm for collaboration and bringing outstanding creative projects to fruition, it’s no wonder that Brian was destined to become such a successful Hollywood film producer.

Revisions to the UC Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace

The University of California Office of the President has issued a technical update to the UC Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace.

Gun control advocate Gabby Giffords joins fundraiser for Gabe Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship

Former Arizona Congresswoman and gun control advocate Gabby Giffords attended a fundraising event to support the Gabriel Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship.

High surf warning

Please be advised that the National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for Friday and Saturday. High surf can create dangerous conditions on or near the ocean.

UC expands free online course offerings for California high school students

The University of California announced a major expansion of UC Scout, its online learning program to provide California high school students with free access to the courses they need to be eligible and competitive for admission into college.

CENIC recognizes UCSC's Hyades supercomputer cluster connection

Project connecting Hyades to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's computing center earns CENIC Innovations Award.

Reports of animal cruelty

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is aware of reports about a video circulating on social media in which a woman disclosed a deeply troubling act of animal cruelty.

Ecologist Erika Zavaleta elected Fellow of the Ecological Society of America

Zavaleta was honored in recognition of her contributions to the science of ecology.

Robin Hunicke to host Game Developers Choice Awards

Associate arts professor Robin Hunicke is set to host this year’s Game Developers Choice Awards, which will take place on March 21 during the 2018 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

Community Studies founder William H. Friedland dies at 94

William H. “Bill” Friedland, professor emeritus of community studies and sociology at UC Santa Cruz, whose life and career encompassed the major social movements of the 20th century, from labor struggles during and after World War II, to farm worker and youth movements of the 1960s, to the agriculture-food awareness of today, died at his Santa Cruz home Feb. 20 at age 94.

Fixing damaged ecosystems: How much does restoration help?

A new meta-analysis of 400 studies that document recovery from large-scale ecosystem disturbances worldwide suggests that while ecosystems can bounce back, they rarely mend completely, with the final stages of recovery being most difficult.

Online, in-person opportunities to provide insight on Long-Range Development Plan

Members of the campus and local community have online and in-person opportunities to provide input and feedback as UC Santa Cruz works on a new Long-Range Development Plan that will guide the campus from 2020–2040.

Tracking data reveal the secret lives of marine animals

Seals, whales, sharks, turtles, seabirds, and other marine vertebrates show similar patterns of movement in marine environments.

USDA funds efforts to bring underrepresented students into agriculture

A unique collaboration between UC Santa Cruz and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is supporting underrepresented students who are interested in agriculture-related fields.

Strategic academic planning update

We are gratified to report more than 350 faculty have signed up to participate in at least one of the 108 themed research areas that have emerged through our strategic academic planning process.

Survey Regarding Interest in and Use of Electric Vehicles

Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) is conducting a survey to assess the need for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure on campus.

Judit Moschkovich named 2018 AERA Fellow

Judit Moschkovich, professor of education and chair of the Education Department, has been named a 2018 Fellow of the American Educational Research Association (AERA).

Ouch: Study reveals financial pain after hospitalization

A new study co-authored by professors from UC Santa Cruz, MIT, and Northwestern University reveals the painful financial impact of hospitalization.

At the nexus of food, energy, and water: Elliot Campbell bridges the research gap

Elliott Campbell is an environmental engineer who is drawn to research at the nexus of food, water, and energy.

Novel search strategy advances the hunt for primordial black holes

Researchers analyzing data from the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope for evidence of nearby primordial black holes put an upper limit on the number that might be lurking in the vicinity of Earth.

UC Santa Cruz police co-sponsor Santa Cruz County gun buyback

Santa Cruz County residents can sell their unwanted firearms as part of a gun buyback sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Law Enforcement Chief’s Association.

Another 'gem' in the string of Maitra lectures

The 16th Annual Sidhartha Maitra Memorial Lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Colleges Nine/Ten Multi-purpose Room. Admission is free, with registration. The university will host a post-lecture reception to provide an opportunity for the audience to engage with Rao.

Alumna Adilah Barnes joins cast of 'A Raisin in the Sun' at UC Santa Cruz

The Theater Arts Department and the African American Theatre Arts Troupe at UC Santa Cruz will present Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking play, A Raisin in the Sun, on campus, March 2-11, at the Theater Arts Second Stage.

Strategic academic planning prioritization survey

Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Marlene Tromp and I invite all faculty, staff and students to participate in a brief prioritization survey designed to help inform the creation of our Strategic Academic Plan.

Alley-oops for the OLLI Hoops

For this basketball team made up of women in their 60s and 70s, getting exercise, enjoying camaraderie, and learning a new skill has been a slam dunk.

UCSC astronomer Alexie Leauthaud wins Sloan Research Fellowship

The Sloan Research Fellowships honor early-career scholars whose achievements mark them as among the very best scientific minds working today.

UC Santa Cruz named one of best colleges to study 'Film, Video & Photographic Arts'

UC Santa Cruz has been ranked No. 6 in the country by College Factual for the best colleges and universities in the U.S. to study for a Film, Video & Photographic Arts degree.

Analysis of major earthquakes supports stress reduction assumptions

After a major earthquake, the area where the fault slipped a lot is unlikely to slip again, seismologists say, but stress increases in surrounding areas.

Computer science grad student wins Better Scientific Software Fellowship

Ivo Jimenez was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy's Exascale Computing Project in its inaugural class of Better Scientific Software (BSSw) Fellows.

State program funds lung cancer research at UC Santa Cruz

The California Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program has awarded $1.8 million in grants and fellowships to UCSC biomedical researchers.

UC housing funds to support students

With $3 million from UC Office of the President, UC Santa Cruz is taking a multi-pronged approach to help students as the region and state grapples with an unprecedented housing shortage.

Campus hires third investigator for Title IX Office

I am pleased to announce that UC Santa Cruz has hired Rosa Garcia to serve as an investigator in our Title IX Office. The permanent funding for this third investigator position and a new deputy director position will grow our office to a staff of six.

Community Studies students share social justice work

All students in Community Studies engage in a six-month field study, joining a social justice organization to apply the critical theories they have previously learned during their interactions with more traditional elements of the college experience.

Innovative restoration of coral reefs helps protect Caribbean islands

Study shows direct link between healthy coral reefs and shoreline stability and field-tests an innovative risk-reduction solution that combines engineering with reef restoration.

Acoustic imaging reveals hidden features of megathrust fault off Costa Rica

First detailed 3-D images of a megathrust fault show long grooves and other features in the fault surface that are likely to control how it slips in an earthquake.

Women leaders inspire undergrad during UCDC internship in Nancy Pelosi's office

For Courtney Zuniga, the sight of powerful women like Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi made a lasting impression during her Fall Quarter UCDC internship in Washington, D.C.

UCSC's SlugBot team chosen again to compete in Amazon's Alexa Prize Challenge

For the second year in a row, a team of computer science students has won sponsorship from Amazon to develop a "socialbot" that can converse with humans.

UCSC Retirees Association to award first 'Silver Slug' scholarship for staff and dependents

The Silver Slug Award is a newly endowed scholarship created by the UC Santa Cruz Retirees Association to support staff and their dependents seeking a degree at UCSC.

New director named for Campus Advocacy, Resources, and Education (CARE) office

Kelsey Hoie Ferrell joined UC Santa Cruz as the new CARE director December 4, 2017.

Two UCSC professors elected to National Academy of Engineering

Biomolecular engineer David Haussler and computer scientist Martín Abadi have been recognized for their pioneering achievements.

Climate Conference features visionary artist and Smithsonian biologist

The fifth annual Climate Science and Policy Conference presented by UC Santa Cruz brings together a visionary artist and a Smithsonian scientist for an engaging, interdisciplinary conversation about how humans and ecosystems will cope on a warming planet.

MLK Convocation: For racial equality, we must hear women

Kimberlé Crenshaw, a law professor known for the development of intersectional theory, praised the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. but noted that the civil rights movement and the Obama era left out the perspectives and voices of women.

Arts professor to premiere film at 2018 Berlin International Film Festival

UC Santa Cruz film and digital media professor Irene Lusztig will premiere her new film, 'Yours in Sisterhood,' at the 2018 Berlinale, running February 15-25 in Berlin, Germany.

Monetary economist Carl Walsh to deliver 52nd annual UC Santa Cruz Faculty Research Lecture on February 22

Carl Walsh, distinguished professor of economics at UC Santa Cruz, will deliver the 52nd annual Faculty Research Lecture on Thursday, February 22.

Prescribed burns planned next week

CAL FIRE is planning to conduct a number of prescribed burns cooperatively with UC Santa Cruz through the first half of 2018.

Scientists report big improvements in HIV vaccine production

Technical advances in vaccine production should shorten the time to clinical trials, breaking the logjam of promising new candidate vaccines waiting to be tested.

Economist's book named an 'Outstanding Academic Title'

Economics Professor Nirvikar Singh's book, The Other One Percent: Indians in America, has been named an "Outstanding Academic Title" for 2017.

Strategic academic planning update

Deep thanks for your continued engagement with our strategic academic planning (SAP) process. Broad participation is vital as we chart our academic course forward.

'Spoken/Unspoken: Forms of Resistance' to open Feb. 8 at Mary Porter Sesnon Gallery

The Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery will present Spoken/Unspoken: Forms of Resistance, a new public exhibition running February 8 through March 17 at UC Santa Cruz.

Polar bears finding it harder to catch enough seals to meet energy demands

As climate change alters their environment a growing number of polar bears are unable to catch enough fat-rich prey to meet their energy needs.

Spring Spotlight now called 'Admitted Student Tours'

Office of Admissions will again host our on-campus visit program for admitted students, but instead of Spring Spotlight, we will call it Admitted Student Tours.

Alumnus Michael Shipley's Creative Brilliance Continues to Shine

Santa Cruz native and UC Santa Cruz alumnus, Michael Shipley, found Santa Cruz to be an idyllic place to grow up during the 1970s and ‘80s. It was the place where he discovered his creative passion, eventually leading him to become not only a very talented photographer and musician, but also an award-winning television writer and producer for highly successful television shows, including Family Guy and American Dad!.

New feature highlights campus events

In an effort to showcase exciting campus events, UC Santa Cruz has launched "The LineUp," a weekly calendar feature in the GoodTimes.

As tax time approaches, UCSC students volunteer to help low-income filers

As April 15 looms, a team of UC Santa Cruz undergraduate volunteers is getting ready to provide free tax-preparation assistance to low- and moderate-income residents of Santa Cruz County.

Breakthrough leads to sequencing of a human genome using a pocket-sized device

Nanopore sequencing technology, based on concepts pioneered at UC Santa Cruz, has revealed parts of the genome scientists had been unable to sequence before.

McHenry Library to celebrate new visualization spaces that enhance digital scholarship

An opening celebration to formally launch the VizWall, a large scale visualization installation, and the VizLab, a Virtual Reality and 360 Lab, will take place on Feb. 7 at the Digital Scholarship Commons on the ground floor of McHenry Library.

Karen Yamashita's memoir explores Japanese-American internment

Award-winning author and UC Santa Cruz literature professor Karen Tei Yamashita will read from her new memoir on Thursday, February 1, as part of the 2018 winter installment of the Living Writers Series.

Register closes today for open forum events on strategic academic planning

Campus community members need to register by 4 p.m. today to attend one of the open forum events on strategic academic planning schedule for Jan. 24-25.

Frans Lanting and Chris Eckstrom present 'Into Africa' Jan. 27 at the Rio Theatre

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center presents a new multimedia show by renowned photographer Frans Lanting and his partner, Chris Eckstrom, about the wonders of wild Africa.

High surf warning continues through weekend

The National Weather Service's high surf warning remains in effect today. Dangerous surf conditions are expected to continue through the weekend.

Elliott Campbell appointed to chair in water resources and food system sustainability

Elliott Campbell, associate professor of environmental studies, was honored as the inaugural holder of the Stephen R. Gliessman Presidential Chair in Water Resources and Food System Sustainability.

Study finds convergent evolution of gene regulation in humans and mice

Molecular biologists have found evidence of convergent evolution in an important mechanism of gene regulation in humans and mice.

Men's volleyball aiming for championships

Aided in May by the passage of Measure 68, the referendum that will go to support athletics, the Slugs this season are scheduled to play more than 30 matches—a noticeable uptick from the 19 games last season.

Judge relies heavily on Haney's testimony in case banning solitary confinement

In a landmark court ruling that prohibits solitary confinement in Canada, a Canadian judge relied heavily on expert testimony by Psychology Professor Craig Haney.

New book, The Postgenomic Condition: Ethics, Justice, and Knowledge After the Genome, assesses progress since 2000

Sociologist Jenny Reardon evaluates the promise and pitfalls of genomics in her new book The Postgenomic Condition: Ethics, Justice, and Knowledge After the Genome (University of Chicago Press, 2017).

In Memoriam: Stuart 'Page' Stegner (1937-2017)

Stuart "Page" Stegner, a member of the pioneer faculty at UC Santa Cruz who taught for over three decades and ran the Creative Writing program, passed away on December 14, 2017 in Reno, Nevada

New catalyst for hydrogen production is a step toward clean fuel

A novel material developed at UC Santa Cruz has shown impressive performance as a catalyst for the electrochemical splitting of water to produce hydrogen.

2020 Long Range Development Plan update

As we spend 2018 celebrating the Year of Alumni, I’d like to talk to you about what we’re doing to prepare ourselves to teach the next generation of students—our future graduates.

Strategic academic planning update

Through extensive engagement with the campus community, we have worked to identify the major academic themes that make UC Santa Cruz extraordinary.

Questions That Matter public humanities series to explore 'Freedom and Race'

The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz will present "Freedom & Race"--the fourth installment of its signature "Questions That Matter" series--on January 30, at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in downtown Santa Cruz. The evening will feature a conversation with humanities dean Tyler Stovall and history of art and visual culture professor Jennifer González.

Earliest galaxies in the universe spin like the Milky Way

Astronomers looking back to a time soon after the big bang have discovered swirling gas in some of the earliest galaxies to have formed in the universe.

Clean Dream Act and humane immigration reform

As a public university, UC Santa Cruz has a special mission to serve all Californians through research, teaching, and service.

Trump environmental watchdog group issues third report

The Environmental Data and Governance Initiative (EDGI), a grassroots watchdog group monitoring the Trump administration's performance on the environment, today (January 10, 2018) issued its third report.

Recreational use of marijuana and UC Santa Cruz—what you need to know

Most of you probably already know that recreational use of marijuana became legal in California on Jan. 1, 2018, for those over the age of 21, through the passage of Prop. 64.

Staff Advisory Board sponsors blood drive Tuesday, Jan. 30

Neutron star merger observations hailed as scientific breakthrough of the year

Both Science and Physics World noted the significance of the findings in which UC Santa Cruz astronomers played a key role.

The 'Year of Alumni'

Keith Brant, Vice Chancellor, University Relations — As a way to honor all their achievements and the 50th anniversary of the UC Santa Cruz Alumni Association, the campus is marking 2018 as the "Year of Alumni."

State initiative funds UCSC childhood cancer research

A $500,000 grant from the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine supports the Treehouse Childhood Cancer Initiative at the UCSC Genomics Institute.

Campus appoints new associate vice provost for Academic Affairs

After a campuswide search, UC Santa Cruz has appointed Martin Berger to serve as associate vice provost for Academic Affairs.

David Dunn awarded Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship

UC Santa Cruz assistant professor of music David Dunn has been selected for a Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship for 2019. He is one of four local artists who will receive $20,000 grants from the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County in 2018-19.

Protect yourself as influenza spreads in Santa Cruz

If you have not had your flu shot it is not too late! Please make every effort to get your vaccination.

Welcome to Winter Quarter!

Welcome back for Winter Quarter and best wishes for a healthy and happy 2018! A new year means new beginnings, so I’ll jump right into an exciting initiative launching this week that will run throughout 2018.

NSF I-Corps pushes discoveries to market

Professor Sue Carter testified before congressional leaders on NSF Innovation Corps, which assists scientists and engineers in discovering commercial applications for their research.

New vendor selected for curriculum management

The Curriculum Management Project, a campuswide initiative to improve the systems used to manage curriculum at UC Santa Cruz, is pleased to announce SmartCatalog has been selected as the vendor for phase one of the project.

Summer session offers unique academic opportunities

When UC Santa Cruz students begin enrolling for spring courses, they will be able to factor in all the additional courses that will also be offered through summer session.

In Memoriam: Sam Taylor

Sam Taylor, a Stevenson College student, died on Dec. 22, 2017.

Unraveling the mechanisms that control cell growth and size

Scientists studying how cells control their size and growth rate are closing in on fundamental mechanisms that are common to all cells and are disrupted in cancer.

Supermassive black holes control star formation in large galaxies

Astronomers found a close correlation between the mass of a galaxy's central black hole and its star formation history.