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The mysterious case of the ornamented coot chicks has a surprising explanation

The bright colors of the chicks of American coots help their parents choose favorites, according to a new study.

How genetics and social games drive evolution of mating systems in mammals

From monogamy to promiscuity, a new model explains the evolution of diverse mating systems based on the conflict between cooperative and competitive behaviors.

Guthman's book named one of the best of 2019

Julie Guthman's book Wilted: Pathogens, Chemicals, and the Fragile Future of the Strawberry Industry, has been named one of the best 2019 books about the U.S. food system.

Planned campuswide electrical shutdown to be rescheduled

This shutdown, originally scheduled for December 26–30, has now been rescheduled for spring 2020. As a result, campus electrical services will be on as normal during the winter break.

Structural analysis reveals an unexpected mechanism for a cancer drug

Palbociclib is clinically approved for treating breast cancer, but it doesn’t work the way scientists thought it did.

Biologist Doug Kellogg receives Outstanding Faculty Award

Doug Kellogg, professor of molecular, cell, and developmental biology, has received the 2018–19 Outstanding Faculty Award from the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences.

2020 Summer Session courses launched online

Course offerings for UC Santa Cruz Summer Session have launched at summer.ucsc.edu. Winter is the perfect time to start planning for summer.

UC Santa Cruz launches new graduate program in natural language processing

Based at UCSC’s Silicon Valley Campus, the new professional master’s degree offers training in the burgeoning field of computational processing of speech and text.

UCPath will be live on Jan. 2 for all UCSC employees

UCPath will be live on Jan. 2. With the system going live in a new calendar year, employees can expect to see differences in tax withholdings and deductions.

On submitting fall quarter grades

Faculty members are responsible for assigning and submitting final course grades. While portions of student assessment may be delegated to teaching assistants and readers, ultimately the assignment and submission of grades is the responsibility of the faculty member (Senate faculty and non-Senate faculty), including those who have oversight of graduate student instructors.

Information and resources about the illegal work stoppage

As we approach the end of finals week, I want to share information about the illegal work stoppage and resources for addressing what may happen if grades are not submitted on time.

New system will capture and reuse scarce helium for critical lab instruments

As helium becomes increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain, a new recovery system will help ensure a reliable supply of the element needed for powerful research instruments.

Electrical engineer Keith Corzine elected IEEE Fellow

Keith Corzine, a professor of electrical and computer engineering in the Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz, has been elected a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Computer scientist Lise Getoor named ACM Fellow

Lise Getoor, professor of computer science and engineering in the Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz, has been named a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery.

California’s sea otter population could triple by recolonizing San Francisco Bay

A new study highlights the importance of estuaries as prime habitat for the endangered southern sea otter.

UCPath goes live at UCSC on Jan. 2

UC Path will go live at UC Santa Cruz on Jan. 2.

In Memoriam: Varun Sethi

It is with great sadness that we write to share the news of the death of College Nine student, Varun Sethi. Varun passed away on Monday, December 9.

Women of color underrepresented as speakers at scientific conferences, study finds

Scientists from racial and ethnic minority populations are likely to have relatively fewer speaking opportunities at scientific conferences, according to the results of a new study.

Instructions related to grading strike, December 2019

It is the responsibility of the instructors of record and departments/colleges to, as best as possible, ensure our students can finish the quarter smoothly. Every effort should be made to ensure that the activities of proctoring exams, grading exams, and other duties carried out by GSIs and TAs are covered. The following guidance has been developed to assist faculty in addressing issues with the strike.

Addressing impacts of graduate student grade strike

Some UC Santa Cruz graduate students have said they will not turn in fall quarter grades unless the campus provides them with more financial support to help defray the high cost of housing in Santa Cruz.

Banff film festival tickets go on sale Dec. 15

The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour will exhilarate viewers with amazing big-screen stories when it comes the Rio Theatre at 7 p.m., Feb. 20-23 (4 shows, 2 programs).

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

With funding and other support from Amazon, university teams compete to advance conversational AI.

Student Health Services Closures

Student Health Services will be closed on December 17, 2019 from 8:00 am - 1 pm and December 19, 2019 from 8:00 am - 1 pm.

UC Santa Cruz establishes new Center for the Middle East and North Africa

A new interdisciplinary Center for the Middle East and North Africa, directed by associate professor of history Jennifer Derr, will focus on the culture, history, and politics of the region.

Island 'soundscapes' show potential for evaluating recovery of nesting seabirds

Conservation biologists are taking a holistic approach to acoustic monitoring for evaluating the effectiveness of restoration efforts.

2019 UCSC Holiday Food Drive

Last year, the UC Santa Cruz holiday food drive raised 150,000 meals for our friends and neighbors in need. We hope that you will help us make this another great year for UCSC in support of the greater Santa Cruz Community.

Engineer Holger Schmidt elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Holger Schmidt, professor of electrical and computer engineering, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors.

Composition of gas giant planets not determined by host star, study finds

Research led by astronomers at UC Santa Cruz and Carnegie Institution for Science has implications for understanding how planets form.

Study reveals dynamics of crucial immune system proteins

New findings show how a key part of the immune system functions and suggest potential applications in disease diagnostics and therapeutics .

In Memoriam: Aaron Hung Ye, Dining Services

It is with deep sadness that I write to share the news regarding the death of one of our Dining employees. Aaron Hung Ye served at UCSC as a Cook for Dining Services working at the Cowell Dining Hall.

Nine UCSC speakers join TEDx Santa Cruz extravaganza Dec. 7

Nine UCSC affiliates will join novelist Jonathan Franzen and a host of other speakers for TEDx Santa Cruz, a daylong extravaganza focused this year on the "Art of Hope," on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Crews to flush campus water system from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2

From Dec. 23 to Jan. 2, campus crews will be flushing the campus water system.

UC Santa Cruz to host West Coast FoodTech Challenge panel, info session

UC Santa Cruz is hosting the only information session for a global competition that aims to identify and implement sustainable and technology-driven solutions in the food chain.

CruzHacks 2020 to be held at Stevenson Event Center January 17 to 19

CruzHacks 2020, the annual student-run hackathon at UC Santa Cruz, will be held at the Stevenson Event Center from January 17 to 19.

Earth scientist Andrew Fisher elected 2019 AAAS Fellow

Andrew Fisher, professor of Earth and planetary sciences, has been named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Coastal fog linked to high levels of mercury found in mountain lions, study finds

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have discovered elevated levels of mercury in mountain lions, the latest indication that the neurotoxin is being carried in fog, deposited on the land, and making its way up the food chain.

Prepare for UC Path: update your home address in At Your Service Online by Dec. 3

Before 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 3, update home addresses in At Your Service Online

UC Santa Cruz researchers funded to develop new technology for monitoring toxic algae

As the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms increases along the California coast, ocean scientist Raphael Kudela is working to improve the technology for monitoring them.

Exceptions to campus closure 2019-2020 and power service interruption

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 Tuesday, December 24, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020, re-opening on Thursday, January 2, 2020.

Investigation of fire at Rachel Carson College (Case 19-1127)

UC Santa Cruz police are seeking the campus community’s help in the investigation of a small fire set on the second floor of a Rachel Carson College residence hall on Saturday.

Fish in California estuaries are evolving as climate change alters their habitat

Comparison of current stickleback populations with fish collected in the 1970s shows the populations are evolving as California's climate becomes hotter and drier.

Officers recover stolen bicycles

After a string of bicycle thefts, officers with the UC Santa Cruz Police Department have arrested a suspect and recovered two stolen bicycles.

Physics doctoral student excited to learn about condensed matter

Before coming to UC Santa Cruz, Jennifer Sittler worked on the Large Hadron Collider, writing code to increase the accuracy of results.

Prepare for UCPath: Nov. 22 last day in 2019 to adjust TAPS payroll deductions

During the month of December, no changes will be permitted for TAPS payroll deductions.

Rachel Carson College: Training the green generation

UC Santa Cruz’s eighth college is a haven for sustainability-minded, environmentally conscious students hoping to lead and empower others .

List of most highly cited researchers features 18 UCSC scientists and engineers

The 2019 Highly Cited Researchers list includes 18 scientists and engineers at UC Santa Cruz.

Campus, county not expected to be affected by planned PG&E outage

In an update, PG&E officials stated that UC Santa Cruz and all of Santa Cruz County will not be included in the planned power outage scheduled for late Wednesday.

Santa Cruz County faces significant gap in food security, study finds

As the season of holiday feasting approaches, a new study reveals that Santa Cruz County residents who are most at risk of food insecurity may be missing an average of five meals a week.

Social Sciences recognizes outstanding research, teaching, and staff

The Division of Social Sciences presented several major awards recognizing outstanding accomplishments by faculty, staff, researchers, and emeriti faculty.

Traveling Home for the Holidays or Winter Break

The Holidays are quickly approaching! Have you thought about sharing the ride home (and the cost) with a fellow Slug? We’ve got you covered with Zimride and Zipcar!

In Memoriam: Michael William Murphy, Lick Observatory

It is with deep sadness that we write to share the news that Michael William Murphy, a Senior Building Maintenance Worker at Lick Observatory, died Tuesday, November 5.

UCPath - TAKE ACTION - How UCPath Affects Your Paycheck!

Every UC Santa Cruz employee--including student employees--currently receiving a paycheck from UC Santa Cruz will be affected when UCPath “goes live” on our campus in January 2020.

Upcoming Long Range Development Plan Workshops

UC Santa Cruz will hold a series of workshops to discuss the future of UC Santa Cruz campus land use, including progress to date and next steps.

In Memoriam: Joan Ward

Joan Ward, who was hired in 1966 as the first public information officer at UC Santa Cruz, died on Oct. 19, at the age of 90.

Latino studies graduate student focused on history, roots

Five years ago, Mario Alberto Gómez-Zamora worked with teen-agers to collect stories from elders in a P'urhépecha indigenous community in Patamban, Michoacán, Mexico. Today, he's a graduate student in Latin American and Latino Studies.

Student interns work to prevent sexual assault, discrimination

The campus created four paid student internships to increase student engagement with and by the Title IX Office.

Standing in solidarity with our undocumented community

Today, lawyers representing the University of California are appearing before the U.S. Supreme Court to argue that the Trump administration acted unlawfully when in 2017 it sought to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, or DACA.

With deadlines approaching, prepare for UC Path

UCPath starts at UC Santa Cruz in January 2020. Be sure you are prepared for the changes it will bring.

UC Santa Cruz collaborates on $14M project to advance cryptographic computing technologies

Computer scientist Owen Arden will lead the UCSC effort in the Baskin School of Engineering.

Arrest in connection with invasion of privacy investigation

Officers with the UC Santa Cruz Police Department have arrested Daniel Mark Ishofsky, 38, in connection with its investigation into a hidden camera that was found near showers at the UCSC Farm in July 2019.

Upcoming workshops on Long Range Development Plan

UC Santa Cruz will hold a series of workshops to discuss the future of UC Santa Cruz campus land use, including progress to date and next steps. 

Exploring the impact and ethics of the Frankenstein phenomena

UCSC will present "The Frankenstein Project," a modern theatrical adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein story, plus "FrankenCon"-- a three-day conference featuring scientists, theorists, authors, and artists, plus film screenings.

Launch party for children's book 'Looking for Marla' November 15 at MAH

UCSC graduate students Paloma Medina and Jessica Kendall-Bar and alumna Audrey Ford collaborated on the illustrated tale of a clownfish in transition.

Radical excellence: UC Santa Cruz joins Association of American Universities

The University of California, Santa Cruz, has joined the Association of American Universities, an achievement that underscores the impact and quality of the campus’s research and graduate and undergraduate education. Membership in the AAU provides UC Santa Cruz greater opportunity to shape and advocate for the future of higher education.

UC Santa Cruz earns prestigious honor — membership in AAU

While our community is humble, we know the incredible impact we’ve had in our relatively short history. This week we learned that our peers know it, too, as our campus earned one of the most prestigious honors in higher education — election to the Association of American Universities.

Biotech blooms on Santa Cruz’s westside

The biotech boom on the westside of Santa Cruz is the culmination of all the pieces falling into place—brilliant and driven graduate alumni and faculty members who are eager to make people’s lives better, vacant buildings in need of a new purpose, and a university partnering with the community to foster entrepreneurs.

Information and resources about strike activities on Nov. 13, 2019

The University of California has been informed that there will be a labor strike on all of its campuses and medical centers on Wednesday, Nov. 13, beginning at midnight and going through 11:59 p.m. The strike will include employees represented by AFSCME Service (SX), Patient Care Technical (EX), and Skilled Trades (K7). In advance of this scheduled strike activity, we write to share information and resources.

Mathematician Viktor Ginzburg named Fellow of American Mathematical Society

Ginzburg, professor and chair of mathematics at UCSC, is among 52 mathematical scientists from around the world who have been named Fellows of the American Mathematical Society for 2020.

Working toward a healthy campus climate

We are determined to not let others undermine our work toward creating a healthy campus climate that is inclusive and physically safe for all members of our Banana Slug community. Our students belong here. Our staff members belong here. Our faculty members belong here.

UCPath Changes to TAPS Services

As the University transitions to UCPath, those of you who have a payroll deduction for a parking permit, bus pass or vanpool may be affected.

Data Security Compliance and CruzBuy

We write to update you on new Data Security and Privacy requirements when requesting services from Suppliers who will have access to UCSC data or systems. Suppliers must comply with UC security and privacy policies and standards.

Award-winning poet Gary Soto to read at 10th annual Morton Marcus memorial event

Award-winning poet and novelist Gary Soto will be the featured guest at the 10th annual Morton Marcus Poetry Reading, Thursday, November 7, at 7 p.m. in the UCSC Music Recital Hall.

Faculty diversity, retention supported by new grants

About a third of faculty searches across four academic divisions will be included in a new pilot program, while a research team will assess and rethink leadership opportunities.

'Solitary Garden' imagines a landscape without prisons

'Solitary Garden'—a yearlong public art project created to protest solitary confinement and mass incarceration—opens at UC Santa Cruz with a public reception on November 5 at the Baskin Arts Studios. It will run on campus through Dec. 6, 2020.

First generation, lasting impact

Funding from Jacques M. Littlefield Foundation is helping first-generation students succeed and generating research on practices that can support students across the country

Letourneau's datasets propel research that shows biodiversity improves crop production

When Environmental Studies Professor Deborah Letourneau was getting ready to retire, she gave several of her datasets to younger researchers so they could make use of them. And did they ever.

Public invited to view Norris Center art-science residency projects

Several examples of art-science collaborations will be on view at the Museum of Art and History on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 10-5 p.m. and at the Norris Center for Natural History on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15-16 from noon to 5 p.m.

Campus provost and executive vice chancellor search

We are now launching a national recruitment for a permanent campus provost and executive vice chancellor.

Open Enrollment for 2020

The annual Open Enrollment period begins today, Thursday, Oct. 31, and ends 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26. Changes made during Open Enrollment become effective Jan. 1, 2020.  

Rash of thefts on campus

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is asking for the community’s help in investigating a rash of thefts that occurred from mid- to late October.

Simulations explain giant exoplanets with eccentric, close-in orbits

A giant-impacts phase in the evolution of planetary systems can explain the observations of close-in giant planets with eccentric orbits.

Mathematician Harold Widom honored by American Mathematical Society

Harold Widom and Craig Tracy will receive the 2020 Steele Prize for Seminal Contribution to Research.

Powerful new supercomputer supports campus research in physical sciences

UCSC faculty are using the new system for research in astrophysics, climate science, materials science, chemistry, and other fields.

Update—Suspicious person driving a white Ford pickup

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department has been able to identify the subject in this investigation.

Mangroves reduce flood damages during hurricanes, saving billions of dollars in property losses

A new report finds that mangroves provide valuable flood risk benefits and play a critical role in protecting coastal communities in Florida.

Suspicious person driving a white Ford pickup

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in identifying a suspicious person who was driving on campus at approximately 11:25 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28.

DESI opens its 5,000 eyes to capture the colors of the cosmos

UC Santa Cruz astronomers have played leading roles in the collaborative effort to install a new sky-surveying instrument now beginning final testing.

Climate engineering: International meeting reveals tensions

At this point, the greatest danger of climate engineering may be how little is known about where countries stand on these potentially planet-altering technologies. Who is moving forward? Who is funding research? And who is being left out of the conversation?

Pediatric cancer study shows usefulness of gene expression analysis

Analyzing gene expression in tumor cells from children with cancer is more likely to reveal targets for therapy than analysis of DNA mutations, according to a new study led by UCSC researchers.

Campus sites may be excluded from Tuesday’s planned power outage

PG&E has said that UC Santa Cruz sites, including the residential campus, may be excluded from Tuesday’s planned power outage. Regular operations are expected to continue tomorrow. Read more at ucsc.edu/status.

Campus conference to honor renowned late UC Santa Cruz historian Hayden White

UCSC will present a conference in honor of the influential late historian on November 1-2 at the Merrill Cultural Center. Scholars from a wide range of disciplines will participate in an effort to channel the vital, open-ended, iconoclastic spirit of White, professor emeritus in the History of Consciousness Department.

Boosting diversity, inclusion, and representation in science journalism

Science Communication Master's Program empowers the next generation of science journalists with support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

Announcing 2020 Campus Elections

The Dean of Students Office is pleased to announce the 2020 Campus Elections process.

Avoid email scam targeting students

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department has been notified of an email scam being perpetrated on students from someone saying they work at Cisco Systems, Inc. and need to hire a student as a part-time personal assistant.

Institute of the Arts and Sciences kicks off 2019-20 Traction: Art Talks speaker series

'Traction: Art Talks' is a twice-quarterly artist speaker series launched by UCSC’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences in 2017. The goal is to introduce students and the public to some of the most important artists working today.

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.

Get prepared for UC Path

In advance of UC Path's launch in January 2020, employees should ensure their home address is correct in At Your Service Online and also consider signing up for direct deposit if they are still receiving a paper check.

When exoplanets collide

Scientists thought they found clues pointing to a collision between two exoplanets ten years ago. Now they found more evidence of a catastrophic collision.

Biophysicist David Kliger investigates how a protein goes wrong and causes blindness

Abnormal versions of the protein rhodopsin lead to blindness in people with the genetic disease retinitis pigmentosa.

Associate admissions director earns award for outstanding service

David Kamimoto was recognized last month by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) for his long-standing commitment to ethical practices and standards, and service to the organization.

Learning on the playground: How elementary school recess enhances every aspect of child development

Recess is a lot like school lunch: Some kids get lasagna with an organic green salad, some get a burrito out of a box, and some do without. Like lunch, who gets recess—and who gets good recess—is often determined by what school district a student lives in.

Dee Hibbert-Jones receives 2019 International Documentary Association grant for new animated film

UC Santa Cruz professor of art Dee Hibbert-Jones has won a 2019 International Documentary Association (IDA) grant for "Run With It"--an animated documentary film she is currently working on in collaboration with San Francisco artist Nomi Talisman.

Novel nanoprobes show promise for optical monitoring of neural activity

A new approach for studying neural circuits offers advantages over both microelectrodes and fluorescence-based optical techniques that require genetic modifications.

Whole genome sequencing could help save pumas from inbreeding

The first complete genetic sequences of individual mountain lions point the way to better conservation strategies for saving threatened populations of the wild animals.

2019 Abusive Conduct Reaffirmation

We are writing to reaffirm that everyone in the UC Santa Cruz community is entitled to work in an atmosphere free from bullying and abusive conduct.

'A Conversation about Oliver Sacks' to feature alumnus Lawrence Weschler and Radiolab’s Robert Krulwich

Celebrated writer and UC Santa Cruz alumnus Lawrence Weschler will join Radiolab’s Robert Krulwich for a public conversation about the late neurologist and acclaimed author Oliver Sacks on October 21, at 7 p.m. in the Music Center Recital Hall.

Brush up on earthquake preparedness

With two recent earthquakes and a statewide preparedness exercise this week, it's a good time to make sure you're ready for an earthquake. 

UCSC goes bald to support childhood cancer research

Staff and students join St. Baldrick’s Foundation event to raise money to fight childhood cancer.

Join us for the Chancellor's Fall Forum

We are so excited to invite you to the first of Chancellor Larive's Campus Fora.

Applications open for sustainability fellows program, Carbon Fund grants

The UC Santa Cruz Campus Sustainability Plan (CSP) Fellows program serves as a student employment funding mechanism to support the 2017–22 Campus Sustainability Plan.

Community workshops on land-use planning

Please join UC Santa Cruz for a presentation and breakout-style stations to solicit feedback on the future of campus land use, including progress to date and next steps on a new Long Range Development Plan.

Litquake Santa Cruz to offer 'Funny & Peculiar: Santa Cruz Writers on Keeping It Weird'

In honor of its 20th anniversary, "Litquake," San Francisco’s annual literary festival, has created 20 new events in 20 cities across the country outside of San Francisco. One of those events will take place at Bookshop Santa Cruz on October 15, co-presented by The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz.

Viagra shows promise for use in bone marrow transplants

By dilating blood vessels, Viagra enhances the mobilization of blood-forming stem cells from the bone marrow so they can be collected from the blood for transplants.

UC Santa Cruz welcomes 24 new faculty members

UC Santa Cruz is welcoming 24 new faculty members to campus this academic year. Areas of expertise include public health, stem cell, education innovations, and much more. UC Santa Cruz now has 615 tenure-track faculty members.

New CITL workshop covers important teaching strategies

A new two-day workshop on teaching covered areas new professors need to know—teaching strategies to help close equity gaps; mentoring and assisting first generation students; handling cheating and plagiarism; and managing teaching assistants.

Remaining safe if power is lost

As you know, we have been informed by PG&E that main campus may see its power cut tonight, part of a statewide plan by the utility to reduce the risk of wildfire in areas where high winds are forecast.

East Remote Solar Project

On March 1, 2019, the campus’ long-planned solar panel installation began in the East Remote parking lot. While this project has made significant progress and completion is in sight, the final phases are scheduled to continue into winter.

Potential power loss at campus sites

UC Santa Cruz may lose power today at noon or later as part of the planned power outage by PG&E. However, the situation is still fluid.

Reef fish caring for their young are taken advantage of by other fish

Biologists have reported the first evidence of brood parasitism in coral reef fish, finding unrelated young fish in groups of young being protected by their parents.

Norris Lecture features expert panel on saltwater intrusion October 23

The 2019 Ken Norris Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, October 23, addresses saltwater intrusion along the Monterey Bay: Is our groundwater too salty?

Information for Employees for Wednesday, October 9, 2019

UC Santa Cruz has canceled Wednesday’s classes because of PG&E’s power outage, which is expected to begin at the main campus by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

With power, campus remains open and operational

As of this morning, UC Santa Cruz continues to have power at the main campus, Coastal Science Campus, 2300 Delaware, and the Scotts Valley Center.

UCPath - How It Affects Your Paycheck!

UCPath is coming! In January 2020, UCPath will “go live” for our campus. Employees paid monthly will have their first UCPath payroll date on Jan. 2. Employees who are paid biweekly will have their first UCPath payroll date on Jan. 8.

New Human Rights Lab trains students to investigate wrongdoing

The new Human Rights Lab went live this fall with 19 students who have learned high-tech, digital-verification skills they will use to investigate alleged human rights abuses around the globe.

$8.5 million gift supports UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute

An anonymous gift of $8.5 million to UCSC establishes the Healthier World Fund for the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute.

Campus not expected to lose power

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. informed campus leaders this afternoon that it appears unlikely that main campus and our other Santa Cruz County locations will be included in the utility’s Public Safety Power Shutoff set to begin early Wednesday.

Campus may be affected by PG&E power shutoff

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced earlier today that it plans to preemptively cut power to a large swath of Central and Northern California, including Santa Cruz County, to prevent power lines from sparking wildfires during dry and extremely windy weather in the forecast for later this week.

Biologist Upasna Sharma wins NIH Director’s New Innovator Award

The prestigious $1.5 million grant will fund Sharma’s research on how environmental effects can be passed down from parents to their offspring.

Required state and federal notices

In compliance with a federal law known as the Jeanne Clery Act, the Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report for 2018 (PDF) is online.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a national effort to help everyone stay protected whenever and however you connect.

Campus receives $1.5 million from state for 'Basic Needs' programs

An infusion of state funds is enabling the campus to expand its "basic needs" programs, including initiatives to make free food available on campus seven days a week and to help students who need emergency housing assistance.

Reflection Center at the Quarry – Opening Monday, 9/30/2019

The Reflection Center at the Quarry will officially open its doors on Monday 9/30/2019.

Galaxy found to float in a tranquil sea of halo gas

Analysis of radio pulses that passed through a galactic halo reveals a surprisingly quiescent halo with very low density and weak magnetic field.

Upcoming Jewish holidays

Many members of our campus community will observe a series of Jewish holidays over the course of the coming month.

Climate report describes escalating impacts on oceans, ice, and snow

UCSC ocean scientist Raphael Kudela is a lead author of the IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, which provides new evidence for the benefits of limiting global warming.

Alumna Stacy Jupiter wins coveted MacArthur Fellowship

Stacy Jupiter, a marine scientist with the Wildlife Conservation Society who earned her Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz in 2006, is among the 26 new MacArthur Fellows for 2019.

New academic year, new possibilities

NIH funds new centers to expand and diversify the human reference genome

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute will play a leading role in the ambitious new Human Pangenome Reference Sequence Project.

Statement on dismissed faculty member

We are grateful that The Regents of the University of California concurred with the recommendation of Chancellor Cynthia K. Larive and President Janet Napolitano to dismiss Gopal Balakrishnan, a formerly tenured professor who violated the 2015 UC Policy on Sexual Harassment and the Faculty Code of Conduct. We are also pleased President Napolitano concurred with Chancellor Larive’s recommendation to deny Balakrishnan emeritus status. Balakrishnan was on leave since we started our investigation and was suspended without pay on Aug. 15.

2019-2020 UCSC Campus Transit, Parking and METRO Bus Service

As our UC community gears up for the 2019-2020 academic year, below is some information regarding campus transportation options including Campus Transit, campus parking, and Santa Cruz METRO Bus service to and from UCSC.

New website highlights UCSC's "living labs"

A new website provides easy access to programs offering opportunities for hands-on learning at UCSC.

Anthropologist Adrienne Zihlman publishes 450-page opus on ape anatomy and evolution

Anthropology Professor Emerita Adrienne Zihlman has published a 450-page volume that presents the "big picture" of what she has learned about human origins from her painstakingly thorough study of modern ape anatomy over the last four decades.

UC Santa Cruz announces lineup for Fall 2019 Living Writers Series

"Autobiography, Fairy Tales, The Future" is the name of this fall’s installment of the Living Writers Series at UC Santa Cruz. Curated by Micah Perks, professor of literature and co-director of the Creative Writing Program, the series runs through December 5 at the Humanities Lecture Hall.

Jack Baskin at 100

UC Santa Cruz celebrates the centenary of Jack Baskin, a pivotal donor whose generosity has shaped the university and benefited causes throughout the Monterey Bay area

ARCS Foundation scholarships support UCSC graduate students

Fourteen UC Santa Cruz graduate students have received scholarships worth a total of $158,000 from the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation.

Email Scam Alert - September 23, 2019

ITS continues to receive reports of a pervasive email scam that is being sent to UCSC email addresses.

In Memoriam: Camila Ron Ruiz

It is with deep sadness that we write to tell you about the death of College Ten alumna Camila Ron Ruiz, who died on Wednesday, Sept. 18 in a fire that also took the life of her father, Ricardo Ron.

Winter curtailment 2019-2020

Our 2019-2020 Winter Curtailment is scheduled for Tuesday, December 24, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

Systemwide review of revised UC Copyright Ownership Policy

The UC Office of the President invites comments on proposed modifications to the Presidential Policy on Copyright Ownership.

UCSC’s Sesnon Gallery to feature works by Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Ai Weiwei

Limited edition works by Andy Warhol, Ai Weiwei, Cindy Sherman, and more than a dozen other influential internationally known contemporary artists will be on display at a new exhibition opening this fall at the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery.

CITRIS launches Tech for Social Good program at UC Santa Cruz

New program to sponsor student research projects and events on the UCSC campus will hold an information session for students on Tuesday, October 1.

Two UCSC professors elected Fellows of American Physical Society

Applied mathematician Pascale Garaud and physicist David Williams were honored by APS for their exceptional contributions to physics.

Sustainable aquaculture initiative lands $245,000 federal grant

Anne Kapuscinski, professor of environmental studies and director of the Coastal Science and Policy Program, has received a $245,000 federal grant that will support her team’s work driving efforts to make aquaculture more sustainable.

Elephant seal 'supermoms' produce most of the population, study finds

High mortality rates for young elephant seals means long-lived females dominate the reproductive output of the population.

Youth activism is on the rise around the globe, and adults should pay attention, says author

Greta and Malala get the headlines, but Jessica Taft says that for every young leader pictured on a magazine cover, thousands more are working tirelessly for causes like climate justice, racial and gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and economic change.

Jolie Kerns appointed director for Physical & Environmental Planning Services

Jolie Kerns is an experienced licensed architect, LEED certified professional and skilled leader in large-scale institutional projects and campus planning.

Revisions Issued to the UC policy on the Protection of Administrative Records Containing PII

Revisions Issued to the UC policy on the Protection of Administrative Records Containing Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

UC Santa Cruz hosts Vista TEC conference at Silicon Valley Campus

The September 28 conference in Santa Clara focuses on assistive technology for the blind and visually impaired community.

Annual campus Move-In begins Thursday, September 19

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. 19.

Plastic shopping bags have left the building at the Bay Tree Bookstore

The Bay Tree Bookstore has announced that effective Wednesday, Sept. 18, plastic shopping bags will no longer be offered during check-out in the store.

9/16-18 Heller Drive Traffic, Bike & Bus Impact

As the Campus continues summer improvements and renovations, Heller Drive will be reduced to one-lane traffic near the new EH&S Facility Construction. Work will shift between downhill and uphill lanes as well as the north and south ends of the construction site.

UC Santa Cruz among Sierra magazine's top 25 cool schools  

Reflecting a campuswide commitment to the long-term health of the Earth, UC Santa Cruz is among Sierra magazine's top 25 "Cool Schools" for 2019. 

New director appointed for Physical Plant Services

We are very pleased to announce James Kari as the new Director of Physical Plant Services. James will join the Physical Planning, Development & Operations team and campus community on November 4, 2019.

UC Santa Cruz ranks as a top worldwide research university

UC Santa Cruz is among the top 200 research universities in the world, according to the latest analysis published by Times Higher Education (THE).

Slug G Suite | UCSC Google Apps for prior students

I am happy to announce a new service coming soon for prior UCSC students called Slug G Suite. Beginning November 14, Slug G Suite will allow UCSC students to keep their Google Apps services after they leave our campus.

Closure of Kerr Road and adjacent path

As campus continues summer construction and repairs, Kerr Road north of Kerr Hall to Steinhart Way, as well as the adjacent path to the pedestrian bridge, will be closed for repaving Sept. 10.

UC Santa Cruz ranks as a leading university for social mobility

UC Santa Cruz debuted as the second best university in the country for social mobility, according to the 2020 U.S. News and World Report rankings.

Celebrated author and master storyteller Malcolm Gladwell to discuss ‘Talking to Strangers’

Why does a routine traffic stop end in tragedy? How can a spy spend years hidden at the highest levels of the Pentagon? Why is it so hard to detect a lie or judge a stranger's motives? On Sept. 21, The Humanities Institute and Bookshop Santa Cruz, will present “An Evening with Malcolm Gladwell” at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center.

Wireless System Maintenance on Sunday, Sept. 8

This Sunday, Sept. 8 from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, ITS is upgrading the Wireless LAN Controller system which means there will be multiple brief (<10min) wireless service interruptions as the access points reboot.

Physicist Joel Primack honored by American Physical Society

The 2020 Julius Edgar Lilienfeld Prize recognizes Primack for his outstanding contributions to physics and cosmology.

Switzer Environmental Fellowship awarded to UCSC graduate student

Melissa Cronin, a Ph.D. candidate in ecology and evolutionary biology, has been awarded a Switzer Environmental Fellowship from the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation.

Marine scientist Adina Paytan to receive A.G. Huntsman Medal

Adina Paytan, a research professor in the Institute of Marine Sciences, has been honored with the 2019 A.G. Huntsman Award for Excellence in the Marine Sciences presented by the Royal Society of Canada.

Postdoc Hanh Lam awarded prestigious NIH grant

Hanh Lam, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, has received the NIH Pathway to Independence Career Development Award.

Talking about scientific results without overstating the findings

Developmental psychologist Maureen Callanan has coauthored a new paper about researchers' use of "generic language" when they report scientific findings, a tendency that leads to bolder claims that may sacrifice precision.

Farm hosts organic ag research tour for Congressman Jimmy Panetta

It was a beautiful September morning when Congressman Jimmy Panetta visited the UCSC Farm to hear from leading researchers in the field of organic agriculture.

UCSC’s Genomics Institute settles into new Delaware Avenue headquarters

The move to 2300 Delaware Ave. coincides with the formal establishment of the Genomics Institute as an Organized Research Unit at UC Santa Cruz.

Major NSF grant supports research on soil fungi

Kai Zhu, an assistant professor of environmental studies, has received a $700,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to study the biodiversity and distribution of soil fungi across North America.

Summer enrollment numbers continue to grow

Summer enrollment grew for the third year in a row at UC Santa Cruz Summer Session with more than 5,999 students taking summer classes. This is the highest recorded summer enrollment, about a 16 percent increase from last year.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead to read from his new novel

Colson Whitehead became a literary phenomenon after the publication of "The Underground Railroad" in 2016, a work of speculative fiction about a young woman who escapes a life of slavery on a Georgia plantation and heads north on a subterranean train...

Campus and VPN Center Data back online

The campus and data center virtual private network (VPN) services are back online.

Campus and Data Center VPN Outage

The campus and data center virtual private network (VPN) services are experiencing an outage as of 8PM this evening, August 28.

Massaro introduces app to boost literacy

Dominic Massaro, a professor emeritus of psychology, has developed a new iPhone app designed to help children learn to read.

David Draper appointed faculty director of Undergraduate Honors

The Division of Undergraduate Education is pleased to announce the appointment of David Draper, as Faculty Director of the Undergraduate Honors Programs, effective July 1, 2019.

Strawberries: The tasty fruit with a tainted environmental legacy and an uncertain future

Are the glory days of California's strawberry industry gone for good? That's the conclusion of Julie Guthman, author of the new book, Wilted: Pathogens, Chemicals, and the Fragile Future of the Strawberry Industry.

Finding his way—with a little help

All alumnus Patrick Bailey needed was some support, which he found in the Summer Research Experience program at UC Santa Cruz; this year, he defied the odds by earning a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology, and is now doing cancer research.

Ted Warburton named inaugural Senior Fellow of Institute for Dance Education Research, Policy & Leadership

Edward (Ted) Warburton, professor of dance and interim dean of the arts at UC Santa Cruz, has been named the inaugural Senior Fellow at the Arnhold Institute for Dance Education Research, Policy & Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Password Change Notice for UCSC Google Apps Coming August 26

Starting Monday, August 26, you will access all UCSC Google Applications using your Gold Password. This means you will no longer be able to access UCSC Google Applications using your Blue password.

Keeping our campus safe

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department would like to thank our campus community for your assistance and for exhibiting calm during Wednesday’s investigation of a report of a possibly armed person on campus. Your calls alerted us, then helped us determine there was no danger or threat.

Psychology Ph.D. student receives AAUW fellowship

Christine Rosales, a Ph.D. student in psychology, has been awarded a 2019-20 fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Kresge College renovation parking and traffic impacts

Campus will begin construction on the renovation and refresh of Kresge College at the end of August. The project is scheduled to continue through 2023.

Master gardener Orin Martin authors new book, Fruit Trees for Every Garden

The beautifully illustrated and lovingly written new book Fruit Trees for Every Garden is not your standard how-to book.

Systemwide review of revised Presidential Policy on Native American Cultural Affiliation and Repatriation

The Office of the President invites comments on proposed revisions to the Presidential Policy on Native American Cultural Affiliation and Repatriation.

Crown College: Science-minded, socially mindful

Crown College, known for its science culture, enhances the student experience through academic innovation, ample research opportunities, and courses that make students think beyond their fields of study.

Two graduate students awarded prestigious NOAA fellowships

Graduate students Bethany Johnson and Nicholas Grunloh have been selected for the 2019 NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service-Sea Grant Fellowship.

Shasta dam releases can be managed to benefit both salmon and sturgeon, study finds

An optimal scenario for releasing water into the Sacramento River can meet the needs of endangered winter-run chinook salmon, threatened green sturgeon, and downstream water users.

Theater Arts professor Gerald Casel receives National Dance Project grant

Associate professor of theater arts Gerald Casel has received a grant from the National Dance Project to create a new work titled "Not About Race Dance." His project is one of 20 selected for funding to support the creation of new dance works that will tour the United States in 2020.

Optofluidic chip with nanopore 'smart gate' developed for single molecule analysis

A new chip-based platform developed by UCSC researchers integrates nanopores and optofluidic technology for high-throughput analysis of biomolecules.

ITS Announcement | Zoom Desktop Client Update

A recent Zoom update may have caused some users to be signed out of the Zoom Desktop Client (App). This results in the user receiving the following message "Error: You are not authorized to start the meeting using the credentials you are signed in with" when attempting to host a Zoom meeting.

Are the arts at the center of software’s evolution?

In his new book, The Software Arts, UC Santa Cruz professor Warren Sack presents an alternative history of computing that puts the arts at the center of software’s evolution.

UC launches new staff newsletter

We are excited to announce UCnetwork — a monthly email newsletter sent directly to staff across the system sharing benefits news, professional development opportunities and inspiring stories about colleagues who are making a difference.

Two UCSC graduate students win HHMI Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study to two UC Santa Cruz graduate students, Apple Cortez Vollmers and Donna Poscablo.

In Memoriam: Umihiko Hoshijima

Umihiko (Umi) Hoshijima, a postdoctoral researcher in ecology and evolutionary biology, died August 7 in a diving accident while working on a research project near Glacier Bay, Alaska.

Campus Site License for Microsoft Office

ITS is pleased to announce that in response to feedback, the campus has funded a site license for Microsoft Office 365. The new campus license provides Office for work or personal computers at no charge for all faculty and staff in addition to the already free license for students.

Researchers enlist citizen scientists to count animals on Año Nuevo Island

Volunteers will use drone photos uploaded to the Zooniverse platform to count birds, seals, and sea lions for an unprecedented census of the island.

East Remote Parking Lot Construction

The entrance to the East Remote Parking Lot will be repaved this week as part of the improvements taking place this summer.

Driven by research excellence, UC Santa Cruz ranks among top 50 public universities

Rankings released Aug. 5 show that UC Santa Cruz is No. 45 among U.S. public universities, No. 78 among all U.S. higher education institutions, and No. 208 in the world.

The compelling mathematical challenge of the three-body problem

For mathematician Richard Montgomery, falling cats and orbiting planets have led to fruitful lines of research.

Working together for campus safety

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is saddened by the spate of mass shootings we’re seeing nationwide. Gilroy, El Paso, Dayton — the list of communities grappling with these tragedies sadly grows longer by the day. Our thoughts remain with the victims, their families and friends, and with those in our own community impacted by these senseless acts. We continue to condemn acts of violence and hate.

In Memoriam: Paul C. Nauert (1966–2019)

UCSC Professor Paul Charles Nauert, composer and music theorist, died on Friday, July 26, 2019 at his home, surrounded by friends and family.

Courtesy notice regarding annual systemwide payroll disclosure

As part of the university’s commitment to being transparent and publicly accountable, including on the way it compensates its faculty and staff, UC is conducting its annual disclosure of systemwide employee compensation for calendar year 2018.

Campus Lane Closures

As summer improvements continue, the campus will be implementing lane closures this week in the following areas: Crown Circle, Kerr Road, and College Nine.

URGENT - Possible Disruptions to METRO Service

Please be advised that, due to proposed labor actions by the Santa Cruz METRO bus operators union, there may be impacts to bus service beginning Monday, August 5, 2019

UCSC’s Humanities Institute and Cabrillo Festival partner to present ‘Community Night’

A special evening of music designed specifically for Santa Cruz community members by the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music will take place on August 8 at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, presented in collaboration with The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz.

Welcoming Dean of University Extension

I want to officially welcome to campus P.K. Agarwal, who today begins his appointment as dean of University Extension.

Cal Fire prescribed burn planned for Thursday

Cal Fire has advised campus officials that state fire crews will conduct a 12-acre prescribed burn near the intersection of Empire Grade and Jamison Creek Road between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday.

Conservation biologists find new applications for AI tools

Deep learning algorithms can be trained to recognize anything from the types of vegetation in a coastal wetland to the sound of a bird hitting a power line.

California Whistleblower Protection Act - Annual Notice

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

In Memoriam: Michael Nauenberg (1934–2019)

Michael Nauenberg, professor emeritus of physics, passed away at his home on July 22, 2019.

Gun violence in Gilroy

Last night, a gunman opened fire at the Garlic Festival in Gilroy. Three people have died and a dozen more are being treated for their injuries. The gunman was killed by police.

McHenry Road Lane Closures

The Campus is continuing necessary construction and repairs on sections of McHenry Road. The segment of McHenry Road between Arts Parking Lot 126 and Parking Lot 120A will have lane closures through 8/2/2019.

Windows 7 Retirement Jan. 20, 2020

Microsoft will end support of Windows 7 on January 20, 2020. UCSC currently has more than 500 Windows 7 computers in use by instructors, staff and students. Therefore, ITS is preparing now for the Windows 7 retirement.

Donna Haraway elected to Fellowship of the British Academy

Donna Haraway, distinguished professor emerita in the History of Consciousness Department at UC Santa Cruz, is joining a community of more than 1,400 scholars who currently make up the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences.

Scholars weigh in on new ideas about autism

The authors of a provocative new paper maintain that many of the behaviors common to autism—including low eye contact, repetitive movements, and the verbatim repetition of words and phrases—are misinterpreted as a lack of interest in social engagement. On the contrary, they say, many people with autism express a deep longing for social connection.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation grant funds Treehouse Childhood Cancer Initiative

Emily Beazley Kures for Kids Fund Hero Award provides $400,000 for efforts at UC Santa Cruz to bring comparative genomics analysis to pediatric cancer patients.

Lick Observatory commemorates Apollo 11 experiment on 50th anniversary

Dedication of a plaque at Lick's Shane Telescope on August 1 honors the Lunar Laser Ranging Experiment that measured the distance to the moon 50 years ago.

In Memoriam: Stephen Hauskins

Stephen Hauskins, UCSC Information Technology Services (ITS) staff member, passed away peacefully at Dominican Hospital on July 14, 2019.

P.K. Agarwal selected as new University Extension dean

I am happy to announce that P.K. Agarwal will join us as UC Santa Cruz's new dean of University Extension, effective Aug. 1.

Santa Cruz Mountains Bike Challenge - Roads impacted

On Saturday, July 20, 2019, the Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge (SCMC) road bike event will take place, affecting use of the bike path and some roads on Campus.

While the cat's away: Predators' fear of humans ripples through wildlife communities, emboldening rodents

A new study indicates that pumas and medium-sized carnivores lie low when they sense the presence of humans, which frees up the landscape for rodents to forage more brazenly.

Breakthrough Listen launches new optical search with VERITAS Telescope Array

SCIPP physicist David Williams will help lead effort using four 12-meter telescopes to search for nanosecond flashes of light from extraterrestrial civilizations.

Password change notice for UCSC Google Apps

On August 26, you will begin accessing the UCSC Google Apps with your CruzID and Gold password (not your Blue password). UCSC Google Apps includes campus email, calendar, drive (docs, sheets, forms) groups, sites, etc.

Affirming the rights of our undocumented community members

We write to strongly reaffirm that UC Santa Cruz will not participate in any immigration raids and will uphold the civil and privacy rights of all of our community members regardless of immigration status.

Update: 2018-19 Employee Appraisal and Merit Program

This communication provides updates on the UC Santa Cruz 2018-19 performance appraisal call for all staff and the merit program for policy-covered employees.

Kerr Road Lane Closures

As the Campus continues summer construction and repairs, Kerr Road will be closed in the coming weeks for new electrical service installation.

The 2019 Dickens Universe explores a tale of two riots with students from South LA

One of the highlights at this year’s Dickens Universe will be a featured exhibit coming to the campus from Los Angeles along with Jacqueline Barrios, who is using a Dickens novel to explore the impact and history of the Los Angeles riots of 1992 with her high school students.

UCSC emerita professor Angela Davis to be inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote, The National Women’s Hall of Fame will host a weekend in New York honoring the achievements of women in the birthplace of the Women’s Rights movement. The highlight will be the induction of 10 prominent women into the Hall of Fame.

Elsevier Access Suspended

The University of California has been out of contract with Elsevier since January, but until now the publisher continued to allow access to 2019 articles via ScienceDirect. As of today (July 10, 2019) UC’s direct access to new Elsevier articles has been discontinued.

Zoom Video Conferencing Vulnerability on Mac Devices

Zoom has assured us that the vulnerabilities are low risk and that UCSC Zoom accounts have not been exploited.

Volunteers sought for United Way’s Stuff the Bus campaign

The United Way is seeking volunteers to help with its annual Stuff the Bus campaign, which distributes new backpacks and school supplies to ensure students start school ready to learn with the tools they need to succeed.

UC Santa Cruz founding faculty member Jasper Rose dies at age 89

Jasper Rose, a founding faculty member of the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a professor emeritus of art and history, died on June 12, 2019, in Bath, England, where he had lived in recent years. He was 89.

McHenry Road Lane Closures

The Campus is continuing necessary construction and repairs during the summer months, implementing road closures and affecting traffic on McHenry Road.

Seeking help in rash of thefts

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community’s help in investigating a rash of thefts that began on June 30.

Plants don’t think, they grow: The case against plant consciousness

Botanist Lincoln Taiz and colleagues argue against the suggestion that plants have neurobiology or consciousness.

Holger Schmidt receives IEEE Photonics Society Engineering Achievement Award

Schmidt is a professor of electrical and computer engineering and holds the Narinder Kapany chair in Optoelectronics in the Baskin School of Engineering.

Alumna’s film about Syrian refugees wins Audience Award for Best Feature at SF DocFest

We Are Not Princesses, the first feature film by UC Santa Cruz alumna Bridgette Auger (SocDoc ’11), was honored with the Audience Award for Best Feature at the 2019 San Francisco Documentary Film Festival.

UC Santa Cruz establishes interdisciplinary Southeast Asia research center

A $1 million grant from the Henry Luce Foundation will establish a new Center for Southeast Asian Coastal Interactions (SEACoast) at UC Santa Cruz that will bring together scholars from the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences to address the region's challenges.

First day on the job

I have been looking forward to this day these past few months and I am so pleased to finally begin as chancellor.

Students chowing down tuna in dining halls are unaware of mercury exposure risks

Survey reveals most students are not aware that eating large amounts of tuna exposes them to neurotoxic mercury, and some are consuming more than recommended.

UC Santa Cruz among the world’s best in two new global rankings

UC Santa Cruz and other UC campuses were named among the world’s best universities in two separate rankings this week.

Closure on Kerr Road, adjoining pedestrian path

Campus is continuing necessary construction and road repairs during the summer months, sometimes implementing road closures that affect traffic. Here is the latest update.

Astronomers make history in a split second with localization of fast radio burst

In a world first, an international team of astronomers has determined the precise location of a powerful one-off burst of cosmic radio waves known as a fast radio burst.

The honor of a lifetime

As I approach my last day as chancellor, I want you to know I am not heading out to pasture. On Aug. 1, I begin a new part-time role as faculty director of the Center for Studies in Higher Education at UC Berkeley.

Corals can survive in acidified ocean conditions, but have lower density skeletons

A two-year transplantation experiment near a natural low-pH submarine spring evaluated growth and physiological response of different coral species to ocean acidification.

Imminent change to Elsevier access

The University of California has been out of contract with Elsevier since January but, so far, the publisher has continued to provide access to new articles via ScienceDirect.

Three UC Santa Cruz faculty honored with Dickson Emeriti Professorships

Leta Miller, professor emeritus of music, Linda Burman-Hall, research professor in cultural musicology and Diane Gifford-Gonzalez, distinguished research professor of anthropology, were each awarded Edward A. Dickson Emeriti Professorships in recognition of their outstanding achievements in scholarship and teaching.

Thefts at Coastal Science Campus

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community’s help with its investigation into two recent thefts at the Coastal Science Campus.

Porter Kresge Road lane closures and traffic control

The campus has begun repair and repaving work on Porter Kresge Road which will continue through July 19.

In Memoriam: Joyce Brodsky (1932 – 2019)

Joyce Brodsky passed away on May 11, 2019 at the age of 87. In 1992, she was hired as the chair of the Art Department at UC Santa Cruz where she taught until 2005.

Phil Hammack helps shape Exploratorium's exhibition about identity

Psychology Professor Phil Hammack was thrilled to be invited to help plan a new exhibition at the Exploratorium about identity.

Appointment of director for TAPS

I am very pleased to announce that Dan Henderson has been appointed to the position of Director of Transportation and Parking Services.

Price increasing for ID cards

The price of ID cards for faculty, staff, and students will be going up on July 1, the first increase since 2012.

Message from SUA President Ayo Banjo

On behalf of the Student Union Assembly, we would like to say thank you for allowing us to serve our community, expanding the resources we provide, and support various initiatives and programs of our student body.

Slug spirit shines bright on commencement weekend

Grads celebrated family and friends and cherished the moment during Commencement Weekend 2019 at UC Santa Cruz. Nearly 2,700 undergraduates had applied to participate in college commencement ceremonies.

UC Santa Cruz joins the international effort to make research accessible to all

In June, the University of California Santa Cruz joined its sister UC campuses in taking an important step towards the goal of making all scholarly journal literature freely available to the world by endorsing the international open access (OA) initiative, OA2020.

Feminist studies professor Gina Dent receives Dizikes Award for teaching in Humanities

Professor of feminist studies Gina Dent was presented with the John Dizikes Teaching Award in Humanities at the Division’s 2019 Spring Awards celebration held at the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn.

Mission bell to be removed

In partnership with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, UC Santa Cruz will be removing the mission bell that is located on campus.

Startup presentations featured at SVLink Open House on June 18

SVLink, a startup incubator-accelerator located at the Silicon Valley Campus, is now fully subscribed.

SAP year-end update

Over the course of the past year, our community's input and feedback has helped shape our Strategic Academic Plan.

Systemwide Review of Draft Appendix E of Student Handbook: Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Student Investigation and Adjudication Framework

The UC Office of the President is seeking review and comment on the proposed draft of the Student Handbook's Appendix E: Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Student Investigation and Adjudication Framework.

UCSC celebrates graduation of first Feminist Studies Ph.D.s

Erin McElroy and Veronika Zablotsky will be the first students to graduate from UC Santa Cruz with a Ph.D. in Feminist Studies.

Summer dining information for faculty and staff

Here are some summer dining details, including information on your dining discount and our summer hours of operation.

Physicist Anthony Aguirre goes deep in 'Cosmological Koans' book

In his new book, physicist Anthony Aguirre explores deep questions about the nature of reality, using an approach inspired by Zen koans to take the reader on a thought-provoking tour of the cosmos and the core ideas of modern physics.

Campus elections results

The 2019 Campus Elections results are now available at elections.ucsc.edu.

Information about mumps

We want to help you understand and protect yourself against mumps. Recently, we have had one confirmed cases of mumps, one probable case of mumps on Campus and three suspected cases of mumps.

Parking, Transit, and Road Closures During Year-End Activities

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

Training to use automated external defibrillators

In conjunction with the Healthy Campus Network and the Be Smart About Safety Programs, the Office of Emergency Services has established an Automated External Defibrillator Program.

Awards recognize extraordinary teachers

The annual Excellence in Teaching Awards recognized seven exceptional instructors who were selected from more than 430 nominations.

Undergrad gets her hands dirty learning about redwoods

For Lilianne de la Espriella, doing independent, hands-on research as an undergraduate meant literally getting her hands dirty.

Juries bring transparency and accountability to trials in Argentina

A trial by one's peers is a pillar of democracy, which is why scholars and activists are celebrating Argentina's budding embrace of jury trials.

A winning combination

Chancellor’s Undergraduate Internship Program provides students with work experience while campus benefits

Reminder: ParkMobile implementation

Beginning June 21, parking meters on campus will no longer accept coins. In addition, TAPS will implement ParkMobile, a mobile-app pay option, to begin the transition away from coins and ParkCards at metered spaces.

Information about accommodations for Shavuot

Many members of our campus community will be observing the Festival of Shavuot on June 9th and 10th, 2019.

UCSC scientists study rare beaked whale stranded at Scott Creek Beach

The Hubb's beaked whale is one of the rarest and least studied marine mammal species in the world.

Campus prepping for commencement ceremonies

More than 5,200 UCSC students are earning undergraduate and graduate degrees for work completed during the 2018–19 academic year. Nearly 2,700 undergraduates have applied to participate in college commencement ceremonies.

Gifts accelerate research, from the galactic to the microscopic

Gifts from Ken and Gloria Levy support biomedical discovery that may help cancer patients as well as research on dark matter halos, some of the universe’s largest structures

2017 North Korean nuclear test was order of magnitude larger than previous tests

A new assessment of the explosion's size was led by UC Santa Cruz seismologist Thorne Lay and undergraduate researcher Dimitri Voytan.

Social Sciences recognizes students for excellence in scholarship

Students, faculty, staff, and donors of the Division of Social Sciences gathered Friday, May 31, to celebrate excellence in student scholarship and creativity.

Planned power outage on June 22 and Dec. 26-30

UC Santa Cruz will have a planned power outage from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on June 22 as part of the solar parking canopy project in the East Remove Parking Lot. A list of the different impacts on campus buildings is below.

2019 SAB Thumbs Up Awards

Do you know a staff member who goes above and beyond to help the university, their colleagues, students, staff & faculty? The UC Santa Cruz Staff Advisory Board is pleased to announce the 2019 Thumbs Up Awards.

Library awarded grant to digitize 670 tapes from Cabrillo Music Festival

UC Santa Cruz has received a grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources to digitize 670 audio recordings featuring a wide variety of works performed at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music from 1964 to 1990.

History professor Marc Matera named 2019 ACLS Fellow

UC Santa Cruz associate professor of history Marc Matera has been named a 2019 ACLS Fellow by the The American Council of Learned Societies.

Seismologist Emily Brodsky receives multiple honors from professional societies

The American Geophysical Union and the Geological Society of America are both recognizing Brodsky for her scientific contributions.

Alumni Excursion: Sea change, up close and personal

A curated trip called "The Effects of Climate Change on Marine Life" offered attendees a detailed look into how UC Santa Cruz researchers are contributing to the discussion of climate change and its direct impact on marine ecosystems.

Meet our next chancellor on Friday, June 7

I am delighted to announce that an open house with our next chancellor, Cynthia Larive, is set for Friday, June 7, on the Quarry Amphitheater stage.

Undergraduate Education seeks part-time administrators: Porter College and Stevenson College Provosts

In 2019-20, the Division of Undergraduate Education is undertaking searches for the following part-time faculty administrator positions:

Campus investigating allegations of misconduct

Recently, serious and troubling allegations of misconduct against a professor in the Baskin School of Engineering have resurfaced online.

Study reveals structure of a 'master switch' controlling cell division

Understanding the structure of the FoxM1 protein and how it works could guide development of new cancer-fighting drugs.

Sociology PhD candidate named UC Free Speech Fellow

Saugher Nojan, a PhD candidate in sociology, has been selected as a 2019-20 fellow of the University of California National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement.

Feminist Studies to present ‘Indigeneity & Climate Justice’ conference at Arboretum

The Feminist Studies Department at UC Santa Cruz will present "Indigeneity & Climate Justice," a two-day conference at the Arboretum on May 30-31. Organized by professors Karen Barad and Felicity Amaya Schaeffer, it will feature three keynote speakers and a graduate student panel, plus a tour of the Arboretum.

Astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz appointed to endowed chair for diversity in astronomy

The May 22 investiture ceremony honored Ramirez-Ruiz as the inaugural holder of the Vera Rubin Presidential Chair for Diversity in Astronomy.

Dismissal of Greek letter organization

I write to inform the campus community that the Greek letter organization Theta Chi has been dismissed following a university investigation that began in the wake of the tragic death off campus last year of one of its members.

Astrophysicist Natalie Batalha will give annual Mandel Lecture on June 5

Free public talk will focus on Batalha's research on exoplanets and the search for life on other planets.

UC Santa Cruz graduate student finishes third-place in Grad Slam

New CITRIS–UC Santa Cruz seed funding program supports interdisciplinary research

CITRIS and the Banatao Institute at UC Santa Cruz invites campus investigators to apply for research support through a new Campus Seed Funding program.

Campus community eligible to buy discounted LED bulbs

Under the Million Light Bulb Challenge community buy program supported by UC's Carbon Neutrality Initiative, all UC students, staff, faculty and alumni can purchase light bulbs at nearly half the price of online competitors.

Regents approve lease for temporary university house

With the current University House deemed uninhabitable, UC President Janet Napolitano recommended that a property be rented near the main campus to house the incoming chancellor and host small dinners and events for fundraising and celebrating faculty and student success until University House is rebuilt.

Campus review of revisions to the UC Santa Cruz Water Protection Policy

In response to changes in regulatory requirements, Business and Administrative Services is proposing updates the UC Santa Cruz Water Protection policy and invites your comments.

Bettina Aptheker to moderate panel on impact of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz has joined forces with Bookshop Santa Cruz and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music to present 'My Own Words: The Law & Legacy of RBG'--a panel discussion and Community Read kickoff event in downtown Santa Cruz.

Cynthia Larive to become 11th chancellor of UC Santa Cruz

The University of California Board of Regents approved Dr. Cynthia K. Larive as the eleventh chancellor of UC Santa Cruz. Currently the provost and executive vice chancellor at UC Riverside, Larive has served the UC community for nearly a decade and a half as a faculty member, administrator and leader.

Our new chancellor

I am delighted to see the appointment of Cindy Larive, campus provost and executive vice chancellor at UC Riverside, as our new chancellor.

Renovation to begin at Science and Engineering Library

UC Santa Cruz is about to begin renovation of the third floor of the Science & Engineering Library.

Campus prepares to welcome incoming chancellor Cynthia Larive

“I have the sense that she’s really a person who can bring groups together,” said Carl Walsh, distinguished professor of economics at UC Santa Cruz and chair of the faculty subcommittee that reviewed hundreds of potential candidates for the top job.

UCSC engineers to participate in research center on autonomous systems

Professor Ricardo Sanfelice will provide expertise in hybrid and cyber-physical systems to a consortium led by the University of Florida and funded by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

Dispose medications, sharps at health center kiosks

To help the campus community properly discard medications and needles, UC Santa Cruz has two disposal kiosks in the Cowell Student Health Center Pharmacy.

Revisions to the UC Policy on Purchase of Goods and Services; Supply Chain Management

The Office of the President invites comments on the proposed technical revisions to Presidential Policy on the Purchase of Goods and Services; Supply Chain Management (BFB-BUS-43).

UCSC United Way Campaign: May 13th-24th 2019

Through their Community Resources United Way serves UCSC students and staff with programs such as 211, Emergency Food and Shelter and the Stuff the Bus program which provided 200 backpacks to Cabrillo and UCSC students last year.

We need your help with campus recycling

Our campus recycling is temporarily being landfilled due to high rates of contamination, with the highest rates in our residential and dining halls.

UC Cooperative Extension hires first organic specialist

For the first time, the University of California has hired a Cooperative Extension specialist dedicated to organic agriculture: Joji Muramoto, a longtime research associate with the University of California Santa Cruz, will coordinate a statewide program focused on the organic production of strawberries and vegetables.

NSF grant supports training of math and science teachers at UC Santa Cruz

The $1.45 million grant continues NSF support for UCSC's Cal Teach program, funding an integrated pathway to recruit and train new teachers for the Central Coast region.

VOTE NOW in 2019 Campus Elections

Students are invited to cast their votes on important campus initiatives such as four student fee referenda, and officer elections for undergraduate and graduate student government. There is also an opinion poll on this year's ballot.

Appointment to the position of Assoc. Vice Chancellor, Financial Affairs and Campus Controller

Happy to announce the appointment of Biju Kamaleswaran to the position of Associate Vice Chancellor, Financial Affairs and Campus Controller.

Addressing student hunger boosts academic success, too

A new study suggests that enrolling students in CalFresh—the state's food assistance program for low-income residents—not only addresses student hunger but also boosts the retention rate of participating undergraduates.

Video highlights cultural differences in collaboration

A video by Distinguished Professor of Psychology Barbara Rogoff is featured in the "2019 STEM for All Video Showcase," a competition hosted by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Investigation continues in spate of recent burglaries

UC Santa Cruz police are seeking the campus community’s help in the investigation of a rash of on-campus burglaries.

First Faculty Ethics Bowl at UC Santa Cruz to focus on the future

What role should thinking about the far future—1,000 years ahead and beyond—play in research on campus? That’s the key question that will be discussed at "Ethics and the Far Future"--the first UC Santa Cruz Faculty Ethics Bowl.

Anne Kapuscinski receives 2019 Ocean Award for innovation

Anne Kapuscinski, professor of environmental studies and director of the Coastal Science and Policy Program, has received a 2019 Ocean Award for innovation from Boat International magazine and the Blue Marine Foundation.

Staff Advisory Board 2019 Elections and Another Engagement Survey

It is time to choose your new Staff Advisory Board members. Members serve a three-year term and may run for re-election. This year we have six openings and eight candidates.

Ancient galaxies reveal new clues about a cosmic transformation

The unexpected brightness of early galaxies may explain "reionization," a transformative epoch in the history of the universe.

Chemist Alexander Ayzner wins NSF CAREER Award

Major grant supports Ayzner's research on soft self-assembling systems for harvesting energy from light.

Vice chancellor for University Relations to retire

We write to share the news that Keith Brant, vice chancellor for University Relations, has announced he will retire at the end of the academic year, capping a 28-year career with the University of California.

Appraisal call and training dates

This communication provides time-sensitive updates on the UC Santa Cruz 2018-19 performance appraisal call for all staff.

Engage with "alternative Nobel" laureates this spring and summer

UC Santa Cruz is hosting a week-long summer institute with Right Livelihood Award laureate Nicanor Perlas, who received the "alternative Nobel" in 2003 for his work opposing corporate globalization.

Ocean sciences graduate student to compete in Grad Slam on May 10

UC Santa Cruz ocean sciences graduate student Rachel Harbeitner compete in the systemwide Grad Slam competition, 10:30 a.m. on May 10 in San Francisco.

NIH grant funds research on role of prion proteins in neurodegenerative diseases

The prestigious NIH MIRA grant funds biochemist Glenn Millhauser to expand his research on the function of prion proteins and their role in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.

Cal Fire aims to wrap up pile burns near campus before fire season

Cal Fire has advised campus officials that state fire crews over the next two weeks aim to wrap up the burning of vegetation piles they have assembled near campus, weather conditions permitting.

Information and resources about strike activities on May 16, 2019

The University of California has been informed that there will be an labor strike on all of its campuses and medical centers on Thursday, May 16, beginning at midnight and going through 11:59 p.m.

SAP final review, a survey, and three town halls

Over the past 18 months, our faculty, leadership, staff, students, and alumni have expended incredible energy working together to create a Strategic Academic Plan.

Biology undergraduate wins prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Joey Wong, a junior at UC Santa Cruz majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in linguistics, has been named a 2019 Goldwater Scholar.

UCSC partners with LA Museum of Art for symposium on work of arts professor Isaac Julien

UC Santa Cruz is collaborating with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to present a daylong symposium on the works of influential British filmmaker and installation artist, Isaac Julien, who recently joined the campus as a distinguished professor of the arts.

Jenny Reardon participates in Vatican workshop on personalized medicine

Sociology Professor Jenny Reardon, a leading voice in the field of genomics, was one of 15 participants invited to attend a workshop on personalized medicine hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

Astronomers assemble wide view of the evolving universe

A team led by UC Santa Cruz astronomer Garth Illingworth used 16 years of Hubble Space Telescope observations to create a new portrait of the distant universe.

Two UC Santa Cruz professors elected to the National Academy of Sciences

Physicist Michael Dine and biologist Susan Strome were elected to the NAS in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.

College-bound students celebrate at the Civic Auditorium

More than 200 students from regional high schools attended a first-ever UC-sponsored celebration for college-bound students at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.

Enrollment opens for UCSC 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.

Campus status updates — possible demonstrations

UC Santa Cruz is anticipating potential demonstration activities on Wednesday, May 1. The campus community is encourage to stay informed.

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.

Microscope expert develops powerful new tools for biologists

With Sara Abrahamsson's arrival in the Baskin School of Engineering, UC Santa Cruz is becoming a hotbed of advanced microscopy and microscope development.

U.S. coral reefs provide flood protection worth $1.8 billion annually

New report finds coral reef barriers provide flood protection for more than 18,000 people and $1.8 billion worth of coastal buildings, infrastructure, and economic activity yearly.

Campus community lobbies state leaders for increased funding

The all-day lobbying trip to Sacramento included meetings with California Senator Bill Monning, Assemblymember Mark Stone and senior advisors to Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins. In all, the campus delegation met with 15 different lawmakers or key staff members.

Quentin Williams to serve as acting graduate studies dean

I am delighted to announce that Quentin Williams, associate vice chancellor for research, has agreed to serve as UC Santa Cruz's acting vice provost and dean of graduate studies, effective June 1.

Special Spring Zipcar Promotion

Zipcar, a membership-based car rental program providing self-service access to vehicles on campus, 24/7, has a special Spring promotion right now for new members only.

Air Resources District funds air pollution research and teaching at UC Santa Cruz

Partnership between UCSC and the Monterey Bay Air Resources District supports a new course on air pollution and research on high-tech sensors to detect pollutants.

Sandra Faber receives American Philosophical Society's Magellanic Premium Medal

Faber was honored for her transformative research on galaxy formation and evolution.

Regina Langhout honored for advocacy on behalf of those at risk of deportation

Regina Langhout, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is being recognized for her leadership in community psychology on behalf of people at risk of deportation.

Explore the "superbloom" in Santa Cruz County

A new Field Guide to Plants of UC Santa Cruz makes exploring the landscapes of the campus—and the county—fun and rewarding.

Engineering speaker series highlights diverse voices in tech

The speaker series is part of a larger effort to get a more diverse population interested in engineering as a field of study and technology as a career.

Measles information

We want to provide an update about measles.

Information about accommodations for Ramadan

Many members of our campus community will be observing Ramadan through fasting, prayer, community gatherings, and friendship between May 5th and June 4th. This message is intended to provide our campus community with information regarding accommodations as well as special events during Ramadan.

Cal Fire plans more pile burns near Twin Gates

Cal Fire has advised campus officials that state fire crews next week will again burn vegetation piles they have assembled near campus.

Night at the Museum in Silicon Valley to spotlight Anti-Semitism and the Internet

What is the relationship between anti-Semitism and the Internet? On May 9, The Humanities Institute and the Center for Jewish Studies will present 'UC Santa Cruz Night at the Museum: Anti-Semitism & the Internet—Old Hatred and New' at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View.

Biologist Olena Vaske wins major grant from American Association for Cancer Research

The 2019 AACR NextGen Grant for Transformative Cancer Research will support Vaske's research on pediatric cancer genomics.

In Memoriam: Sociology Professor Ben Crow dies at 71

Sociology Professor Ben Crow died Tuesday, April 9, following a serious illness.

News about Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Marlene Tromp

Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Marlene Tromp formally accepted an offer to become president of Boise State University. Her last day on campus will be June 30.

Arts professor Robin Hunicke appears on 'Project Runway' episode focused on female video game characters

UC Santa Cruz arts professor Robin Hunicke made a special appearance on 'Project Runway' last week. She served as a guest judge on the popular reality television show for an episode where the participants were tasked with designing their own powerful female video game characters.

Get Ready for Bike Month in May!

UCSC's Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) has joined with Ecology Action to celebrate Santa Cruz Bike Month starting on May 1, 2019.

Campus message on Easter Sunday terrorism in Sri Lanka

UC Santa Cruz mourns the tragic loss of life in the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

Physical and Biological Sciences Division honors three prominent alumni

PBSci Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize contributions to society by graduate and undergraduate alums.

Who’s afraid of multifactor authentication?

Over the next six months, UCSC is transitioning to mandatory MFA for most campus online systems that require a Gold password.

Making art in trying times: DANM exhibition examines culture, society, and the digital world

Thirteen 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 "Receivership"—an exhibition of their work running on campus April 26 to May 12.

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 Saturday, April 20 because of the unsanctioned gathering known as “4–20”. The greatest impact is expected from 3–6 p.m.

Cal Fire plans pile burns along Empire Grade

Cal Fire has advised campus officials that state fire crews will once again burn vegetation piles they have assembled near campus, possibly as soon as next week, weather conditions permitting.

From scholarship to achievement, five grads make their mark

The five recipients of the 2019 Distinguished Graduate Student Alumni Award exemplify the diverse ways in which the former graduate students have translated their scholarship into an appreciable impact in various fields.

Maternity Benefits Orientation May 1 in the Scotts Valley Center

The Benefits team at Staff HR has developed a Maternity Benefits Orientation, the first of which will be held May 1 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Scotts Valley Center Training Center, Room 1101.

A final opportunity to weigh in on SAP

We seek insight on prioritization from our entire campus community, and I invite you to participate. Please share your feedback on our campuswide survey by midnight May 10.

Entrepreneurs emerge as a force in Europe's refugee emergency

Camilla Hawthorne, assistant professor of sociology, says economic stagnation and a resurgence of racist nationalism are shaping conversations about what it means to be Italian in the 21st century.

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.

Astronomer Natalie Batalha elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

The academy's class of 2019 also includes UCSC alumnus Joe Palca, as well as Michelle Obama and Jonathan Franzen.

UC Santa Cruz philosophy alumnus Jeffrey Stewart wins 2019 Pulitzer Prize for biography

UC Santa Cruz alumnus Jeffrey Conrad Stewart (Cowell College ’71, philosophy) has been awarded the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for "The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke," his definitive biography of the father of the Harlem Renaissance.

UC Santa Cruz researchers win four CITRIS seed funding awards

UC Santa Cruz researchers are principal investigators of four collaborative teams chosen for funding by the the signature seed funding program of the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) and the Banatao Institute.

Help identifying person-of-interest in car burglaries

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is asking for the community's help in identifying a person-of-interest in connection with a rash of campus car burglaries.

Biologist Joshua Arribere wins prestigious Searle Scholars grant

Funding from the Searle Scholars Program will support Arribere's research on cellular quality control mechanisms that catch mistakes in gene expression.

Finalists for University Extension dean to visit UC Santa Cruz

Our campus is recruiting for a dean of UCSC Silicon Valley Extension. In the next few weeks, three finalists for the position will visit UC Santa Cruz.

Admissions director forged path as first-gen college student

Blia Yang, the director of undergraduate admissions, may very well be the first Hmong admissions director in the state—or at least the UC system.

Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall, cafes now open

The temporary Cowell and Stevenson Commons closure has ended, and the Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall and Stevenson Coffee House are open once again for regular business hours.

Cal Fire plans additional pile burns along Empire Grade

Cal Fire has advised campus officials that state fire crews will resume burning vegetation piles they have assembled along Empire Grade, possibly as soon as Thursday, April 18.

'Hi-Phi Nation' philosophy podcast host to launch humanities residency at UC Santa Cruz

Barry Lam—an associate professor of philosophy at Vassar College and host of the philosophy podcast "Hi-Phi Nation" on Slate—is coming to UC Santa Cruz this week to begin a two-week residency.

UC Santa Cruz joins Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education

The National Academies have joined with colleges and universities to found the collaborative, aiming to prevent sexual harassment across all disciplines and among all people in higher education.

Campus status updates — labor strike

Several labor unions are participating in a systemwide strike. UC Santa Cruz is providing real-time updates about the strike and its impacts today.

Karen Bassi to serve as acting dean of Humanities

Karen Bassi, literature professor, has agreed to serve as acting dean of the Humanities Division while Dean Tyler Stovall is on sabbatical.

Campus review of newly proposed research policies

The policies establish clear and uniform allocation of income derived from intellectual property related to institutional work at UC Santa Cruz and support the IATC mission to build a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture to accelerate the adoption of inventions, cultivate sustainable strategic partnerships, and enable our campus to be an innovation powerhouse delivering social and economic benefits to our local and global communities.

Campus services during Wednesday's strike

UC Santa Cruz and the other UC campuses will have several labor unions on strike this week. The labor action is expected to run all-day Wednesday, from midnight to 11:59 p.m.

Community Crime Bulletin: suspicious person near Humanities Building

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department received a report about a man who followed two female students near the Humanities Building around 2 a.m. this morning. No one was found when officers arrived, and no further incidents were reported.

Spring Forum April 15th, Call for SAB Nominations April 26th and Staff Appreciation Picnic April 30th

Mark your calendars for April 15, April 26 and April 30.

Iron volcanoes may have erupted on metal asteroids

NASA's upcoming mission to the asteroid Psyche could look for signs of past eruptions, and evidence of 'ferrovolcanism' may also turn up in iron meteorites.

Psychology Professor Margarita Azmitia wins mentor award

Psychology Professor Margarita Azmitia has received a mentorship award from the Spencer Foundation.

Protecting and securing electronic devices, other valuable belongings

Following a rash of thefts on and off campus, we want to encourage our community members to remain vigilant in protecting their valuable personal and professional belongings.

New genus of marine organisms named in honor of ocean scientist Jon Zehr

A newly described genus of marine microorganisms has been named in honor of Professor of Ocean Sciences Jonathan Zehr.

New book by Carolyn Burke examines four artists who profoundly shaped 20th-century art

"Foursome"--the latest book by longtime UCSC humanities research associate Carolyn Burke--chronicles the lives of four of the most extraordinary and influential painters and photographers of the early 20th century.

Chemist Jevgenij Raskatov honored for peptide research

The American Peptide Society and the Boulder Peptide Society have both recognized Raskatov for his scientific achievements as an early-career investigator.

Final update on construction-related asbestos contamination incident at Cowell and Stevenson Student Commons

As a final community update on this incident, please be advised that asbestos abatement from the construction-related contamination at Cowell and Stevenson colleges has been completed.

Coral study traces excess nitrogen to Maui wastewater treatment facility

Nutrient pollution has been blamed for algal blooms and degradation of coral reefs along Maui's west coast.

On-campus burglaries

Campus residents are urged to be vigilant after a spate of residential burglaries on campus over the past two weeks and to let campus police know immediately if they see anything suspicious or suspect their room or apartment may have been burglarized.

STEM Postdoc Symposium features a public poster session on April 24

Annual symposium highlights research from early career scientists at UC Santa Cruz.

Information and resources about strike activities on April 10, 2019

Our campus received notice last Friday that there will be a labor strike from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10by AFSCME service (SX), patient care technical (EX), and skilled trades (K7) workers.

Carl Walsh appointed honorary adviser to Bank of Japan’s Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies

UCSC Distinguished Professor of Economics Carl Walsh has been appointed to serve as an honorary adviser to the Bank of Japan’s Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies.

Cool Campus Challenge starts today

Today, the University of California is launching a friendly systemwide competition that challenges us all do more to reduce our carbon footprint.

Regents approve Student Housing West, Kresge renewal

The University of California Board of Regents has actually signed off on two large-scale capital projects for campus: Student Housing West and our plan to revitalize Kresge College.

Campus dining options during closure of Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall

Due to the temporary Cowell and Stevenson Commons closure, Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall and Stevenson Coffee House are closed until further notice.

College Ten class connects students with Soledad Prison inmates

A first-ever class called "Transcommunal Cooperation and Peacemaking" brought together 14 undergraduates and 28 men incarcerated at the Soledad Correctional Training Facility for an extraordinary 10 weeks of learning and discovery.

Spring 2019 UCSC Campus Transit

Campus Transit operating hours and frequencies were reduced to balance the operating budget. After additional financial analysis of Fall and Winter quarter data, it has been determined that additional Campus Transit service reductions are necessary.

'Blueprint Roundtable' to discuss complexities of being black and male in U.S.

Students, faculty, and community leaders will respond to questions and issues raised by 'Question Bridge: Black Males'—an exhibition currently on display at the Sesnon Gallery—at a “Blueprint Roundtable” on April 3 at Oakes College.

Inspired Expeditions: A travel program for the curious

UC Santa Cruz’s new travel program pairs travelers with expert professors for enhanced perspectives into some of the world’s most fascinating places.

Postdoctoral fellowship supports planetary science research

The 51 Pegasi b Fellowship will fund Xinting Yu's research at UC Santa Cruz on formation of clouds and hazes on exoplanets.

Bike race to partially close Hagar and Coolidge on April 7

A bicycle race at UC Santa Cruz will close the northbound lane of Hagar Drive and the southbound lane of Coolidge Drive from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 7.

Cal Fire plans pile burns along Empire Grade

Cal Fire has advised campus officials that state fire crews will resume burning vegetation piles they have assembled along Empire Grade after this storm system, possibly as soon as Monday, April 1.

Roadwork to close section of Kerr Road

Excavation for new electrical and storm drain services will close a section of Kerr Road from March 18 to April 30.

Update on construction-related asbestos contamination incident at Cowell and Stevenson Student Commons

Recently, the campus learned that a construction contractor installing wall-mounted cable enclosures in Cowell and Stevenson colleges drilled holes in walls whose underlying materials contain asbestos. Unfortunately, in some areas the contractor did not fully contain the dust and debris generated by this activity.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is now available to self-enroll

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is now available to self-enroll for all faculty, staff, and students. If you support faculty or are unavailable to sign up for MFA during your assigned time, we encourage you to enroll early.

Summer programs draw visitors to Lick Observatory for music and stargazing

Tickets go on sale in April for the observatory's popular summer evening programs.

Professor Emeritus Pavel Machotka dies at 82

Pavel Machotka, professor emeritus of psychology, died March 18 at the age of 82.

Update on construction-related asbestos contamination incident at Cowell and Stevenson Student Commons

The Cowell and Stevenson Student Commons facility remains closed while we continue to evaluate the extent of a construction-related asbestos contamination incident that was confirmed Thursday evening. We have brought in certified asbestos professionals to conduct an assessment and to assist in determining whether some areas may be reopened soon. The facility will remain closed through the weekend.

Updates on Cowell and Stevenson Commons

The Cowell and Stevenson Student Commons facility has been closed due to a construction-related asbestos contamination incident.

Construction-related asbestos contamination incident at Cowell and Stevenson Student Commons

As a precautionary measure, please be advised that the Cowell and Stevenson Student Commons facility has been closed while we evaluate the extent of a construction-related asbestos contamination incident that was confirmed Thursday evening. At this time, this includes all spaces in the building, including office areas, event spaces, meeting and classroom spaces, coffee shop, dining and catering spaces, and general community spaces. Following a more detailed assessment occurring today, some of these areas may be reopened.

On-campus dining options—March 22 through April 1

If you're staying in Santa Cruz during spring break, stay informed about on-campus dining options.

Teens who seek solitude may know what's best for them, research suggests

Teens who choose to spend time alone may know what's best for them, according to new research that suggests solitude isn't a red flag for isolation or depression.

UC Santa Cruz showcases new music with 'April in Santa Cruz' festival

The UCSC Music Department will present the 'April in Santa Cruz Contemporary Music Festival'-- a month-long series of free concerts on campus featuring works by faculty and graduate students, including performances by two internationally known ensembles--April 6-27.

Study gives new perspective on production of blood cells and immune cells

Researchers tracked and quantified the production of different kinds of blood cells and immune cells to understand how the body maintains a balanced supply.

Biologist Daniel Costa appointed director of the Institute of Marine Sciences

Daniel Costa, distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, has been appointed to serve as the next director of the Institute of Marine Sciences, beginning in July 2019.

Climate change and drought threaten small mountain streams in the Sierra Nevada

Aquatic life in small headwater streams is especially vulnerable to the effects of prolonged drought, according to a study of mid-elevation streams in the Sierra Nevada.

Conclusion of strike activity

Today’s labor action by UPTE workers and their supporters has concluded.

Deforestation in Brazil could significantly increase local surface temperatures

New model quantifies how forests influence reflected sunlight and evapotranspiration, leading to changes in local surface temperature with deforestation.

New study shows effects on offspring of epigenetic inheritance via sperm

In experiments with worms, researchers showed that epigenetic marks on sperm chromosomes affect gene expression and development in offspring.

Campus status updates

UC Santa Cruz is expecting a labor strike beginning at 4 a.m. today and ending at 3:59 a.m. on March 21. Stay informed.

Staff Human Resources collecting feedback on performance

The survey can be completed in a few minutes, and the results will help SHR learn more about how it can most effectively serve our UC Santa Cruz client community.

Scientists review Sundance movies for Science magazine

PBSci Dean Paul Koch was among five scientists reviewing movies with science or technology themes at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.

Campus services during Wednesday's strike

UC Santa Cruz and the other UC campuses will have several labor unions on strike, which is expected last from 4 a.m. Wednesday to 3:59 a.m. Thursday.

Paper check payroll information for March 20, 2019 - biweekly pay

In order to ensure that employees receiving paper checks can receive their pay on payday, paper checks will be delivered to campus mailstops no later than 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19.

YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki and Google exec Dennis Troper share tips and tales

During a campus visit on Saturday, tech titan Susan Wojcicki urged college students to pursue careers of meaning and impact in fields that are growing—and to be flexible and humble as they begin their work lives.

In solidarity with our Muslim community

Our hearts go out to the Muslim community, and to those whose lives have been shattered — yet again — by a senseless act of violence, this time in New Zealand.

New anthology of essays about Chicana and Chicano art edited by arts professor Jennifer González

"Chicano and Chicana Art: A Critical Anthology" offers an overview of the history and theory of Chicano and Chicana art from the 1960s to the mid-2000s.

New book by biochemist David Deamer explores the origins of life

'Assembling Life' proposes a novel theory, based on Deamer's research, of how life can begin on Earth and other planets.

Sixth annual Climate Conference links science and justice

For the first time, the annual UC Santa Cruz Climate Conference will bring together prominent ocean scientists and leading social-justice advocates to discuss the environmental and equity dimensions of the crisis.

Information and resources about strike activities on March 20, 2019

There will be a labor strike beginning 4 a.m. on March 20, and ending at 3:59 a.m. on March 21 by UPTE research support professional (RX) and technical (TX) employees.

Title IX Office fully staffed with new assistant director, investigators

The office, led by Title IX Officer Isabel Dees, has six staff members, including, an assistant director, three full-time investigators, and a response team coordinator.

Review of noise impacts on marine mammals yields new policy recommendations

After a comprehensive review of current knowledge, a panel of scientists has published new recommendations regarding marine mammal noise exposure.

Announcing new campus reflection space

Our campus will soon be opening a reflection space for prayer, meditation, and contemplative practices in Quarry Plaza.

Phased Retirement Program Update

This notice is to inform you that the Phased Retirement program is scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2019.

Smile Train partners with UC Santa Cruz researchers on speech therapy game

Designed to support speech therapy for children after reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and cleft palate, SpokeIt uses game play to make speech therapy fun.

Graduate student joins White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Marnie Riddle, a Ph.D. candidate in environmental studies, will spend one year in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow.

Leading the charge for change

Alumna Amita Kuttner, a current graduate student in the Physics Department, is running as a Green Party candidate for a seat in Canada’s House of Commons in order to make policy around climate change—a quest sparked by a devastating loss

UC Santa Cruz launches online 'Feminism and Social Justice' course with Bettina Aptheker

UC Santa Cruz has launched a new online course open to the public through the Coursera platform. Titled 'Feminism and Social Justice,' it is an adaptation of a popular course taught on campus for nearly a decade by feminist studies professor Bettina Aptheker.

Announcing Ted Warburton as interim arts dean

I am delighted to announce that Edward (Ted) Warburton, a professor of dance in our theater arts department, has been named UC Santa Cruz’s interim arts dean, effective immediately.

Suspect arrested in laptop theft

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department would like to thank the campus community for its assistance locating a suspect in the Wednesday night theft of a backpack and laptop from McHenry Library.

Support for undocumented members of our campus community

We write to let the undocumented members of our community know there is nothing ambiguous about our support for you.

Staff policy PPSM 21, Selection and Appointment Implementation for Students

The UC Office of the President recently revised an important staff policy, Selection and Appointment - PPSM 21. PPSM 21 revisions include changes to the background check process, disclosure of information, and employment eligibility determinations.

Guillermo Gómez-Peña returns to UCSC to perform his latest solo work: "The Most (un) Documented Mexican Artist"

Internationally renowned artist Guillermo Gómez-Peña returns to UC Santa Cruz on March 5 to perform his latest solo work, "The Most (un) Documented Mexican Artist," at the Theater Arts Second Stage, beginning at 7 p.m.

UCSC to bring art/science LASER series downtown for special evening at Rio Theater

On Tuesday, March 12, the Institute of the Arts and Sciences at UC Santa Cruz will bring its local LASER—now in its sixth year of quarterly talks on campus—downtown for a special evening at the Rio Theater.

'Fusion' exhibit a collision of art, physics

Conceived by UC Santa Cruz physics lecturer Stephanie Bailey, the show features work created by 17 pairs of artists and physics graduate students.

Regents to vote on Student Housing West, Kresge College renewal

The Regents meet March 13–14 at UCLA. The agenda will soon be posted online, and the meeting will be streamed live.

Outcome of UC negotiations with Elsevier

While we did make progress, particularly in the past few weeks, toward defining a model for open access publishing of UC research, Elsevier was ultimately unwilling to meet UC’s key goal.

Troubling posts on social media

In the past few days on social media, deeply troubling allegations that a faculty member in the Baskin School of Engineering has harassed, discriminated, and abused students on the basis of their race, ethnicity, religion, and/or gender have surfaced.

UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute launches brain research project

UCSC engineers and genomics experts are partnering with UCSF neuroscientists to develop new technology for studying human brain evolution and development.

Borderbus: A community conversation about migration, art, and social justice

Former U.S. poet laureate Juan Felipe Herrera will appear in conversation with book artist and UCSC alumna Felicia Rice on March 6, at the Museum of Art and History in downtown Santa Cruz.

Nominations for UC Santa Cruz's Outstanding Staff Award

Please help us honor UC Santa Cruz's outstanding staff and make your nomination for the UC Santa Cruz Outstanding Staff Award today.

Reminder: Share your Strategic Academic Plan insights by March 1

Reminder: Your innovative ideas and/or suggestions must be received by Friday, March 1, for us to make a timely submission of the revision to the Academic Senate for its review.

Living Writers Series event dedicated to celebration of literature professor Karen Yamashita

On February 28, the Living Writers Series will dedicate a special reading to a celebration of literature professor Karen Yamashita on the occasion of her retirement, beginning at 5 p.m. in the Humanities Lecture Hall.

Pipe dreams

Three huge clay sewer pipes carved by alumnus Tom Franco and a team of artists are now gracing Danville’s art gallery in an exhibit curated by a fellow Slug.

Seymour Center honors alumnus John Laird with Global Oceans Award

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center will honor Laird at the Global Oceans Gala on Saturday, March 23.

Update on fire at Earth and Marine Sciences Building

The Earth and Marine Sciences Building remains closed tonight, following today's fire. With clean-up efforts underway, the campus fire marshal approved the building's reopening for 8 a.m. Saturday—with the exception of the third and fourth floors of the C wing, which will continue to be closed until the cleanup and restoration of the area is completed.

Biologist Olena Morozova Vaske appointed to endowed chair in pediatric genomics

At an investiture ceremony, Vaske was honored as the inaugural holder of the Colligan Presidential Chair in Pediatric Genomics.

In memoriam: Irene Osterbrock

Widow of late Lick Observatory director was tireless UC Santa Cruz advocate, volunteer, supporter of graduate students, and arts patron

Fat bats withstand the effects of white-nose syndrome, study finds

New findings explain how some populations of little brown bats are persisting, even after initial population declines caused by the debilitating fungal disease.

Art professor to screen new documentary film at Museum of Modern Art

UC Santa Cruz art professor and multimedia artist Elizabeth Stephens and her artistic collaborator Annie Sprinkle will present their latest film at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

UC Santa Cruz launches the country's first graduate program in serious games

The Baskin School of Engineering is launching the first professional master’s degree program in serious games offered in the United States, with an initial cohort of students starting in fall 2019.

Blum Scholars present preliminary results of community-based research

Four graduate students discussed their research on jail health care, Latina resistance, Central Valley youth, and feminism in the farmlands.

Marin County: Safe harbor for Native residents during the Mission era and into the 20th century

Contrary to the dominant narrative of cultural extinction, indigenous residents of Marin County survived colonization, preserving and passing on their traditions and cultural practices, says anthropologist Tsim Schneider.

Call for proposals—Recruitment and support of undergraduates from outside California

UCSC is working to grow enrollment of undergraduate students from outside of California.

Diller Lecture to feature talk on the history of Jews, human rights, and global democracy

Guest author and scholar James Loeffler will deliver the 2019 Helen Diller Distinguished Lecture in Jewish Studies on Wednesday, February 20, at the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Grad student Sara Gonzalez wins policy award from Ecological Society of America

Sara Gonzalez, a Ph.D. student in ecology and evolutionary biology, is among the recipients of the Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Awards from the Ecological Society of America.

Tech titan returns to campus, shares tales of survival

Alumnus Michael Lopp is vice president of engineering at Slack, the popular team-building platform, and the author of two books and a blog about leadership.

Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz wins AAS/HEAD Mid-Career Prize

The 2019 HEAD Mid-Career Prize recognizes Ramirez-Ruiz "for his key contributions to our physical understanding of transient phenomena involving compact objects."

Data scientist Lise Getoor to give annual Faculty Research Lecture on Feb. 26

Lise Getoor, professor of computer science and engineering, will discuss "Responsible Data Science" in the 53rd annual Faculty Research Lecture on Tuesday, February 26.

Santa Cruz County expecting another large storm system

Another major winter storm is set to hit Santa Cruz County, with heavy rain and gusty winds starting late this evening and continuing through Thursday morning.

Diverse scents of woodland star wildflowers driven by coevolution with pollinators

Scientists found a surprising diversity of floral scent compounds produced by different species of woodland stars and even by populations of the same species in different locations.

Campus awarded grant for bike path safety improvements, education

UC Santa Cruz was awarded a $799,000 grant from the California Transportation Commission, funding that will go toward widening most of the bike path through the Great Meadow and expanding bike safety educational efforts.

Resignation of arts dean

Susan Solt has resigned as dean of the Arts Division, effective immediately.

East Remote Solar Project

Beginning March 1, the campus’ long-planned solar panel installation will begin in the East Remote parking lot and is scheduled to continue through December, 2019.

Admitted Student Tours Beginning April 6

UCSC continues to experience year-over-year growth in the number of students and families who wish to visit campus and explore what makes us a compelling choice.

Input on the Strategic Academic Plan due March 1

We need your insights on this version by Friday, March 1, so please take the time to review the document and make your contributions.

Novel electrocatalyst outperforms platinum in alkaline hydrogen production

A ruthenium-based catalyst developed at UC Santa Cruz has potential applications in sustainable hydrogen production for clean energy and in industrial processes.

Three UCSC undergrads honored for presentations at national astronomy meeting

Three UCSC undergraduates were among the winners of the Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Student Awards at the American Astronomical Society meeting.

Former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen receives Foundation Medal

UC Santa Cruz presented Former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen with the Foundation Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the campus.

UCSC engineers collaborate with Western Digital to accelerate genome sequencing

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute and Baskin School of Engineering have entered into a multi-year, joint research and development agreement with Western Digital.

Campus officers now carrying naloxone

All sworn members of the department underwent training in early January to administer naloxone.

Staff member recognized by Association of Energy Engineers

UC Santa Cruz Assistant Energy Manager Sarah Gilchrist this year earned the Association of Energy Engineers' Young Energy Professional of the Year award.

Question Bridge: Black Males exhibition opens Feb. 6 at Sesnon Art Gallery

'Question Bridge: Black Males' is an exhibition in which a wide array of videos have been merged together to simulate face-to-face conversations between a diverse group of more than 160 black men across the United States.

Extreme weather expected the next 24 hours

Three storms are lined up to strike the Central Coast with heavy rains and strong winds, starting later today. Four inches or more of rain is possible in parts of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Mean streets: Self-driving cars will "cruise" to avoid paying to park

If you think traffic in city centers is bad now, just wait until self-driving cars emerge on the scene, cruising around to avoid paying hefty downtown parking fees.

Study of brine discharge from desalination plant finds good news and bad news

Brine discharged from the Carlsbad Desalination Plant raises offshore salinity levels more than permitted, but researchers found no direct local impacts on sea life.

Mathematician Dan Cristofaro‑Gardiner wins IAS von Neumann Fellowship

Dan Cristofaro‑Gardiner, assistant professor of mathematics at UC Santa Cruz, has been awarded a prestigious von Neumann Fellowship from the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.

Jody Greene and Mary Beth Pudup named to inaugural board of UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement

UC Santa Cruz professors Jody Greene and Mary Beth Pudup are among 19 leading University of California scholars who have been named to the inaugural academic advisory board of the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement.

Fentanyl makes its way to California

Many of you have read news headlines regarding fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has become a growing public health crisis in cities across the United States.

Why beaked whales return to Navy sonar range despite frequent disturbance

A new study using underwater robots reveals dense patches of deep-sea squid attract beaked whales to a Navy sonar test range off Southern California.

MaNGA data release includes detailed maps of thousands of nearby galaxies

Major data release from Sloan Digital Sky Survey includes galaxy maps, new data access and visualization tools, and a huge 'stellar library'.

UC Santa Cruz builds strong transfer, frosh applicant pool

The campus marked the first step toward building the Classes of 2021 (transfer) and 2023 (first-time), receiving 67,262 applications for fall 2019 enrollment.

Madeleine Albright in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning UCSC alumna Martha Mendoza on Feb. 5

Madeleine Albright, the first United States female Secretary of State, will speak about her new book, "Fascism: A Warning"--in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and UC Santa Cruz alumna Martha Mendoza--on Tuesday, February 5, at the at the Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz.

Family support group sessions starting Wednesday

Formal Review-Employee Comment PPSM 63 Investigatory Leave

The University of California is proposing revisions to PPSM 63 - Investigatory Leave, which applies to all staff employees who are Professional & Support Staff, Managers & Senior Professionals, and Senior Management Group members.

'What refugees taught me about Shakespeare'

On Jan. 31, New York theater director Jessica Bauman will come to campus for a special evening at Kresge Town Hall titled 'What Refugees Taught Me About Shakespeare.' Together with UCSC professor Cat Ramirez, she will explore the ways that the stories we hear and tell about refugees shape our responses to the worldwide migration crisis.

Engineer Ali Yanik wins National Science Foundation CAREER Award

Grant will support Yanik's research into phononic metamaterials and their use in acousto-microfluidic technologies for biomedical applications.

Art professor receives 2019 Creative Capital Award plus SFFILM artist residency for new documentary film

UC Santa Cruz professor of art Dee Hibbert-Jones has received a 2019 Creative Capital Award for "Run With It," a feature-length animated documentary film she is currently working on in collaboration with San Francisco artist Nomi Talisman.

Gov. Newsom appoints UCSC alumna Kris Perry to key post

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed UC Santa Cruz alumna Kris Perry, a nationally recognized advocate for children, to a key post in his new administration.

Community dialogue on proposed changes to Title IX

Bay Tree Bookstore mail kiosk to be removed

The campus vendor providing the mail kiosk is exiting the postal kiosk business and no suitable vendor has been found to replace it. The

In Memoriam: John Mortenson

Questions That Matter public humanities series to spotlight ‘Data and Democracy’ at Kuumbwa Center

The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz will present "Data and Democracy"—the fifth installment of its signature Questions That Matter series—on Tuesday, January 29, at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in downtown Santa Cruz.

Waves in Saturn's rings give precise measurement of planet's rotation rate

Saturn's ring system acts as a sensitive seismograph, enabling scientists to measure the giant planet's vibrations and determine its rotation rate.

Planetary scientist Francis Nimmo honored by Royal Astronomical Society

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has awarded the 2019 Harold Jeffreys Lectureship to Francis Nimmo, professor of Earth and planetary science at UC Santa Cruz.

In Memoriam: Arnold Klemola (1931–2019)

Arnold Klemola, a long-time staff researcher at UC Observatories, passed away on January 5, 2019. He was 87.

Grad student working to advance Beyond Compliance initiative

Across the world, graduate student Alison Hanson has focused on preventing and responding to sexual violence. She's now bringing her expertise to UC Santa Cruz, where she's part of the campus Beyond Compliance initiative.

Idled farmland presents habitat restoration opportunities in San Joaquin Desert

Land no longer suitable for agriculture could be reclaimed as habitat for dozens of endangered species, according to a new analysis.

Seed-funding innovation

The UC Santa Cruz Foundation Board of Trustees seeks interesting new projects to fund.

Janet Yellen: Honoring a living legend

Janet Yellen, widely regarded as one of the most successful Federal Reserve chairs in history, will receive the UC Santa Cruz Foundation Medal at a ceremony in Menlo Park next month.

Upper-ocean warming is changing the global wave climate, making waves stronger

The energy in ocean waves has been increasing as a consequence of climate change, according to a new study.

2019 commencement schedule announced with new ticketing requirement

The 2019 commencement schedule has been released. Commencement weekend is an exciting celebration for our students and their friends and family.

In Memoriam: Sree Divya Alla

Divya passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019. She was a vibrant member of our communities here at Colleges Nine and Ten. Please join us in expressing our deep condolences to Divya's family and friends.

Email Scam Targeting Students

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department has been notified of an email scam being perpetrated on students from someone saying they need to hire a student as a personal assistant. In the scam, a person identifying himself as Marcus Paredes is posing as a doctor who helps people with disabilities.

In Memoriam: Cameron Poole

Cameron Poole, a junior at the university and a Kresge College student, died Jan. 8.

Cal Fire planning pile burns along Empire Grade

Cal Fire has advised campus officials that state fire crews in the coming weeks will begin burning vegetation piles they have assembled along Empire Grade. Conditions were too wet for burnling last week. However, the burns could start as early as this week, providing it is a permissive burn day.

Darrell Long to serve as strategic faculty advisor for Baskin School of Engineering

Alexander Wolf, dean of the Baskin School of Engineering, has appointed Long to serve as a strategic faculty advisor for the school.

Professor honored by Linguistic Society of America for decades of work on endangered languages

UC Santa Cruz emeritus professor of linguistics Judith Aissen was awarded the prestigious Kenneth L. Hale Award last week in New York City at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Linguistic Society of America (LSA). The LSA is the major professional society in the United States that is dedicated to the scientific study of language.

Regents to discuss Student Housing West next week

CruzHacks 2019 to be held at Stevenson Event Center January 18 to 20

With CruzHacks 2019 shaping up to be the biggest and most diverse UCSC hackathon yet, openings are still available for judges and mentors.

Biologist Jeremy Sanford awarded prestigious $1.85 million grant from NIH

MIRA grant funds Sanford to extend his studies of the mechanisms of RNA processing and RNA-binding proteins, which are involved in inherited diseases and cancer.

SAB blood drive on Jan. 30

Institute of Arts and Sciences to present talk by politically provocative artist Glenn Ligon

Glenn Ligon is perhaps best known for his landmark series of text-based paintings, which draw on the words of such diverse figures as Richard Pryor, Zora Neale Hurston, and Gertrude Stein. On Jan. 15, the Institute of Arts and Sciences will present a lecture by Ligon at UCSC's Digital Arts Research Center

In Memoriam: Shane Sanchez

Crown College CRE Shane Sanchez passed away during the winter break. He was a member of the CHES family since 2005, working with graduate student housing, the University Town Center, and joining the Crown/Merrill family in 2011 as the CRE for the Crown apartments.

UC Santa Cruz historian and founding faculty member John Dizikes dies at 86

John Dizikes, a professor emeritus of American Studies and a founding member of the faculty of the University of California, Santa Cruz, died at his home in Santa Cruz on December 26, 2018.

News about founding faculty member John Dizikes

John Dizikes, a founding UC Santa Cruz faculty member who helped establish this campus as a student-focused institution, died Dec. 26 at his home in Santa Cruz.

Partial shutdown of federal government

As I’m sure you know, the federal government is undergoing a partial shutdown. While approximately three-quarters of the government remains funded, significant portions including many federal research agencies are impacted.

Cal Fire planning pile burns along Empire Grade

Cal Fire has advised campus officials that state fire crews in the coming weeks will begin burning vegetation piles they have assembled along Empire Grade. The burns could start as early as this week, providing it is a permissive burn day.

Videos from town halls available online

We have posted videos from the campus community’s Dec. 3 input sessions with members of the chancellor search advisory committee. Additionally, we have updated the frequently asked questions section on the website.

Blia Yang appointed director of undergraduate admissions

NSF funds innovative stable isotope equipment at UC Santa Cruz

The new equipment will support research across a wide range of disciplines, ranging from oceanography and earth science, paleontology, anthropology, ecology and fundamental biochemical cycle research.

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. Wednesday, January 2, will be the first day operating with the new software.