2019  Staff News

Outstanding Staff Award honoree is a passionate advocate for STEM diversity

Yulianna Ortega, the campus's STEM Diversity Programs director, has earned the trust and respect of fellow staff members, faculty, and students across divisions. Ortega, this year's Outstanding Staff Award recipient, is cares deeply about student academic success and well-being.

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.

Raising awareness of ‘deficit thinking’

Undergraduate researcher works to combat harmful perceptions many first-generation students experience

Fall grades: information and resources

UC Santa Cruz is committed to ensuring that the illegal work stoppage does not impede students’ academic progress. The campus wants to make sure students are able to focus on studying and taking finals.

UCPath goes live at UCSC on Jan. 2

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

Collective boost for Slug Support

UCSC celebrates success of Giving Tuesday fundraiser focused on student basic needs

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).

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.

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.

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.

Giving Tuesday to support student basic needs

The fall quarter is sprinting toward its finish, some desperately needed rain is on the horizon, and soon we will all have a short break from our work and studies, hopefully to spend time with family and friends.

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

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.

2019 photo contest winners

There were over 100 entries this year in the chancellor's holiday photo contest. Here are the winners.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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. 

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.

A helping hand from Retirees Association

UC Santa Cruz Retirees Association Silver Slug scholarships benefit UC Santa Cruz staff or their children

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.

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.

$8.5 million gift to expand pioneering genomics research

I am delighted to announce that an anonymous donor has gifted our Genomics Institute $8.5 million. The pledge will enable our researchers to expand their pioneering work, to continue unraveling evolutionary riddles, and to take aim at the genetic diseases and disorders that affect humankind.

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.

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.

New academic year, new possibilities

Kresge renewal project kicks off

This October, UC Santa Cruz will start construction on the first phase of its Kresge renewal project, with plans to add a new academic building and residence halls to the college, refurbish existing buildings, and provide accessibility

New website highlights UCSC's "living labs"

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

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.

Tales of brutality and survival

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead enthralled a Santa Cruz crowd with stories from Nickel Boys, his new bestselling novel based on the horrifying true story of a notorious reform school in the Florida Panhandle.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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).

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New book by Dana Frank tells personal story of resistance, terror, and U.S. policy in Honduras

"The Long Honduran Night" is the latest book by UC Santa Cruz emerita professor of history, Dana Frank. One of the top academic experts on Honduras in the United States, she tells the dramatic story of life in that country after the military coup that ousted President Manuel Zelaya in June 2009.

Campus increases access for first-gen students

UC Santa Cruz increased the number of California students admitted from low-income families, underrepresented groups, and those who will be the first in their family to earn a 4-year degree.

In Memoriam: Stephen Hauskins

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Updates on commencement impacts

Stay updated on campus impacts from the 2019 commencement exercises.

SAP year-end update

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

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.

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.

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.

Student to pursue career helping immigrants

First-generation college student Hector Arroyo De La Paz will graduate from UC Santa Cruz next week with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and Latin American and Latino studies. He credits his parents for making it happen.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Updates on May 16 strike impacts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great expectations and the general magic of failure

A new film by Dickens Universe regular and benefactor Mike Stern is the story of a little-known company that set in motion much of our technological world

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can a drone weigh an elephant seal?

Undergrad’s innovative research may lead to new methods of weighing seals, expanding our understanding of the mammals and the oceans

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.

Smith Society celebrates 20 years and unparalleled success

On its 20th anniversary, the Smith Society pays tribute to a remarkable intergenerational community that has provided social mobility and a sense of family, making a college degree possible for hundreds of students

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

UC Santa Cruz to compete in Cool Campus Challenge

The goal of this friendly online competition is for the university community to engage in a culture of sustainability and environment-friendly practices.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Federal funds invested in research infrastructure

UC Santa Cruz will invest nearly $6 million in its research tools this academic year, thanks to awards from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes for Health.

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.

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.

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.

Solar project advances campus sustainability

Our 2017–2022 Campus Sustainability Plan calls on us to develop a plan to add four megawatts of solar photovoltaic to the campus—and this two-megawatt project gets us half way there. We continue to study additional opportunities to harness the sun's energy to support our mission of education and research.

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.

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.

In memoriam: Irene Osterbrock

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

Ready, set, give!

Mark your calendars for the give-fest of the year. Giving Day, a high-octane 24-hour online festival of nonstop giving, returns to UC Santa Cruz on February 27.

New handbook represents campus’s collaborative approach to supporting students with disabilities

As a campus dedicated to ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed and thrive academically, UCSC has a responsibility as well as a commitment to provide full access to academic courses and programs to students with disabilities.

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.

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.

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.

Campus to deliver new student orientation online

Our goal is to provide the best experience for our students and this new approach allows students to learn at their own pace.

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.

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.

Mentoring for a new millennium

Until recently, higher education faculty and staff were largely left to intuit the qualities of a good mentor or to replicate the mentoring habits–skillful or unskillful–that they themselves experienced as undergraduates, graduate students, or postdoctoral researchers.

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

'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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Improving the Strategic Academic Plan

The campus community is invited to a town hall on Friday to learn more about the reworked Strategic Academic Plan document.

In Memoriam: Cameron Poole

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

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

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.

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.