All Activity Areas

Giving Tuesday: A day of generosity

Giving Tuesday exemplified the generosity that Banana Slugs displayed in 2020. The one-day event raised money for the UC Santa Cruz Fund, allowing campus leadership to address UC Santa Cruz students’ most pressing needs.

Steven Ritz stepping down after 10 years as director of particle physics institute

Jason Nielsen, professor of physics, will take over as director of the Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics (SCIPP) in the new year.

We did it! UCSC raised more than $20,000 to feed hope!

In the spirit of our "Celebrative" Principle of Community, we're sending this follow-up thank you to appreciate and recognize your generosity! We dared to wonder if our campus community could double our $10,000 before the weekend was over ... and we did it in one day!

Research partnership explores bonds between mothers and nonspeaking autistic children

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz and the University of Virginia have been collaborating to better understand behaviors and beliefs that may strengthen relationships between mothers and children with nonspeaking autism.

Upcoming Maintenance Impacting Campus Network - 12/22&23 and 12/30

Wireless, campus phones and wired connections will be impacted in certain areas throughout campus, but no one outage should last longer than one hour.

Systemwide review of proposed policy on research data and tangible research materials

Student Health Services Closure December 21, 2020 through January 3, 2021

Student Health Services—Student Health Center (SHC), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Student Health Outreach & Promotion (SHOP) and Campus Advocacy Resources & Education (CARE) will be closed Monday, December 21, 2020 through Sunday, January 3, 2021 for Campus Closure.

Regional stay-at-home order goes into effect for Santa Cruz County, update on COVID-19 vaccine policy, vaccine distribution planning

I want to share updates on a new stay-at-home order that is going into effect for Santa Cruz County at 11:59 p.m. tonight, and UC’s developing plans around a vaccine policy and distribution.

Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies search

I write today to update you on our campus search for a new Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies.

Help feed hope and win raffle prizes

As incredible as it may seem, just $1 can provide enough food to feed a family of four.

$3.7M NIH grant funds development of novel biosensor technology for diagnosing viral infections

Electrical engineer Ali Yanik is leading a team of infectious disease experts developing a low-cost, easy-to-use platform for diagnosing viral infections in point-of-care settings.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) / DUO Issues

The DUO platform used for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for the Gold password systems, is experiencing issues where some users are being presented with "Invalid txid" error messages in the Duo Prompt during authentication.

‘How Pac-Man Eats’ explores how games work and how they can create meaning

In a new book, Computational Media Professor Noah Wardrip-Fruin shows how the fundamental mechanics of games shape their capacity to address important topics.

UCSC expands COVID-19 testing during surge to support community needs

A gift from Bud and Rebecca Colligan will expand testing capacity and help fund a new, dedicated laboratory space to house the diagnostic lab in the Genomics Institute’s facilities at the Westside Research Park.

Student Health Center Closure Wednesday December 16th 2p-5p

In order to better serve our students, we will be closed from 2pm-5pm on Wednesday, December 16th so our staff may attend a mandatory training.

New cryo-electron microscopy facility a boon for UCSC structural biologists

With major funding from NIH, researchers at UC Santa Cruz have acquired powerful imaging tools for studying the structures of biomolecules and their roles in disease.

UC Santa Cruz Launches Financial Coaching for Students

CruzHacks 2021 to be held virtually January 15 to 17

Applications now open for hackers, mentors, and judges

UCSC arts professor documents spread of COVID-19 inside prisons, jails, and detention centers

A new Interactive web project by film and digital media professor Sharon Daniel creates a cumulative public record and evolving history of the pandemic’s impact on those incarcerated

Biologist Carol Greider elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Carol Greider, distinguished professor of molecular, cell, and developmental biology, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.

2021 Summer Session remote courses launch

New serological assay provides rapid, accurate testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

Using optical biosensor technology, the test provides quantitative measurements of antibodies in blood plasma in less than 20 minutes.

Text-to-911 service now available

The UC Santa Cruz community can now text 911 to request emergency help from the campus dispatch center. Texting 911 should only be used when someone cannot make a voice call to 911

Narinder Kapany, known as the ‘father of fiber optics,’ dies at 94

Narinder Singh Kapany, a pioneering scientist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who served as a Regents Professor at UC Santa Cruz and a trustee of the UC Santa Cruz Foundation, died December 3.

Surge in online grocery shopping brings a quantity-over-quality jobs shift

The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated emerging labor market trends associated with e-commerce in the grocery industry, creating mixed implications for jobs, according to a new report led by UCSC professor Chris Benner.

STAR Awards program renewed for 2020-21

STAR awards are discretionary and may be awarded to employees for the purpose of recognizing and rewarding excellence in university service; significant achievements and contributions; and outstanding individual and team performance.

Two UCSC engineers elected IEEE Fellows

Leila Parsa, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Lise Getoor, professor of computer science and engineering, have been elected Fellows of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Campus publishes sixth edition of “inquiry@UC Santa Cruz” research magazine

The stories, crafted by alumni of the world-renowned UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Master’s Program, cover projects across the five academic devisions.

Seeking information in arson investigation

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating two arson fires extinguished Monday night at the UC Santa Cruz residential campus. Officers are seeking the community’s help with information that can help identify the person(s) responsible.

Winter Quarter Transportation Options

As the year 2020 comes to a close and you begin to think about your potential plans to travel or commute to campus in the 2021 winter and spring quarters, TAPS would like to remind you about our available parking and sustainable transportation programs.

Resiliency is the name of the game for UC Santa Cruz Athletics and Recreation

The department has scored wins in many of the challenges of the pandemic by supporting students remotely, pivoting to online programming, and developing innovative ways to empower student-athletes and student support staff.

New regional stay-at-home order framework released by Gov. Newsom

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge across the state, a new regional stay-at-home order framework is being implemented by Gov. Gavin Newsom to help slow the virus’s spread and ensure that medical systems have the capacity to serve those in need of care.

Campus launching Pathways to Retirement program for faculty

The formal launch of the PTR program will be in the winter 2021 quarter, and there will be a website with more information and resources available at that time.

National Academies report on sustainability education features UC Santa Cruz expertise

UC Santa Cruz professor Anne Kapuscinski chaired the committee that developed the report, and campus initiatives were highlighted within as examples of innovative sustainability education.

Marine mammals’ adaptations to low oxygen offer new perspective on COVID-19

Humans are poorly adapted for oxygen deprivation, making us vulnerable to long-term effects from a disease that disrupts the body’s oxygen supply pathway.

Slugs lauded as Hometown Heroes

UC Santa Cruz is well represented at this year’s Santa Cruz Works Hometown Heroes awards ceremony, with Chancellor Cynthia Larive, a host of faculty and staff members, and numerous alumni slated to be honored.

UCSC offers new M.F.A. degree program in Environmental Art and Social Practice

The UC Santa Cruz Art Department is now accepting applications for a new M.F.A. degree program in Environmental Art and Social Practice (EASP), set to begin in fall quarter of 2021.

AXA Chair at UC Santa Cruz funds efforts to build coastal resilience naturally

Marine scientist Michael Beck was awarded the chair to support his work on natural defenses to enhance coastal resilience to flooding, erosion, and sea level rise.

Required state and federal notices

UC Santa Cruz is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their safety and security.

New Interim Policy on the Use of Externally Supplied Medications in UC Outpatient and Clinic Settings

Exceptions to campus closure 2020-2021

This year the campus will be closed from Thursday, December 24, 2020 through Sunday, January 3, 2021, re-opening on Monday, January 4, 2021. The campus community is reminded to turn off lights, shut down computers and other office equipment, and close and lock exterior windows before leaving for the break.

UCSC iGEM team wins gold, nominated for best environmental project

Thirteen undergraduates were recognized for their research accomplishments at the world’s largest competition in synthetic biology.

Psychology research shows ‘water cooler talk’ can have big benefits

In settings where people are working together on a task, making time for small talk allows for a newly-described behavior called "reciprocity in conversation," which is associated with higher levels of task enjoyment.

Extended time to use expanded paid administrative leave

In recognition of the extraordinary demands placed on our employees during this pandemic, President Drake has extended the expiration date of the Expanded Paid Administrative Leave from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

Two UCSC professors elected 2020 AAAS Fellows

Linguist Matthew Wagers and microbiologist Fitnat Yildiz have been awarded the distinction of AAAS Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

UC Santa Cruz celebrates its first Rhodes Scholar

Spring 2020 graduate Garima Desai was named among the top 32 scholars from across the U.S. who will have all of their expenses paid to attend graduate school at Oxford University through a Rhodes Scholarship.

Giving thanks as the holidays near

As the holiday season approaches, I want to extend my very best wishes to all in our campus community.

Direct visualization of quantum dots reveals shape of quantum wave function

UCSC researchers used a scanning tunneling microscope to visualize quantum dots in bilayer graphene, an important step toward quantum information technologies.

Office of the President Plan for Jobs Protection during the Pandemic

Today, UC President Michael Drake communicated his plan for Jobs Protection during the Pandemic to minimize, to the extent feasible, layoffs associated with diminished revenues due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announcing 2020 Campus Elections

The Dean of Students Office is pleased to announce the 2021 Campus Elections process.

Winter break reverting to Dec. 24 to Jan. 3

We very much appreciate the feedback we received from so many of you regarding UC Santa Cruz's planned winter curtailment.

Arts dean search

I write today to update you on our search for a new Dean of the Arts Division.

Campuswide initiatives for 2020-21

Through this past summer, the campus leadership team discussed the challenges of the emerging budgetary environment and began to look for opportunities that could broaden access to our educational programs, improve our financial outlook, and advance the efficiency and effectiveness of our processes during uncertain and constrained budget times.

'Living in a Frayed Democracy': Ethics lecture to feature noted alumnus Ezra Klein

UC Santa Cruz will present "Living in a Frayed Democracy," a trans-Atlantic public dialogue, featuring noted UCSC alumnus and journalist Ezra Klein and London political economist William Davies, as part of the Humanities Division’s Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture Series on Dec. 5.

Materials theorist Yuan Ping wins grant from Air Force Young Investigator Program

Ping’s research on spin dynamics in two-dimensional materials has applications for spintronics and quantum information technologies.

Statement on UC Regents session on faculty dismissal

Holiday travel and guidance to support a healthy Slug community

The holiday season is usually a time when our Slugs gather with family and friends, and many of us travel to spend time with loved ones. This year, as we face the COVID-19 pandemic, there are other serious considerations we must take into account.

List of most highly cited researchers features 19 UCSC scientists and engineers

A new list of the world's most highly cited researchers includes 19 scientists and engineers at UC Santa Cruz.

Geologist David Rubin elected fellow of the American Geophysical Union

David Rubin, a researcher in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, has been elected a fellow of the American Geophysical Union.

Update on community safety

UC Santa Cruz, like many universities and cities across the country, is in the midst of critically examining our structures so that we can address real concerns about policing, community safety, and the barriers to creating a sense of belonging for all in our campus community.

Deadline for Benefits Open Enrollment is Soon!

This is the time of year when you can change your benefits coverage to better meet your medical needs and personal budget. Since the medical coverage is one of the best benefits UCSC offers its staff, we want to ensure you take full advantage of this benefit.

UC Santa Cruz leads interdisciplinary consortium for astrobiology research

With funding from NASA, the UCSC-led team will lay the foundation for detecting the signatures of life in the atmospheres of other planets.

Protection of Human Subjects in Research

The Office of the President has issued major revisions to the Protection of Human Subjects in Research policy. The revised policy provides the following

Two UC Santa Cruz programs win funding for public interest technology

The Human Rights Investigations Lab and Everett Program at UC Santa Cruz will receive new grant funding through the Public Interest Technology University Network.

Spring and Summer 2021 Instruction and Housing Planning

Much like we did in fall and winter, UC Santa Cruz will continue to offer most courses remotely or online for spring and summer 2021, providing in-person instruction for a small number of courses that may not be effectively delivered remotely, such as some laboratory, studio, field-research and field-study courses. E

Email Scam Alert - Part time work assistant needed/Internship

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department and ITS Information Security are asking members of the campus community to beware of email scams being perpetrated on students offering part time work assistance and/or internships.

Humanities Institute to host acclaimed writer Ta-Nehisi Coates in special post-election event

Coates will be in conversation with Adam Serwer, staff writer at The Atlantic magazine, to discuss his acclaimed novel "The Water Dancer"—as well as the state of the country after the election

Research breakthrough achieves fish-free aquaculture feed that raises key standards

A new aquaculture feed formula eliminates conventional fish meal and fish oil ingredients by combining ingredients derived from two species of marine microalgae.

Computer scientist Lise Getoor receives research funding from Google

A new project on recommender dialogue systems led by Getoor and her collaborators at UC Santa Barbara and USC will receive $1 million in funding over three years.

New genome alignment tool empowers large-scale studies of vertebrate evolution

Important new studies of the evolution of birds and mammals relied on Progressive Cactus, a genome alignment tool developed at the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute.

Presidential Policy Business and Finance Bulletin IS-12 IT Recovery.

Radioactive elements may be crucial to the habitability of rocky planets

Earth-size planets can have varying amounts of radioactive elements, which generate internal heat that drives a planet’s geological activity and magnetism.

Campus to host telecommuting roundtable on Nov. 20

Topics will include ergonomics, wellness and safety, technology and cybersecurity, accommodations, and leading hybrid and remote teams.

Increasing campus COVID-19 testing accessibility and requirements

Frequent, free, and easy COVID-19 testing is a critical component in containing the virus’s spread. We are thankful for those in our UC Santa Cruz community who have been regularly getting tested. Participation in the asymptomatic testing program continues to be a cornerstone to our campus recovery and resiliency plans.

The 2020 new Slug reality: Handling adversity and transitioning to a virtual learning experience

Remote learning has its challenges, but the newest class of Banana Slugs is making the most out of this uncharted experience.

ITS Update from VC Williams

The campus has been through a lot this year: strikes, COVID-19, fire evacuations, and other momentous events both internal and external that have had an effect on our work. How we support you and the role that technology plays in your work are more important than ever.

Elaine Sullivan awarded American Historical Association prize for innovation in digital history

UCSC associate professor of history Elaine Sullivan and alumnus Vincent DiGirolamo have each received a 2020 prize from the American Historical Association.

Arts professor micha cárdenas wins IndieCade Award for climate art game

Sin Sol (No Sun), an art game by UCSC assistant professor of Art & Design: Games and Playable Media, micha cárdenas, has won the Impact Award at the 2020 IndieCade International Festival of Independent Games.

2020 Presidential Election Outcome

This morning the Associated Press declared former Vice President Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 presidential election.

Film professor Jennifer Taylor’s new documentary to screen online at DOC NYC film festival

America’s largest documentary film festival will be screening 'For the Love of Rutland'—the new documentary feature by UCSC associate professor of film and digital media Jennifer Maytorena Taylor—online throughout the U.S. this month.

Biology Teaching Labs wins honorable mention for Freezer Challenge 2020

Julio Harvey, biology teaching laboratories manager in the Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department, has won an honorable mention in the 2020 Freezer Challenge.

Computer science grad student wins LaunchPad Fellowship for startup

Fatemeh Mirzaei, a graduate student in computer science and engineering in the Baskin School of Engineering, is one of 40 student entrepreneurs selected for the Fall 2020 LaunchPad Fellowship program.

Award-winning poet Morgan Parker to read at 11th annual Morton Marcus memorial event

Acclaimed poet, essayist, and novelist Morgan Parker will be the featured guest at the 11th annual Morton Marcus Memorial Poetry Reading, which takes place this year as a virtual event on November 12. 

UC to continue to champion diverse student body despite rejection of Prop. 16

The University of California is disappointed that Proposition 16, the state ballot measure and constitutional amendment that would have repealed Proposition 209, did not pass in this election.

Awaiting the presidential election results

Election Day 2020 has come and gone, and as many expected, we do not yet know the winner of the presidential election. The record number of absentee and mail-in ballots cast means it’s possible we will not know the official election outcome for days.

Quantitative ecologist wins Tansley Medal for plant science contributions

Environmental studies assistant professor Kai Zhu was recently chosen from a global field as one of two recipients of the Tansley Medal for Excellence in Plant Science, presented by the journal New Phytologist.

Student housing environmental review affirmed by the courts

A UC Santa Cruz project that will significantly increase campus housing options for current graduate and undergraduate students has cleared a crucial hurdle in the courts.

Novel technique spotlights neuronal uptake of amyloid beta in Alzheimer’s disease

Study finds a short section of the amyloid beta protein is recognized by the cellular prion protein, which mediates its uptake into neurons and subsequent toxicity.

Shaping our country’s future, exercising your rights

On Tuesday, Americans will decide for themselves the direction they’d like to see our country head. Voting is a hard-fought right in the United States, and I urge all who are eligible to exercise it, either through mail-in balloting or by going to the polls.

Wildfire brings destruction and opportunity to researcher’s field site

Hydrologist Margaret Zimmer has received NSF funding to study the impact of wildfire on the site where she has been studying how water moves through the landscape.

Best practices for hybrid and remote teams

Our work environment has changed dramatically. Our management and supervision practices are changing as a result.

Open Enrollment 2020

The annual Open Enrollment (OE) period Open Enrollment will take place from 8 a.m. on Oct. 29 through 5 p.m. on Nov. 24. Changes made during Open Enrollment become effective on January 1, 2021.

Spring-run and fall-run Chinook salmon aren’t as different as they seem

Genetic analysis of Klamath River Chinook salmon finds a simple genetic variant determines the timing of migration, and seasonal runs are otherwise the same fish.

Update about the campus budget, voting and COVID testing

The economic impacts of COVID are also sobering, for families and our country. The University of California system is not immune to these realities.

Campus publishes reports on CARES Act funding

UC Santa Cruz has published two reports summarizing how it has used funding received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Genetic analysis system yields new insights into bacterial pneumonia

Using a CRISPR interference system to study virulence genes in a mouse model of pneumonia, scientists observed surprising variability in how the disease progresses.

Big Ideas contest offers up to $20,000 for big ideas in social innovation

Big Ideas contest, open to all UC students, seeks student-led, early-stage projects or ideas with a social impact focus.

Scientists discover how a common mutation leads to ‘night owl’ sleep disorder

A small change in a key component of our biological clocks lengthens the clock period, causing people to stay up late at night and sleep late in the morning.

MacArthur 'genius' grant winner reflects on early influences at UC Santa Cruz

Forrest Stuart has built his career pursuing burning questions about the societal underpinnings of poverty and criminalization across disciplines. Stuart said his research focus has been influenced both by his childhood and the formative experiences of his undergraduate education at University of California, Santa Cruz, where he earned his bachelor’s in politics in 2004.

Planned power outage announced for Santa Cruz County

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced late Friday that it will likely preemptively cut power tonight to a large swath of Central and Northern California, including parts of Santa Cruz County, to prevent power lines from sparking wildfires during dry and extremely windy weather forecast for later this week. Thirty-eight counties may be affected by the planned outage.

UCSC Library completes project to make 670 Cabrillo Music Festival recordings available to public

The project preserves and now makes available live Festival performances from 1964 to 1990, featuring works by such experimental artists as John Cage, Annea Lockwood, and Lou Harrison.

Campus conducting post-CZU Fire community experience survey

Reminder: COVID-19 information forum tomorrow

The next UC Santa Cruz COVID-19 Information Forum will be on Friday, October 23 from 9:30–11 a.m.

Rolling out new telecommuting tools

While in many cases, remote work is situational and will eventually return to working on-site, there are other cases in which working remotely, part-time or full-time, can be a long-term model for our employees.

Feminist studies Ph.D. student receives American Association of University Women fellowship

The program aims to tackle barriers women face in education by recognizing recipients whose academic work and community projects empower women and girls.

UCSC alumna Traci Chee named finalist for 2020 National Book Award

'We Are Not Free,' a work of historical fiction by UC Santa Cruz alumna Traci Chee, has been named a finalist for the 2020 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.

Physical and Biological Sciences Division honors three prominent alumni

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

UCSC Winter Break Curtailment

Like many of you, we were discouraged to learn we would no longer be allowed to use our available COVID-19 UC Expanded Paid Admin Leave to cover campus-based winter break curtailment days for this year.

Provide feedback on UC’s proposed systemwide curtailment/salary reduction plan

President Michael Drake and the UC Office of the President seek feedback from all campuses on a proposed systemwide combined curtailment and salary reduction plan that would apply to both staff and faculty to help mitigate the financial impacts of COVID-19.

HSI grant to support graduate students

The grant from the U.S. Department of Education will help the campus increase the readiness of Latinx, low-income and students of color from UC Santa Cruz and CSU Monterey Bay to apply and succeed in graduate programs.

Voter registration deadline is today

Today is the deadline to register for the first time or to update your registration if you have moved since last casting a ballot.

Doctoral candidate wins Switzer Fellowship for environmental justice research in El Salvador

James Alejandro Artiga-Purcell, a Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Studies, was recently selected for the 2020 Switzer Environmental Fellowship as part of a cohort of 20 top scholar-activists from around the country.

‘Be the Difference’ Award honors UCSC Molecular Diagnostic Lab

The award recognizes UCSC’s efforts to provide local testing for coronavirus infections.

Provide feedback on UC’s proposed systemwide curtailment/salary reduction plan

President Michael Drake and the UC Office of the President seek feedback from all campuses on a proposed systemwide combined curtailment and salary reduction plan that would apply to both staff and faculty to help mitigate the financial impacts of COVID-19.

The savior of the opera

With dampened prospects for in-person classes, rehearsals, and performances this pandemic year, UC Santa Cruz’s opera program is adapting with help from donor Scott Lord

Curtailment — Revision/correction to Oct. 12 announcement

This memo corrects one important error in the Oct. 12 message pertaining to what types of leave can be used to cover the six curtailment days.

‘Visualizing Abolition’ series kicks off with conversation featuring Angela Davis and Gina Dent

The UCSC Institute of the Arts and Sciences has joined forces with associate feminist studies professor Gina Dent to offer a year-long online series featuring artists, activists, scholars, and lawyers united by their commitment to the struggle for prison abolition.

Updated information on flu vaccine requirements for faculty and staff

To support the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the University of California is strongly encouraging everyone in the campus community to receive a flu vaccine by Oct. 31.

Oct. 22 Town Hall to focus on budget present, future

After much conversation, we understand that there are many issues occurring all at once, but foremost on many of our minds is what is happening with our campus budget. We will be partnering with the Chancellor's office to host a Town Hall centered around our budget present and future.

Founding campus leader Hal Hyde dies at 97

Harold A. (Hal) Hyde, who, as the first vice chancellor for business and finance at the University of California, Santa Cruz, helped create a world-class campus on a sprawling cattle ranch, died peacefully of natural causes Oct. 12 at 97.

Sad news regarding founding administrator Harold A. (Hal) Hyde

It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of UC Santa Cruz Vice Chancellor Emeritus Hal Hyde. Hal, who helped transform our campus from a working ranch to a globally known teaching and research institution, died peacefully of natural causes on Monday, Oct. 12, at his home in Corralitos. He was 97.

Anemic star cluster breaks metal-poor record

In a surprising discovery, astronomers have found a globular star cluster in the Andromeda galaxy that contains a record-breaking low amount of metals.

UC Santa Cruz study cited in arguments against gig economy proposition

The report, "On-demand and on-the-edge: Ride-hailing and Delivery Workers in San Francisco," underscores the financial vulnerability of workers in the gig economy.

Challenging how we see the prison-industrial complex

An ambitious two-part exhibit, titled Barring Freedom and Visualizing Abolition, organized by the UC Santa Cruz Institute of the Arts and Sciences, combines art and activism to address prison and policing issues.

Planned power outage announced for Santa Cruz County

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced late Monday that it will likely preemptively cut power Wednesday to a large swath of Central and Northern California, including parts of Santa Cruz County, to prevent power lines from sparking wildfires during dry and extremely windy weather forecast for later this week.

UCSC seeks clarity on water access

After many meetings and years focused on resolving the disagreement, involving the courts will not impact the strong, productive partnership the campus has with the city, particularly as it relates to water conservation.

Joint statement from chancellor and mayor on water access

The chancellor and mayor agree that a court ruling is the best route to settle the long-standing dispute the university and the city of Santa Cruz have regarding access to water service throughout the UC Santa Cruz campus. 

Fall 2020 Transportation Programs

As our UCSC community begins the fall quarter, we compiled some information regarding campus transportation options.

UC Santa Cruz Human Rights Lab investigates social unrest in Chile

Human Rights Investigations Labs at UCSC and UC Berkeley collaborated on open source research focused on the human rights crisis in Chile, which began with massive anti-government demonstrations a year ago that prompted a swift and sometimes brutal government crackdown on protestors.

Expanded Winter Curtailment 2020/2021

Our 2020-2021 winter curtailment will be expanded this year to run from Monday, December 21 through Friday, January 1, 2021. Work is scheduled to resume on Monday, January 4, 2021.

UC retiree input needed in survey to tell story of collective activities, accomplishments

Ocean scientist Christina Ravelo honored as a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences

Christina Ravelo, professor of ocean sciences at UC Santa Cruz, has been selected by the California Academy of Sciences to join the ranks of Academy Fellows.

Interim Conflict of Interest Related to Consensual Relationships (Policy EEP–0001)

The Office of Equity and Equal Protection has issued a new Interim Policy on Conflict of Interest Related to Consensual Relationships. The Interim Conflict of Interest Related to Consensual Relationships Policy (EEP-0001) applies to everyone in our UC Santa Cruz community including anyone who works, lives, visits, or otherwise engages in university activities.

Tech for Social Good student project funding now open for applications

Students can get up to $5,000 in funding for projects looking to solve societal challenges.

University Library to launch new documentary podcast series about Loma Prieta earthquake

The Library will celebrate the launch of 'Stories from the Epicenter'—a new documentary podcast series about the Loma Prieta Earthquake in Santa Cruz County—with a free online event on Oct. 16.

Temporary Employee Redeployment Program

As another academic year begins, the campus moves forward during times of continued uncertainty. We know that campus operations have adjusted to fewer students, no in-person events, reduced travel, and a host of other changes in response to COVID-19, and as a result, many units are facing service level impacts and reduction in workload.

10-screen film installation and photo exhibition by professor Isaac Julien opens at McEvoy Arts

The McEvoy Foundation for the Arts in San Francisco will present the West Coast debut of 'Lessons of the Hour,' a moving image and photography exhibition about the life of Frederick Douglass by British filmmaker, installation artist, and UC Santa Cruz professor of the arts, Isaac Julien.

Simulated Phishing Awareness Campaign

UCSC is launching a simulated phishing campaign to educate the campus on up-to-date phishing email tactics. Think of these simulated phishing emails as an exercise - we want you to react as you normally would if you received a real phish.

Support for undocumented members of our campus community

The Supreme Court decision in June to not rescind protections for nearly 700,000 people under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy was a sigh of relief.

Winter 2021 Instruction and Housing Planning

We are so pleased about the start of the fall quarter and could not be more grateful as we begin another academic year together. So many people have worked hard to welcome students, propel our research mission, and support high-quality instruction during this unique time.

Giving Day raises $600K for worthy causes

Despite being postponed because of the pandemic, UC Santa Cruz's annual online giving event in support of student and faculty projects was a smashing success.

COVID-19 information forum

The next UC Santa Cruz COVID-19 Information Forum will be on Friday, October 23 from 9:30–11 a.m.

Campus implementing temporary redeployment program

As campus operations have adjusted to fewer students, no in-person events, reduced travel, and a host of other changes in response to COVID-19, many units are facing service level impacts and reduction in workload.

Kresge College provost search

In 2020-21, the Division of Undergraduate Education is undertaking a search for the next Kresge College Provost.

Chemistry grad student awarded DOE support for research at national lab

Vivien Cherrette, a graduate student in chemistry and biochemistry at UC Santa Cruz, is among 52 outstanding U.S. graduate students to receive support from the Department of Energy’s Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program.

Campus Air Quality

Smoke from multiple northern California fires is impacting our local air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) generated by the EPA’s AirNow and the UCSC Clarity systems provides general air quality ranges along with corresponding health messages

Update on COVID-19 planning and testing

Whether you are physically on campus or working, teaching and learning remotely, we want to ensure you are updated on the latest campus COVID-19 planning efforts.

UCSC publishes online collection of 10,000 photos documenting over a century of Santa Cruz history

The University Library at UC Santa Cruz announced today the online publication of the Santa Cruz County Historic Photograph Collection, featuring original photographs and copy prints from 1866 to 1995.

Celebrating the start of the academic year

Hello colleagues, and welcome to the start of a unique academic year. Our UC Santa Cruz community is more spread out this quarter than years past, but do not let that temper your excitement for the start of this new chapter for our university and for our students.

Kicking Off National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, a national effort to help everyone stay protected whenever and however you connect. This year’s theme is ‘Do Your Part, Be Cyber Smart,’ and UCSC is proud to be a champion and support this safety and education initiative in October.

Fall quarter kicks off with new students, programs

UC Santa Cruz students are excited to start their college journey, despite the challenges created by a global pandemic that has reshaped society. Faculty and staff are ready to provide students with the best experience possible and the support to help them succeed.

Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report

The University of California, Santa Cruz, is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their safety and security. In compliance with a federal law known as the Jeanne Clery Act, the Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report for 2019 (PDF) is online and also included as an attachment. More information can be found online.

Adobe Creative Cloud Available to UCSC

Exciting News! Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps software will soon become available free of charge to all UCSC active faculty, staff, and campus enrolled students. This productivity suite includes Acrobat Pro, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere, and much more.

Rising from the ashes

Archaeological researchers from UC Santa Cruz are among the volunteers searching through rubble for homeowners who lost their loved ones’ cremains in the fires that ravaged Oregon and California.

Joint Statement on Pan-African Research Fellowships

On June 2, the Black Student Union at UC Santa Cruz wrote an open letter entitled “The Unrelenting Anti-Blackness of 2020” to advocate for transformational change that addresses anti-Blackness and inequity on the UCSC campus. Too often, our campus has responded to student advocacy with deflection, making meaningful change difficult to achieve.

What fall will look like at the UCSC campus

Our campus is taking an extremely conservative tack, among the most conservative in the country. Of the roughly 1,500 courses we will offer this quarter, only six will be held on campus, comprising just 54 students. The rest will be offered remotely, with students logging in to classes from wherever they are located.

Convocation celebrates new students, academic year

Chancellor Cynthia Larive, interim Vice Chancellor Jennifer Baszile, SUA President Shivika Sivakumar, college provosts, resource center directors and the president of the UC Santa Cruz alumni council welcomed new Banana Slugs to their college journey in a video released today.

Focused on sustainability, UC Santa Cruz among Sierra's top 25 'Cool Schools'

The campus, No. 21 on Sierra's ranking, earned distinction for research, curriculum, and transportation.

Two UCSC physicists elected Fellows of the American Physical Society

Physicists Onuttom Narayan and Stefano Profumo were honored by APS for their exceptional contributions to physics.

Strategic sourcing manager honored with first women in supply chain award

Kathleen Rogers, senior strategic sourcing manager for UC Santa Cruz, has been awarded Supply & Demand Chain Executive's first Women in Supply Chain Award.

Seed funding grants support plans for innovative research centers

The UCSC Office of Research has awarded seed funding to six campus research groups to support their efforts to develop innovative new research centers.

All clear—fire in Wilder Ranch controlled

Fire crews have the fire in Wilder Ranch under control.

Wildfire in Wilder Ranch

CalFire and Santa Cruz fire agencies are fighting a wildfire that is about a mile north of campus in Wilder Ranch. There is no threat to campus at this time. However, people should be prepared in the event that changes.

Alumna Martha Mendoza wins Emmy for work on child detention documentary

‘Kids Caught in the Crackdown’ documentary from PBS Frontline and Associated Press investigates the detention of migrant children in federally-funded shelters.

2021 UC Women’s Initiative for Professional Development: Call for Nominations

The 2020 UC Women’s Initiative for Professional Development (UC WI) Program is now accepting nominations. UC WI is a unique professional development program designed to help women identified professionals advance in their UC careers.

Bioelectronic device achieves unprecedented control of cell membrane voltage

A closed-loop biohybrid device driven by a machine learning algorithm maintained a set membrane voltage in human stem cells for 10 hours.

Legal assistance for employees impacted by wildfires

The aftermath of the wildfire continues to impact so many in our community. We are pleased to share that resources are available for those faced with legal and financial issues resulting from the fires.

Giving Day 2020: Coming together to enrich the student experience

Giving Day, a high-octane, 24-hour online event of nonstop giving, will be held on Wednesday, September 30. This playful but impactful philanthropic event will have an all-online format this year, due to COVID-related safety concerns.

Wildfire relief grants awarded to employees, students

Through generous gifts from alumni, donors, and the campus community, UC Santa Cruz has been able to provide more than 60 grants to the employees who were most severely impacted.

Astrophysicist Jonathan Fortney awarded 2020 Farinella Prize

Jonathan Fortney has been awarded the 2020 Paolo Farinella Prize from the Europlanet Society for his contributions to the understanding of the structure, evolution, and atmospheric dynamics of giant planets.

UC Santa Cruz alumna Maya Rudolph wins two Emmy Awards

Last night, UC Santa Cruz alumna Maya Rudolph picked up her second Emmy of the week for her impression of California senator and Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris on Saturday Night Live

LALS doctoral candidate Candy Martínez awarded Native American Scholars Initiative Fellowship

Candy Martínez, a PhD. candidate in Latin America Latino Studies, has been named a 2020-2021 Andrew W. Mellon Native American Scholars Initiative Fellow at the American Philosophical Society.

Facing the new academic year with hope and community

This new academic year will not have the same in-person events we have enjoyed in the past, but it remains a new beginning for many of our students and for our campus.

Constitution Day and exercising the right to vote

Citizens exercising the right to vote is a bedrock of our constitutional democracy, and we encourage you to participate in this most fundamental aspect of civic engagement. With the general election about six weeks away, now is the time to make sure you're prepared to cast a ballot.

The global land rush

In her new book, 'Fields of Gold, Financing the Global Land Rush,' Madeleine Fairbairn looks at forces and players that have transformed farmland into a novel financial asset class.

New federal funding supports student success, equity

Five years of federal funding from the Title V Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Program will support a new project, "Graduating and Advancing New American Scholars (GANAS) - Career Pathways."

2020 Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture to feature visionary author Margaret Atwood 

Award-winning poet, novelist and essayist Margaret Atwood will be featured in conversation with UCSC alumna Kate Schatz, the New York Times bestselling author of "Rad American Women A-Z," as part of the Humanities Division’s annual Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture Series.

UCSC engineers developing all-electric power train for future aircraft

Funding from the Department of Energy for the UCSC team is part of a major effort to develop carbon-neutral hybrid electric aviation.

ARCS Foundation scholarships support UCSC graduate students

Sixteen UC Santa Cruz graduate students have received scholarships worth a total of $160,000 from the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation.

New art game explores intersection of personal trauma and climate induced wildfires

Sin Sol (No Sun) is an augmented reality game that allows players to experience the feelings of a climate change event. Set 50 years in the future, it tells the story of environmental collapse from the past—which is our present in 2020.

High-fidelity record of Earth’s climate history puts current changes in context

A continuous record of the past 66 million years shows natural climate variability due to changes in Earth’s orbit around the sun is much smaller than projected future warming due to greenhouse gas emissions.

SHS Closures

Student Health Center will be closed for mandatory staff trainings during these dates and times.

Summer Session helps students earn degrees

UC Santa Cruz staff and faculty have been steadily working to increase summer session enrollment, leading UCs in online offerings and working with departments to offer the classes students need to graduate.

Cooperative research effort documents northward migration of kelp forests

From Alaska to Mexico, warming waters are driving widespread changes in these highly productive coastal ecosystems.

Post-fire building assessment now complete

Effective immediately all facilities on the residential campus can resume their pre-evacuation status. The only activities that may resume are those that had been approved prior to the Aug. 20 evacuation through the COVID-19 resumption approval process.

Interim Public Health Policy (Policy BAS-0011)

The campus community’s response to the CZU Lightning Fire demonstrated how our individual actions collectively enable us to accomplish a monumental task to support the health and safety of the Banana Slug community.

Next phase of building resumption - additional buildings cleared to open

Effective immediately, the following buildings have been cleared by Chancellor Larive to reopen. These locations may only resume operations that were in effect on Aug. 20, 2020, prior to the campus emergency declaration, and approved through the COVID-19 resumption process.

Additional support for employees impacted by wildfire - launch Wildfire Relief Fund grant applications

In our continued efforts to support our employees who have been impacted by the wildfire, we have launched a new grant program to assist affected faculty and staff with unexpected financial expenses.

Next phase of building resumption - additional buildings cleared to open

Effective immediately, the following buildings have been cleared by Chancellor Larive to reopen. These locations may only resume operations that were in effect on Aug. 20, 2020, prior to the campus emergency declaration, and approved through the COVID-19 resumption process.

Next phase of building resumption - additional buildings cleared to open

Effective immediately, the following buildings have been cleared by Chancellor Larive to reopen. These locations may only resume operations that were in effect on Aug. 20, 2020, prior to the campus emergency declaration, and approved through the COVID-19 resumption process.

Zoom Meeting Change - Sept. 9

Zoom is making a global change to all Zoom accounts that requires all meetings to have a Passcode or a Waiting Room enabled. ITS is implementing this change on Wednesday morning, Sept. 9 to all UCSC staff and functional accounts.

Next phase of building resumption - additional buildings cleared to open

Effective immediately, the following buildings have been cleared to reopen. These locations may only resume operations that were in effect on Aug. 20, 2020, prior to the campus emergency declaration, and approved through the COVID-19 resumption process.

In the line of fire

Alumnus Adam Lowdermilk had built a career as a musician, but the tragic 2018 Camp Fire prompted a change of heart and a leap into firefighting.

New data science institute includes a focus on ethics and algorithms

The Institute for Foundations of Data Science is a collaboration between UC Santa Cruz, University of Washington, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Chicago.

Upcoming Change to Zoom Meetings

To further improve the security of Zoom meetings, Zoom will be making a change on Sept. 27 that requires all meetings to have a Passcode or a Waiting Room enabled.

John R. Lewis College: Providing the tools to stand up against injustice and create change

John R. Lewis College students take on social justice issues while pushing for positive growth and progress in society.

Rising to the Eco-Challenge

Two Slug alumni were part of a grueling, 11-day, 416-mile adventure race called Eco-Challenge Fiji, caught in a 10-episode series streaming on Amazon Prime.

History professor Eric Porter examines musical improvisation as a response to crisis

"Playing for Keeps: Improvisation in the Aftermath" is an exploration of the various ways that musical improvisation can be used as a method for responding to crisis and dealing with trauma and stress.

Phased campus reopening underway, emergency order lifted

The UC Santa Cruz emergency order is lifted and the campus is in the midst of a phased effort to recover from the CZU Wildfire.

Next phase of building resumption - additional buildings cleared to open

Though the wildfire continues to burn in our county, it is now at 39% containment due to the heroic efforts of firefighters from across our region and state. Based on the latest status, I am lifting my Emergency Declaration that was issued on August 20th.

Next phase of building resumption - additional buildings cleared to open

I am pleased to report that another phase of buildings has been cleared to resume operations, and I am modifying further the campus emergency declaration.

New vacation payout program for those impacted by the wildfires

In addition to the support services already outlined in prior communications, we are launching a new program. The UC Santa Cruz Employee Emergency Accrued Vacation Payout Program is a temporary program for eligible UCSC employees who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the summer 2020 wildfires in California.

Adapting our fall housing plans

Chancellor Cynthia Larive update

UCSC partners in institute to explore the role of AI in education

The NSF AI Institute for Student-AI Teaming envisions intelligent computers in classrooms working side-by-side with groups of students.

Resumption of Operations at Coastal Science Campus, Westside Research Park; emergency declaration modified

Based on the latest conditions, I am modifying further the campus emergency declaration. Effective immediately, the Coastal Science Campus and Westside Research Park can resume operations that were in effect on Aug. 20, 2020, prior to campus declaration.

New observations of black hole devouring a star reveal rapid disk formation

The first clear confirmation of accretion disk formation in a tidal disruption event without x-ray emissions supports theoretical predictions.

Unauthorized survey regarding UC’s flu vaccination policy

An outside market research firm recently sent a survey about UC’s flu vaccination policy to a number of UC faculty and staff (including UCSC) with the subject line “Share your opinion on the UC Flu Vaccine requirement.”

Re-opening employee housing, rest of campus remains closed

Chancellor Cynthia Larive has amended the Aug. 20 emergency declaration so that employees who live at Laureate Court, Hagar Court, Ranch View Terrace, Hagar Meadow, and Cardiff Terrace can return to their homes tonight. The rest of the residential campus remains closed, as do the Coastal Science Campus and Westside Research Park.

Threatened by wildfire, UC Santa Cruz campus shows it is 'Slug Strong'

Fast thinking and teamwork are keeping the UC Santa Cruz campus community safe during the devastating Lightning Complex fires as staff across campus coordinate in evacuating, relocating, and feeding displaced campus residents.

SHR Employee Hotline and Resources

As our community continues to grapple with the ongoing wildfire threat to our campus, homes, and physical safety, we are providing additional resources to staff for the weeks ahead. Through displacement and emergency, it is critical for our staff community to have resources by phone or computer at their fingertips.

CZU Lightning Complex fire: How to give help, how to get help

This past week has seen many incredible displays of kindness, perseverance and resilience. We both spent time on campus with our teams as they managed the emergency evacuation.

Annual campus asbestos notice

Many facilities at the University of California, Santa Cruz, contain asbestos in the building materials used in construction. The Campus Asbestos Notice contains general information about asbestos found on campus and is required by law to be provided to all employees.

Servicios de apoyo para empleados impactados por los incendios forestales y evacuaciones

Todo miembro de la facultad y del personal que lea esto ha sido impactado de distintas maneras por los incendios forestales actualmente activos en nuestra región. Algunos de Uds. han sido evacuados, otros de Uds. están albergando a individuos que han sido desplazados, y lamentablemente otros han perdido sus hogares en los incendios.

Support services for employees impacted by the wildfires and evacuations

Every faculty and staff member reading this has been impacted in different ways by the wildfires that are active in our region. Some of you have evacuated, some of you are hosting individuals who have been displaced, and sadly some of you have lost your homes in the fires.

Santa Cruz County wildfires 8% contained, potential bad weather approaching the region

The wildfire impacting Santa Cruz County is now 8% contained thanks to the valiant efforts of first responders from CAL FIRE and across the country. The fire remains approximately one mile north of campus and has not traveled further south at this point.

Weekend UCSC Fire Update

Through the tireless work of CAL FIRE and first responders, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire that threatens our campus is now 5% contained. CAL FIRE created fire breaks from Highway 1 to Highway 9 to help decrease the threat of fire to additional areas, including UC Santa Cruz and the city of Santa Cruz.

Research buildings saved as wildfire sweeps across Big Creek Natural Reserve

Fire preparedness and hard work by fast-moving fire crews and UC Santa Cruz staff is being credited for saving research and residential buildings at the Landels-Hill Big Creek Natural Reserve on the Big Sur coast.

Update on campus response to wildfire

The wildfires continue to impact Santa Cruz County. There are approximately 57,000 acres involved, but we are now at 2% containment thanks to the amazing efforts of fire crews.

UCSC Fire Update

As of this morning, the fire is about a mile north of upper campus. There is no fire activity on campus or in the City of Santa Cruz, and we hope that all our activities have been taken in an abundance of caution.

You are not alone - we are with you

Whether you have been evacuated from your residence on campus, are living near campus, or are watching or hearing about the fires in the Santa Cruz area from some distance away, I know that many of you are scared right now. You have concerns and might not be sure where to turn or what to do next. You are not alone.

Support for employee needs emerging from the current wildfires

As the members of our Slug community continue to deal with the wildfires and evacuations, we want to outline some of the resources available to you.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION: Evacuation order--Emergency Declaration

Based on the chancellor’s emergency declaration, ALL employees and students living in campus housing must evacuate. Everyone must immediately leave the UC Santa Cruz residential campus and be prepared to not return for at least two weeks. UC Santa Cruz Police Officers will be going door to door to evacuate those remaining on campus.

UC Santa Cruz Declaration of Emergency

UC Santa Cruz is impacted by the wildfires burning in Santa Cruz County and elsewhere in Northern California. Residents of the mountain communities surrounding UC Santa Cruz have been forced to evacuate their homes in the face of the fast-moving Lightning Complex Fire ignited a few days ago by a dry lightning storm.

Evacuation Warning

This is not an evacuation order, but rather a warning to be prepared to evacuate.

Initiating the next steps in our fire response - beginning next stages of voluntary evacuations

As the conditions around Santa Cruz county worsen and the fires impacting our region continue to grow, we are now initiating several critical steps in our fire response.

Mandatory research cessation and information about securing research materials

I am now directing that all non-essential research operations at all Santa Cruz locations cease immediately. Please shut down all equipment as you would normally do for winter curtailment, secure chemicals in fire-safe storage, and secure lab notebooks and other irreplaceable items if possible.

Support during difficult times

We understand the stress that many of you may be experiencing; the addition of the fires on top of an already difficult year has been a challenge. Please know that we want to support you as you navigate these difficult times.

The Impact of Fires on our Community

Today my heart is with all the members of our community for the challenges we face together. At this moment I am especially concerned for those impacted by the wildfires burning in Santa Cruz County and elsewhere in Northern California.

Impact of Fires on Instruction

While instruction in summer classes continues, we understand the fear and disturbance that sudden evacuations can cause. We encourage everyone to be flexible as you consider how to continue instruction in these challenging times

Critical update on wildfires in Santa Cruz—preparation for potential evacuation

We continue to closely track the wildfires impacting the county of Santa Cruz and the region. At this point, there are no active fires on campus properties in Santa Cruz County. However, conditions can change rapidly and we are being vigilant in our preparations. Air quality also remains a concern throughout the area.

Temporary cessation of non-essential on-campus research activities recommended due to poor air quality and possible fire threat

Based on the poor air quality and the potential of a campus evacuation, we recommend that all non-essential on-campus research activities cease until the air quality improves and there is more clarity on the fire threat to the campus.

Critical update on wildfires in Santa Cruz—preparation for potential evacuation

We continue to closely track the wildfires impacting the county of Santa Cruz and the region. At this point, there are no active fires on campus properties in Santa Cruz County. However, conditions can change rapidly and we are being vigilant in our preparations. Air quality also remains a concern throughout the area.

UC’s Lick Observatory threatened by fire

Residences on Mt. Hamilton sustained some damage, but fire crews have so far been able to protect the observatory’s telescope domes and visitor center.

Coastal scientist Borja Reguero awarded Early-Career Research Fellowship

The Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has awarded a 2020 Early-Career Research Fellowship to IMS researcher Borja Reguero.

Z Hacks 2020: An inclusive virtual hackathon for students

CITRIS at UCSC has been working with Santa Cruz Works, CSU Monterey Bay, and other community partners to plan an inclusive virtual hackathon for students.

UC Santa Cruz Declaration of Emergency

Chancellor Cynthia Larive declared a state of emergency, ordering closed the residential campus, the Coastal Science Campus, and the Westside Research Park.

Alaska’s salmon are getting smaller, affecting people and ecosystems

A comprehensive study of four salmon species across all regions of Alaska finds salmon are returning to rivers smaller and younger than in the past.

Power outage possible tonight at UCSC locations

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has informed UC Santa Cruz leaders that our main residential campus, Coastal Science Campus, and Westside Research Park may experience a power outage for an hour or two around 8 p.m. tonight as part of the series of rotating outages being utilized statewide to ease demand on the power grid caused by the heat wave gripping California.

Campus Air Quality

Smoke from multiple northern California fires, including the Lightning Complex Fires in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is impacting our local air quality.

Update on fires impacting our region

UC Santa Cruz continues to closely track the fires in Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and neighboring counties. This event has resulted in multiple evacuations and air quality concerns.

Additional support for employees impacted by wildfire evacuations

As fire threats continue to impact our region and Santa Cruz county, we know that many employees have been forced to evacuate from your homes. This adds stress to an already challenging time for you and your families.

Be prepared for possible evacuation

As fire threats continue to impact our region and Santa Cruz county, we write to advise you to be prepared, should the need arise, to evacuate from the campus or be relocated elsewhere on campus as conditions change. At this point we have not been ordered to evacuate. Rather, we are asking that you take precautions and prepare should an evacuation be required. The better prepared you are the more effective a potential evacuation will be. There is nothing more important than your safety.

Supporting campus community members impacted by evacuation orders

As many of you are aware, there are wildfires burning in the Santa Cruz County mountains. These fires have now forced Boulder Creek and neighboring residents to evacuate, and people living in other areas have been put on alert for potential evacuation in the hours ahead.

Interim changes to systemwide Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment

Our students, faculty, and staff have a right to learn and work in an environment that’s free from sexual misconduct. We must do all we can to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence, and also be ready to respond swiftly and effectively when we receive reports from our community.

Possible rotating power outage from PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced earlier today that it may be asked to turn off power to its customers for one to two hours today through Thursday to ease demand on the state’s power grid because of the heat wave in California.

Annual Disclosure of Systemwide Employee Compensation

As part of the university’s commitment to transparency and public accountability, including the way it compensates faculty and staff, UC is conducting its annual disclosure of systemwide employee compensation for calendar year 2019.

UCSC historian Greg O’Malley awarded NEH grant for research on slavery in early America

UCSC history professor Gregory O’Malley has received a Public Scholars Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to write a biography of David George, who was born a slave in 1743 and whose pursuit of freedom intersects with major events of the Revolutionary Era.

UCSC partners with CSUMB for postdoctoral training and mentorship program

A $4.2 million NIH grant to UCSC’s Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells is funding an innovative program to address underrepresentation of minorities in biomedical faculty.

Restoring graduate student employment eligibility

Last week, representatives from University of California Office of the President, UC Santa Cruz, and UAW 2865 worked with a mediator to negotiate an agreement to allow for eligibility for re-employment of academic student employees who were dismissed for their failure to submit grades during the 2019-20 academic year.

Issuance of state higher education guidance

Friday afternoon, the California Department of Public Health released its guidance for institutions of higher education. This information provides clarity on some of the critical mitigations that California campuses must have in place as they work to resume additional on-site operations.

Economist's research cited in bill to strengthen federal minority business agency

When the COVID–19 pandemic hit, Professor Rob Fairlie knew he needed to shift his research to the economic impact of the crisis.

Selfie contest supports the 2020 Census

To generate more awareness on the importance of completing the census form, campus has launched the first-ever Slugs for Census Selfie Contest.

County, UCSC partner to expand local testing capacity

UC Santa Cruz has received CARES Act funds from Santa Cruz County to enable the purchase of new equipment for the UCSC Molecular Diagnostic Lab.

Going with the flow—famed Ocean Explorers Summer Camp heads online

COVID-19 compelled the Seymour Marine Discovery Center to take its popular Ocean Explorers Summer Camp virtual after running the program in person for 21 years—a successful experiment that presented both challenges and opportunities.

New flu vaccination requirement for UC students, faculty and staff

To support the health and well-being of UC students, faculty and staff and our communities, the University of California, in consultation with UC Health leadership, has issued a systemwide executive order requiring all members of the UC community to receive an influenza immunization before Nov. 1, 2020.

UCSC linguists receive $400,000 NSF grant for research on rarely studied languages

UC Santa Cruz linguistics professors Maziar Toosarvandani, Ivy Sichel, and Matthew Wagers have been awarded a $411,058 grant from the National Science Foundation to support research on endangered languages.

Calcium-rich supernova examined with x-rays for first time

An international team has obtained unprecedented observations of a rare calcium-rich supernova.

Influential marine biologist John Pearse dies at 84

A leading authority on marine invertebrates and intertidal ecology, Pearse was a beloved teacher and mentor to generations of marine biologists.

College Nine: Embracing world cultures and developing tomorrow’s leaders

College Nine encourages students to take part in experiential learning opportunities and inspires them to become global citizens.

COVID-19 Planning Update

I write to share the latest information on the campus COVID-19 planning efforts. I continue to be grateful to every member of our Slug community as you persist through these challenging times. You continue to support our students and the many facets of our mission and operations, while also navigating personal and family challenges and obligations.

New Sikh and Punjabi Studies chair to enhance Asian Studies with focus on social justice

Associate professor of literature Guriqbal Singh Sahota has been appointed the new Sarbjit Singh Aurora Endowed Chair in Sikh and Punjabi Studies.

Toy or therapy device? Researchers study effectiveness of fidget tools

The study will assess whether a high-tech fidget device increases focus and relieves anxiety in adults with ADHD, which is particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sparking girls’ interest in computing through ‘social wearables’

NSF grant funds development of a summer camp for middle school girls focused on designing wearable technologies to support social interactions in role-playing games.

In Memoriam: Peggy Rose, associate director, EOP

It is with deep sadness that we write to tell you of the death of Ms. Peggy Rose. Ms. Rose passed away in the evening hours of July 17, 2020.

UC Santa Cruz, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County partner to expand access to COVID-19 testing

The campus is testing 200-400 samples every week collected by Salud Para la Gente and Santa Cruz Community Health. UCSC is providing the tests on a cost recovery basis and Community Foundation Santa Cruz County will be paying for the cost of the tests.

Campus to host information forum on COVID-19 recovery, resiliency

UC Santa Cruz will hold an information forum on COVID-19 recovery and resiliency planning efforts from 9:30–11 a.m. on Aug. 7.

Quentin Williams to serve as interim graduate studies dean

I am pleased to announce that Quentin Williams has agreed to serve as UC Santa Cruz’s interim vice provost and dean of graduate studies.

Humanities Institute and Cabrillo Festival to celebrate fight for equal voting rights

The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz has teamed up with the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music and Bookshop Santa Cruz to present "Celebrating Woman Suffrage and the Struggle for Voting Rights"—a live Zoom panel discussion followed by audience Q&A

UCSC Extension offering 10 percent discount for fall courses

Enroll in any UCSC Extension fall courses before Aug. 16 and receive 10% off with its limited-time, early-enrollment discount!

Take extra precautions with aggressive coyotes on campus

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department encourages people on campus or visiting campus to be extra aware of their surroundings after receiving several reports of coyotes acting aggressively or coming in proximity to people.

Report exposes rampant illegal fishing in North Korean waters

Ground-breaking study reveals hundreds of vessels fishing illegally in one of the world’s most contested ocean regions, contravening UN sanctions and fueling overfishing.

New study shows retreat of East Antarctic Ice Sheet during previous warm periods

Evidence of glacial retreat in the Wilkes Basin 400,000 years ago suggests ice loss in this region could add 10 to 13 feet (3 to 4 meters) to future global sea level rise.

Computer scientist Luca de Alfaro wins ‘test of time’ awards for influential papers

Luca de Alfaro, professor of computer science and engineering, received 2020 Test-of-Time Awards from the IEEE Symposium on Logic in Computer Science (LICS) and the International Conference on Embedded Software (EMSOFT).

Virtual Dickens Universe to spotlight link between Victorian and African American studies

For nearly four decades, the Dickens Project at UC Santa Cruz—the largest multi-campus consortium on Victorian studies in the world—has presented the Dickens Universe, a week of intense study and festivities among the redwoods. But this year, due to the pandemic, it will instead be hosting a weeklong "Virtual Dickens Universe."

Is COVID-related reduction in marine traffic reducing stress in whales?

Whale researchers are taking advantage of changes in boat traffic in Monterey Bay during the pandemic to collect data on stress hormones in humpback whales.

How galaxies die: New insights into the quenching of star formation

A simple model explains a wide range of observations by describing a contest between galaxy halos and their central black holes that eventually turns off star formation.

UC Santa Cruz admits a strong, diverse cohort for fall

Nearly a third of admitted first-year students earned a GPA above 4.13 and 55 percent earned a GPA between 3.6 and 4.12. The campus also significantly increased the number of students admitted from low-income families, underrepresented groups, and those who will be the first in their family to earn a four-year degree.

Adwait Ratnaparkhi appointed executive director of Natural Language Processing program

The Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz has appointed Adwait Ratnaparkhi, former director of voice and natural language understanding R&D at Roku, as executive director of the new master’s degree program in Natural Language Processing.

Astrophysics graduate student Diana Powell wins 2020 Ford Fellowship

Powell won a Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship to support her work as she completes her Ph.D. thesis on exoplanets.

Scientists achieve first complete assembly of human X chromosome

The first end-to-end (‘telomere-to-telomere’) completely gapless DNA sequence of a human chromosome is a major milestone for genomics research.

CITRIS UCSC funds new pandemic-related research projects

The campus seed funding program is providing $40K grants for three new projects to address the challenges of COVID-19.

New federal guidance regarding international students

I am pleased to report that the Trump administration has reversed course on a sudden policy change that threatened to strip international students of their U.S. visas if their fall-quarter coursework was entirely online.

New film by Jennifer Taylor portrays Vermont town as microcosm of divided America

"For the Love of Rutland," a new documentary by UCSC film professor Jennifer Taylor, is an exploration of the multiple problems now faced by rural America--most notably the opioid epidemic, income inequality, racism, and xenophobia. 

Remote instruction resources and support

The remote instruction team is providing updates on instructional resources and available support.

STEM Diversity Programs honored by ‘Insight into Diversity’ magazine

'Insight into Diversity' magazine has recognized the STEM Diversity Programs at UC Santa Cruz with its 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award.

COVID-19 Planning Update

Over the past four months, every member of our Banana Slug community has been impacted by COVID-19. In spite of the personal impacts of the pandemic, we have seen countless faculty and staff, whether remote or in-person, demonstrate their passion and commitment to our campus mission and to our students.

Campus, union reach agreement for majority of TA wildcat strike actions

Following several months of discussions, UC Santa Cruz and the union that represents teaching assistants and other academic student employees (United Auto Workers 2865) have reached an agreement related to one of the charges filed by UAW 2865 and to other elements of the wildcat strike of this past year.

UC welcomes our next president: Michael V. Drake, M.D.

The University of California Board of Regents has appointed Michael V. Drake, M.D., as the 21st president of UC’s world-renowned system of 10 campuses, five medical centers, three nationally affiliated labs, more than 280,000 students and 230,000 faculty and staff.

UC Santa Cruz leads research center on botanical dietary supplements

A new $5 million NIH grant supports a collaborative research program to understand the cellular mechanisms by which botanical natural products may affect human health.

Karen Yamashita offers dazzling short stories about growing up in Japanese America

Sansei and Sensibility, the latest book by UC Santa Cruz emerita professor of literature Karen Tei Yamashita is a dazzling collection of short stories about growing up and living in Japanese America.

Welcoming new UC President Michael Drake

I am delighted that Michael Drake has been named president of the University of California.

Increased benefits for employees and household members

The SAB is happy to highlight the message that Staff Human Resources (SHR) sent to the campus, which announced the enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits.

Troubling events impacting our Santa Cruz Community

Troubling actions and toxic rhetoric are on display across the nation. Here in Santa Cruz, recent acts of apparent intimidation seek to divide our community and make people feel unsafe. We affirm that the diversity of community is our strength and refuse to succumb to actions or statements that seek to invalidate some members of our community.

New federal guidance regarding international students

On July 6, the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced changes that will affect international students during the fall 2020 quarter.

White dwarfs reveal new insights into the origin of carbon in the universe

A new analysis of white dwarf stars supports their role as a key source of carbon, an element crucial to all life, in the Milky Way and other galaxies.

Researchers honored for work in UCSC-NOAA Fisheries Collaborative Program

Three researchers affiliated with the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) at UC Santa Cruz have received awards from the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center for their outstanding contributions to research in 2019.

Updates on community safety services and ongoing engagement

I write to announce that effective July 1, the UC Santa Cruz Campus Safety Community Advisory Board will report directly to the chancellor and will operate with a new, more expansive charge.

Merrill College: Embracing individuality and cultural identities

Merrill College values diversity, inclusion, and experiential learning.

Three interdisciplinary projects receive seed funding from UCSC Foundation

Three interdisciplinary projects have received seed funding from the UC Santa Cruz Foundation following a campuswide call for proposals issued by the Office of Research.

Campus budget update

As we near the end of the fiscal year, I want to update you on what we know at this time about the University of California system and the UC Santa Cruz campus budget outlooks and what that means for our faculty and staff.

UCSC / METRO Update

We are pleased to announce that an extension of the service agreement between UCSC and METRO has been reached.

Wildfire near Wilder Ranch

Campus officials are monitoring a grassfire near Wilder Ranch.

UCSC collaborates with Santa Cruz Shakespeare for virtual Shakespeare Summer Series

The Humanities Institute and Shakespeare Workshop at UC Santa Cruz are joining forces with Santa Cruz Shakespeare to present their first virtual Shakespeare Summer Series.

Seymour Center director to retire

During Julie Barrett Heffington’s 21-year term as director, the center has established widely appreciated public programs and served nearly 1.5 million visitors

Announcing the newest members of the Staff Advisory Board

The Staff Advisory Board is delighted to report a record-setting election! Not only did we have the largest pool of nominees in recent history, but we had more than 450 people cast votes, more than doubling last year's election participation.

Hellman Fellows Program and UC announce $125 million commitment to faculty research

The Hellman Fellows Program and the University of California announced a plan to permanently support the Hellman Fellows Program on all 10 campuses in the UC system.

Michael Soulé, father of conservation biology, dies at 84

Michael Soulé, a professor emeritus of environmental studies at UC Santa Cruz who was widely considered the "father of conservation biology," died on June 17. He was 84.

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.

Racist messages sent to campus email accounts

Campus leaders denounce the racist, hateful emails sent to some UC Santa Cruz email accounts this past weekend.

Evidence supports ‘hot start’ scenario and early ocean formation on Pluto

A new study suggests that Pluto and other large Kuiper belt objects started out with liquid oceans which have been slowly freezing over time.

On-site Employees Required to Participate in COVID-19 Daily Symptom Check

As part of our continued campus COVID-19 operational in-person resumption activities and in alignment with University of California Consensus Standards for Operation and other state and county guidance, UC Santa Cruz will provide a mechanism for daily COVID-19 symptom screening for all employees who will be working on-site at a UCSC owned or leased property.

DACA Decision and Our Ongoing Commitment to Our Undocumented Community

Today, the Supreme Court ruled not to rescind protections for nearly 700,000 people under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. This decision reflects the hard work and dedication of so many people, and we are proud that the University of California led the fight to preserve this crucial policy.

Parking Permit Requirement and Renewal/Application Update

Beginning July 1, 2020, all parking on campus will require the display of an appropriate, valid permit or placard, or a virtual permit payment.

New Dean of Humanities, best wishes to Tyler Stovall, interim dean named

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jasmine Alinder as dean of our Humanities Division. Alinder will begin Aug. 15.

Planning for Academic Year 2020–2021

I write to update you about our plans to welcome students back to the campus for fall, as county and state public health guidelines permit. Through all of our planning efforts, our goals are to strengthen our community connections, prioritize public health and wellbeing, promote equitable access to education, and commit to high quality instruction and student support.

In Memoriam: Allison Endert

Steck Award recipient helps discover protein involved with circadian clock timing

Afred Freeberg assisted the Partch lab in studying the molecular basis for circadian rhythms - biological processes that occur naturally in line with the Earth’s 24-hour daily rotation cycle.

Campus to celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

UCSC’s SocDoc graduate documentary films to be screened online June 15 to August 31

UC Santa Cruz will present the premiere of thesis films by nine graduating M.F.A. students in the field of social documentation this year—in a special online presentation from June 15 to August 31.

Committee on Teaching recognizes innovative, dedicated instructors

The UC Santa Cruz Committee on Teaching has announced the eight recipients of the 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award.

In Memoriam: Maria Kerschen (1955–2020)

Maria Kerschen, who retired as assistant dean of planning and resource management from the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences, passed away on May 22 in Eugene, Oregon.

SAB Elections Open

We are pleased to announce the elections for next year's Staff Advisory Board. There are currently 4 openings for next year, and we have an excellent slate of candidates to pick from.

Announcing the appointment of Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Kletzer as Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor. She has served UC Santa Cruz as the interim Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor since July 2019.

Announcing the appointment of Vice Chancellor University Relations

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Delos Reyes Davis as Vice Chancellor for University Relations, effective July 13.

Campus Utility Power Service Interruption Announcement

In an effort to reduce the campus’s carbon footprint, a two-megawatt solar parking canopy will be built at the East Remote Parking Lot.

Anti-Racism and Equity in Academia

Today, many in academia will be taking time to stop and reflect on the structural inequities in our country and within academia led by #Strike4BlackLives, #ShutDownSTEM, and #ShutDownAcademia. In particular, this is a call for the academic community as knowledge producers and as educators to take seriously our ethical obligation to eradicate anti-Black racism and discrimination.

Small fire in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Firefighters are working to extinguish a fire that is burning in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, just south of Felton.

THI presents acclaimed writer Pico Iyer in conversation with history professor Alan Christy

The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz and Bookshop Santa Cruz will present an online event featuring bestselling author Pico Iyer in conversation with UCSC history professor Alan Christy.

COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Planning Update

The following serves as an update on the planning approach for the resumption of in-person operations at the residential campus, Westside Research Park, Coastal Science Campus, and the Scotts Valley Center.

Social Sciences recognizes students amid unprecedented times

The Social Sciences Division announced the recipients of its annual student achievement awards.

Royal Geographical Society publishes special COVID-19 issue

A virtual special issue of Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers features Politics Professor Matt Sparke's article, "Contextualizing Coronavirus Geographically," and provides free access to additional articles that provide perspective on the pandemic.

UC COVID-19 seed funding supports UCSC coronavirus genome browser

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute’s Genome Browser Team has received UC seed funding for its work on the UCSC Genome Browser for SARS-CoV-2.

Reminder: Nominations for UC Santa Cruz’s Outstanding Staff Award

The submission deadline is Monday, June 8, 2020.

Historian Greg O’Malley awarded ACLS grant to expand Intra-American Slave Trade Database

UC Santa Cruz associate history professor Gregory O’Malley has received a 2020 Digital Extension Grant from The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) to expand coverage of the Intra-American Slave Trade Database.

Tomorrow—Chancellor and Senior Leadership Forum

The SAB wanted to send a quick reminder about tomorrow's Chancellor and Senior Leadership Forum.

Give revolution a chance

History of Consciousness Professor Massimiliano Tomba's prestigious Princeton University fellowship will enable him to spend the next year advancing his reinterpretation of the concept of revolution

New method predicts spin dynamics of materials for quantum computing

A universal first-principles approach will accelerate the identification and design of materials for quantum information science and other spintronics applications.

NOAA funds new Cooperative Institute for Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Systems

CIMEAS supports the ongoing collaboration between UC Santa Cruz and the National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center.

UCSC poet, lecturer, and alumnus Gary Young receives Dizikes Teaching Award in Humanities

Literature Department lecturer Gary Young has been selected as the 2019-20 recipient of the John Dizikes Teaching Award in Humanities.

Results from COVID-19 employee experiences survey

UC Santa Cruz has received the results of the COVID-19 experiences survey that was administered in April.

UCSC campus directory now supports pronoun options

Two vital buffers against climate change are just offshore

A new study underscores the need to conserve and restore mangroves and coral reefs for coastal protection.

SAB Solidarity; Black Lives Matter

The SAB is saddened and angered by the murder of George Floyd and the unfolding violence against people demanding justice; with disproportionate harm targeting folks of color. We stand in support of all the community members of color at UCSC, and particularly our ABC identifying staff, students, and faculty.

Detection of Crab Nebula shows viability of innovative gamma-ray telescope

A new prototype telescope opens doors for future discoveries at the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array.

New optical technique provides more efficient probe of nanomagnet dynamics

Data storage devices and other emerging technologies use magnetic elements smaller than 100 nanometers, but studying their magnetization dynamics can be a challenge.

Community conversation on celebrating self

Join us this Friday, June 5 for a conversation around self-care, and managing the challenges of Covid-19.

Statement on George Floyd

I write today to share our pain, sadness, and anger for the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the midst of this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the all too common violence and threat of violence perpetrated against Black people and other communities of color in our country escalates.

On-Campus Permit Requirement Update

Effective June 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, permit requirements for regular, non-reserved parking spaces on campus, including the Coastal Sciences Campus and the Westside Research Park facility (2300 Delaware), will continue to be temporarily suspended.

Emerald predators: Ohlone tiger beetles reclaim territory with the help of local scientists

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists released 43 Ohlone tiger beetles to a new home in Santa Cruz County earlier this year with the help of UC Santa Cruz students and reserve managers

Physicist Tesla Jeltema wins Mentorship Award from American Physical Society

An accomplished astrophysicist, Jeltema is also a champion for diversity and a dedicated supporter of students at all levels.

Universe’s ‘missing matter’ finally found in the space between galaxies

An international team of astronomers has solved the decades-old mystery of the ‘missing matter’ long predicted to exist in the universe but never before detected.

SAB elections, leadership town hall update, news about Thumbs Up Awards

We have a lot of updates for our campus community in this announcement. More details for all of them may be found on our webpage.

Zoom Update - Please Review

Beginning May 30, Zoom meetings will require version Zoom 5.0 or newer. This latest version provides valuable security enhancements.

Protecting vulnerable children and families during the pandemic

In addition to experiencing higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death, the most vulnerable among us are losing ground in schooling, learning, and development, according to the authors of a new policy brief aimed at lawmakers.

UCSC faculty and alumni win Rydell Visual Arts Fellowships from Santa Cruz Community Foundation

A dance lecturer and two alumni from the UC Santa Cruz Arts Division have been awarded Rydell Visual Arts Fellowships for 2020 and 2021 from Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.

Astronomers create cloud atlas for hot, Jupiter-like exoplanets

Giant planets in our solar system and circling other stars have exotic clouds unlike anything on Earth, and the gas giants orbiting close to their stars—so called hot Jupiters—boast the most extreme.

Nominations for UC Santa Cruz’s Outstanding Staff Award

Do you know a UC Santa Cruz staff member who: goes “above and beyond” to provide distinguished service to students, staff, and/or faculty colleagues, works to grow and improve programs on campus, contributes to UC Santa Cruz’s unique intellectual and physical environment?

Time management in challenging circumstances

Working from home, working with distractions, and working with greater demands for productivity are all the norm right now. Consciously prioritizing and planning your work can relieve stress, free up more time and help you prioritize and realize your goals. Join us in conversation, and share what you’ve learned about remote work.

UCSC Extension offering 25 percent off summer courses

Investing in the future takes courage. We're making it easier. Enroll today and receive 25% off all courses scheduled June 1 through August 31.

Eminent biologist Carol Greider to join UC Santa Cruz faculty

Known for her pioneering work on telomeres, Nobel laureate Carol Greider brings exceptional research and leadership skills to her appointment in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology.

Astronomers discover a massive rotating disk galaxy in the early universe

The discovery by an international team of astronomers of a massive rotating disk galaxy, seen when the universe was only ten percent of its current age, challenges traditional models of galaxy formation.

Beware of scam involving messages from professors, colleagues

Campus police ask members of the campus community to beware of a phishing scam that involves text messages or emails that appear to come from a professor or a university colleague. The emailer asks you to purchase a gift card for them as a favor, stating that they will later reimburse you.

Beware of scam involving messages from professors

Campus police ask members of the campus community to beware of a phishing scam that involves text messages or emails that appear to come from a professor or a university colleague.

Virtual art galleries created to exhibit works of 13 Irwin Scholars

This year’s exhibition of artwork by 13 Irwin Scholars typically would be installed at the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery at Porter College. But, with campus closed and a physical exhibition out of the question, Irwin 2020 has gone virtual.

Field courses boost STEM diversity, study reveals

The challenge of diversifying STEM fields may get a boost from the results of a new study that show field courses help build self-confidence among students—especially those from underrepresented groups.

With a focus on public safety, Lick staff member turns to making masks

As a quilter with more than 40 years experience, Michele Redel decided to start making masks for the close-knit community at Lick Observatory.

Infectious disease expert Marm Kilpatrick to discuss COVID-19 on Friday, May 22

Marm Kilpatrick, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, will present “COVID19: The scientific basis for what we know and the exit strategy it provides” on Friday, May 22.

Letter from President Napolitano

I am writing to update you on several key decisions the Chancellors and I have agreed to which are difficult, but necessary in order to respond to the significant financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on UC and the ongoing budgetary uncertainties we face.

Tracing neurons in the visual cortex sheds light on brain’s circuitry

Researchers used a combination of techniques to identify different neuronal cell types and trace their connectivity within the mouse visual cortex.

Systemwide review of revised UC Sustainable Practices Policy

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on the proposed revisions to the UC Sustainable Practices policy.

Answers to Forum Questions

During the Chancellor and Leadership Forum on 4/23, we recorded all questions asked and shared them with the senior leaders of campus. We have gotten them back with answers today, and we wanted to share them widely.

Outbreak inquiry

Faculty have developed two undergraduate classes that are focusing on the effects and experiences of the coronavirus pandemic, even while the pandemic is under way.

Campus team a finalist in Amazon's Alexa challenge

UC Santa Cruz’s Team Athena is one of five teams remaining in the Alexa Prize Socialbot Grand Challenge from a field of 375 applicants from around the world.

COVID Catalyst Fund supports work on rapid serology test at UC Santa Cruz

Biomolecular engineer Nader Pourmand is evaluating the use of a novel nanosensor to provide rapid, low-cost, and accurate serology tests for coronavirus antibodies.

Cowell College: Blazing the trail to lifelong learning

UC Santa Cruz’s first college prides itself on academic rigor and the spirit of community, living up to its motto: “The pursuit of truth in the company of friends.”

Washington Post's depictions of autism shift from "cause and cure" to acceptance, study finds

The Washington Post's depiction of autism has shifted over the years from a focus on "cause and cure" toward one of acceptance and accommodation, say the authors of a new study.

Innovative technologies to address COVID-19 funded by UC’s CITRIS

Three projects led by UC Santa Cruz researchers are among the 25 awards in the initial round of funding from CITRIS and the Banatao Institute.

Powerful new AI technique detects and classifies galaxies in astronomy image data

UCSC researchers developed a deep-learning framework called Morpheus to perform pixel-level morphological classifications of objects in astronomical images.

A network of support for preventing and responding to sexual and relationship violence

I write today to raise awareness of resources available during the COVID-19 crisis to prevent and respond to sexual and relationship violence and to support survivors. Experiencing violence or harassment is always a complex and painful experience and there is assistance and support both on campus and in your individual communities.

Planning for the Ramp-up of UCSC Research

With the release of Governor Newsom’s four-stage plan for reopening businesses and schools and even more recent statement about moving to early stage 2 of reopening on May 8, it is time to discuss UCSC’s gradual ramp-up of research operations.

Division of Student Success Transition

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Assistant Vice Chancellor Jennifer Baszile, Ph.D., as the interim vice chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs and Success, effective July 1, 2020

Forum Follow-up

In the lead-up to the Chancellor and Leadership Forum a few weeks ago, we sent a survey asking folks what they were most concerned about. Those concerns were also echoed in the questions that got asked during the forum.

Call for Online Course Proposals for Fall 2020

In order to best prepare our instructional capacity and quality for some continuation of remote instruction in the fall, the campus seeks proposals from faculty to develop fully online courses to be offered in Fall 2020.

Community Conversations: A Principles of Community Discussion Series on “Purposeful”

From frontline to faculty, from staff to student, dining to donors--customer service is ever-present in higher education. Let’s talk about customer service as the matrix in which we live, and how we can serve and support our own team, our larger organization and our students.

CITRIS Seed Funding program invites proposals for pandemic and disaster preparedness projects

CITRIS and the Banatao Institute at UC Santa Cruz is inviting UCSC researchers to apply for research support for projects focused on providing solutions to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and disaster preparedness.

Response to new federal Title IX regulations

The U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday issued long-anticipated Title IX rules mandating how schools nationwide respond to complaints of sexual harassment. Schools, including UC Santa Cruz, have been given until Aug.14 to comply with these new regulations.

Planting trees is no panacea for climate change, says ecologist

Restoration ecologist Karen Holl has a simple message for anyone who thinks planting 1 trillion trees will reverse the damage of climate change: "We can't plant our way out of climate change."

Team reveals genomic history of ancient civilizations in the Andes

An international research team has conducted the first in-depth, wide-scale study of the genomic history of ancient civilizations in the central Andes mountains and coast before European contact.

In Memoriam: Alec Stouras

Alec Stouras, a department assistant for Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, died on April 19. He was 67.

Updated Santa Cruz County order allows more businesses to open

Santa Cruz County issued on May 6 an updated Shelter-in-Place Order allowing local businesses to conduct limited reopenings as Gov. Gavin Newsom launches Stage 2 of his Reopening Roadmap.

Commencement Updates

The class of 2020 deserves a celebration. Our graduating seniors are demonstrating such resilience in the face of an unprecedented final year of college and have set an example for our campus of success and camaraderie.

COVID-19 Impacts on Graduate Education

Graduate Council is concerned about the impacts ofCOVID-19 on your welfare and academics. As communicated in our April 29, 2020 letter to graduate program directors, coordinators, and cc’d to the GSA leadership, we have implemented several temporary changes to policies within the authority of Graduate Council to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and better support graduate students and their academic progress.

Already vulnerable, gig economy workers in San Francisco suffer during coronavirus pandemic, survey reveals

A new survey of app-based ride-hailing and food and grocery-delivery workers in San Francisco underscores the financial vulnerability of workers in the gig economy—and the coronavirus has made their plight much worse.

Video highlights cultural differences in collaboration

A video by Barbara Rogoff, distinguished professor of psychology, about how children learn to collaborate is featured in the 2020 STEM for All Video Showcase competition hosted by the National Science Foundation.

2020 Campus Elections Announcement

The sample ballot for the Spring 2020 Campus Elections is now available for your review at elections.ucsc.edu. Please take a moment to review this year's undergraduate and graduate student ballots.

Supporting our students with CARES funding

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed into law in early April provides UC Santa Cruz with $19.3 million to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic on the university and its students. At least half of the institution’s allocation will go directly to students via the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) to help with expenses related to COVID-19, including costs for housing, food, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare.

Recovery planning

I am so grateful to our staff and faculty for your dedication to our campus, our students, and our mission. You have continually modeled innovation and hard work as we face unprecedented challenges as our campus continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New provosts announced for Stevenson, Porter colleges

Undergraduate Education has announced that Professor Matt O’Hara has been named provost of Adlai E. Stevenson College and Associate Professor Gerald Casel has been named provost of Benjamin F. Porter College.

Eleven human genomes sequenced and assembled in nine days

The dawn of good, fast, and cheap human genome assembly has arrived, thanks in part to collaboration and innovation by an international team led by UC Santa Cruz researchers.

Nominate students to be honored at the 2020 Service Recognition Ceremony

Students, faculty, and staff — have you or someone you know contributed to our Santa Cruz community through service work? See if you qualify to be honored at the Student Volunteer Center's Service Recognition Ceremony.

Remaining inclusive, even while apart

We want to start this message by acknowledging the camaraderie, compassion, and generosity of spirit that the UC Santa Cruz community has largely shown over the past several weeks

Santa Cruz County updates shelter-in-place order

UC Santa Cruz continues to address the challenges created by COVID-19. I want to thank everyone in our campus community for their patience during this difficult time. Public health continues to be our top priority.

Enrollment opens for UCSC Summer Session Remote

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

On-Campus Permit Requirement Update

Effective May 4, 2020 through May 31, 2020, permit requirements for regular, non-reserved parking spaces on campus, including the Coastal Sciences Campus and the Westside Research Park facility (2300 Delaware), will continue to be temporarily suspended.

Engineer Ricardo Sanfelice receives ‘test of time’ award for influential paper

Ricardo Sanfelice, professor of electrical and computer engineering, has received the 2020 Test-of-Time Award from the Hybrid Systems: Computation and Control (HSCC) conference.

Deer fawning season alert

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

Deer fawning season alert

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

Zavella authors new book about reproductive justice

Pat Zavella, professor emerita of Latin American and Latino studies, has published a new book about the reproductive justice movement that blends research, history, theory, and memoir.

Information about fall quarter 2020

We understand that many students have questions about campus plans for the fall 2020 quarter, and we want to share as much information with you as possible while we observe the progress of the current pandemic.

Double fellowships

History of Consciousness Associate Professor Banu Bargu will use two fellowships to complete her book on human bodies, violence and political expression

Alumnus sews up $1 million prize on TV's Making the Cut

Graduate Jonny Cota, competing against international designers, makes a splash on reality-style fashion show produced by model Heidi Klum and fashion consultant Tim Gunn.

Crabeater seal data used to predict changes in Antarctic krill distribution

Tracking the feeding behavior of crabeater seals allowed researchers to build an oceanographic model of krill habitat and project how it is likely to change in the future.

Economist Nirvikar Singh joins panel of experts

Professor of economics Nirvikar Singh has joined a panel of experts convened by the government of Punjab to oversee the revival of the state in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UC Santa Cruz diagnostic lab to begin coronavirus testing May 1

The UCSC Molecular Diagnostic Lab will be conducting tests for coronavirus infections for the Student Health Center and local medical providers.

Community Conversations: Value Driven Teams

Learning & Development invites you to gather and discuss how to improve our team experiences by bringing our values to the work we do on teams, even when we are distanced from one another.

Planetary scientist Francis Nimmo elected to National Academy of Sciences

Francis Nimmo, professor of Earth and planetary sciences, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.

Student Health Center Pharmacy partners to make hand sanitizer for campus

With newly relaxed federal restrictions for pharmacies to compound hand sanitizer, pharmacy staff set out to create more hand sanitizer for the UCSC community.

Follow-up on Chancellor and Leadership Forum

Thank you so much for your engagement with our Chancellor and Leadership Forum last week. We had over 800 unique viewers which is easily a record for a forum on our campus.

New county order on face coverings

Santa Cruz County issued a new order today that requires staff and patrons at essential businesses to wear face coverings to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The order is effective at 11:59 p.m. on April 24, 2020 and will continue to be in effect until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the county health officer.

Lecturer Ryan Coonerty named UC Free Speech Fellow

Ryan Coonerty, a longtime lecturer in the Legal Studies program at UC Santa Cruz, has been named a 2020-21 fellow of UC’s National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement.

'Seeds of Something Different' explores campus's trailblazing history

The 925-page book was inspired by a desire to share the rich treasure trove of oral history and collection of photos and campus posters with the public. It features more than 200 narrators as well as 250 images.

Biologist Upasna Sharma wins prestigious Searle Scholars grant

Funding from the Searle Scholars Program will support Sharma’s research on how environmental effects can be passed down from parents to their offspring.

Astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Other new members of the class of 2020 include singer Joan Baez, former Attorney General Eric Holder, and poet and playwright Claudia Rankine.

Watch UCSC participants talk about hope during TEDx Santa Cruz

Last December, TEDx Santa Cruz hosted a day-long extravaganza of talks curated around the theme of "The Art of Hope." Those talks, including ones by several UCSC affiliates, are now available for online viewing.

Upcoming COVID-19 experiences survey

Starting Friday, April 24, invitations to complete a COVID-19 experiences survey will go out to faculty and staff on behalf of Chancellor Cynthia Larive.

UC Santa Cruz theater arts costume shop steps up to combat COVID-19

Just a couple of weeks ago, Brent Foland never imagined he'd be building face masks for his fellow UC Santa Cruz employees.

Art in the time of COVID

UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences offers shelter-in-place relief with a new, virtual museum called Art Without Distance, featuring sights, sounds, words, curricula, and even a quirky campus tour.

Agroecology major available this fall

Beginning this fall, students will have an opportunity to enroll in a new agroecology major, an interdisciplinary program housed in the Environmental Studies Department.

Delivery and ridehailing workers lack critical protections from coronavirus

Chris Benner led an online survey of app-based workers in San Francisco, and preliminary results reveal significant financial hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Leadership forum viewing details

We are looking forward to the Chancellor and Senior Leadership Forum this Thursday, and we hope you will be able to join us!

Cholera studies reveal mechanisms of biofilm formation and hyperinfectivity

A series of publications from microbiologist Fitnat Yildiz’s lab provides new understanding of cholera biofilms and why the bacteria in biofilms are so highly infectious.

New high-throughput approach yields libraries of probes for immunological assays

Technical innovation enables rapid assessment of T cell repertoires for research and diagnostics, with potential applications in studying COVID-19 immune responses.

Radical Resilience small grants program

In this time of global crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic, immense uncertainty, and stress, we are launching the Radical Resilience small grants program.

Campus directive - restrictions on select trails and recreational spaces

Be advised that the campus is lifting some access and location restrictions while still maintaining closures of some locations.

Delaying annual performance appraisals

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty about the future. It has also posed challenges and altered the work priorities of some staff members. This in turn has impacts on many of the annual goals that were identified by staff members at the outset of this year’s performance review cycle

Community Conversations: Resilience

Many of us find ourselves challenged with remote work, at a time when we may be dealing with personal matters or professional upheaval. Learning & Development invites you to gather and discuss how to care for ourselves and others in the current environment.

UC Santa Cruz joins the Association of Pacific Rim Universities

Joining the organization offers UC Santa Cruz another opportunity to widen institutional partnerships and relationships on a critically important international stage.

Chancellor forum date announced

The date of the forum is Thursday, April 23 from 9:30–11 a.m. Chancellor Cynthia Larive will be joined by a number of folks from Staff Human Resources and the leadership team to address your concerns and questions.

Law enforcement efforts for public health order and “4-20"

On March 31, 2020, the Santa Cruz County Health Officer extended the previously issued Public Health Order (PHO), which is at least in effect through May 3, 2020. This order applies to UC Santa Cruz as well.

Planetary scientist Myriam Telus wins NASA Early Career Award

Myriam Telus, assistant professor of Earth and planetary sciences, has received funding from NASA through the Planetary Science Early Career Award program to support her research in cosmochemistry, the chemical analysis of extraterrestrial materials.

Sad news about our campus employee

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that the campus shuttle driver who we had reported had tested positive for COVID-19 died earlier today of complications related to the virus at a local hospital.

New formation theory explains the mysterious interstellar object ‘Oumuamua

A new scenario based on computer simulations accounts for all of the observed characteristics of the first known interstellar object to visit our solar system.

Slugs help high school students choose higher education

Student organizers of SIO Weekend had to cancel their in-person event in February when COVID-19 began impacting campus. But instead of pulling the plug altogether, organizers opted to serve their respective communities in a different way through a Student Initiated Outreach Yield Panel.

UCSC transit driver tests positive for COVID-19

UC Santa Cruz was notified late Saturday that an employee who works in Transportation and Parking Services as a campus shuttle driver tested positive for COVID-19. Our thoughts are with this employee and their family. We wish them a quick recovery.

Commencement updates

Commencement is one of the best events of the year and recognizes the incredible accomplishments of our students as well as the communities that support our students’ success including staff and faculty members, families and friends. Because our campus will continue remote instruction through summer, we will not be able to come together as we traditionally do in June for in-person celebrations.

Humanities Dean candidate visits

I am happy to announce that starting April 13, four finalists for the Dean of Humanities position will be virtually visiting our campus.

Clarification of UCSC policy and expectations on funding researchers during the temporary cessation of non-essential on-campus research due to COVID-19

Over the past several weeks you have received a number of memos regarding employee pay during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are writing to further clarify UC policy and expectations with respect to pay for researchers during the temporary cessation of non-essential on-campus research due to COVID-19.

Summer Session — Remote Instruction for 2020

UC Santa Cruz will continue remote delivery of instruction through Summer Session 2020. Given what we know now, remote instruction is our best choice for the summer ahead.

Campus emergency directive closes trails and recreational spaces through April 15

Effective immediately, all UCSC campus trails and recreational spaces are closed and prohibited for use through April 15, 2020.

Mathematics Professor Martin Weissman wins 2020 Guggenheim Fellowship

Martin Weissman, professor of mathematics at UC Santa Cruz, has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for 2020.

Broadcasting opportunity

Alumnus Rizal Aliga takes the KZSC model to his high school alma mater, establishing a student-run broadcasting club that builds school spirit while providing students with career and communications skills.

Leadership forum for staff - please share your feedback

It is hard to know how to begin addressing the difficulties we have lived through this year. Numerous disruptions of varying nature have interrupted the learning, research, and work of our campus, to say nothing of cherished traditions and events we look forward to every year

New isomer separation method a boon for research on protein oxidation

UCSC chemists have developed an easy way to separate the stereoisomers of an oxidized amino acid that has important functions in protein biology.

County temporarily closes parks, trails, beaches; CDC & California Department of Public Health recommend face coverings

Santa Cruz County has announced the temporary closure of all public parks, trails, trailheads and beaches from 11:59 p.m. April 8 to April 15. This new order is a supplement to the county’s existing shelter-in-place order.

Campus emergency directive closes trails and recreational spaces through April 15

Effective immediately, all UCSC campus trails and recreational spaces are closed and prohibited for use through April 15, 2020. Closure signs (in English and Spanish) are currently being posted at trailheads and recreational spaces (an initial list of locations is below and additional areas may receive signage). This directive follows the county's order to fight the spread of COVID-19 by sheltering in place. Please do your part, shelter in place, and only leave home to conduct essential activities.

On-campus parking refunds update

As you may have already seen from an earlier communication, parking permit requirements for regular, non-reserved parking spaces on campus, including the Coastal Sciences Campus and the Westside Research Park facility (2300 Delaware), will be temporarily suspended until May 3rd.

Joint Senate-Administration working group on graduate education

At the February 2020 Academic Senate meeting Chancellor Cynthia Larive announced the establishment of a working group to develop a comprehensive, realistic and actionable plan for strengthening graduate education.

Expect to see smoke near Arboretum, as burn piles planned for Friday

Campus work crews are planning to burn vegetation piles in and around the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum on Friday, April 10.

New program advances global and community health

As countries across the globe fight the coronavirus pandemic, UC Santa Cruz is creating a new program that will prepare students and provide research to solve current and future global health problems.

COVID-19: Economist helps build "contact tracing" app for Peru

In an effort to protect people from COVID-19, economist Kristian López Vargas helped lead the development of an app the Peruvian government has launched to improve "contact tracing" .

Important information regarding residential relocation

On Sunday, March 29th, you received a notification that you may be required to move from your current campus residence to another space on campus for the remainder of the spring quarter. While the exact date of relocation and details related to your specific assignment have not yet been determined, we want to share more with you about why these moves are necessary.

On-campus permit requirement update

Effective April 8, 2020 through May 3, 2020, permit requirements for regular, non-reserved parking spaces on campus, including the Coastal Sciences Campus and the Westside Research Park facility (2300 Delaware), will continue to be temporarily suspended.

Spring quarter updates

The focused effort and flexibility our community has displayed in the transition to remote teaching, learning, and research for the final weeks of winter quarter, and now spring quarter, has been remarkable. Your instructors and the many staff members who support students and research at UC Santa Cruz have worked incredibly hard to ensure we can continue to carry out our mission.

Condemning online prejudice

We are deeply saddened and disappointed to hear about multiple instances of racist and offensive disruptions to class sessions held via Zoom. This behavior causes real harm and is not tolerated on our campus.

Genomics Institute launches landing page for COVID-19 data resources

The browser team at the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute has launched a new landing page for resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A message to the UC community

We write today to acknowledge a new reality and to announce our decision to do all we can to support our UC family during this unprecedented time.

Discrimination, governance, and trust in the age of COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has upended daily life around the world, and is simultaneously triggering challenging questions of discrimination, governance, and trust, says sociologist Jenny Reardon.

Grow your own veggies? Orin Martin offers tips for novice gardeners

Orin Martin is delighted that people are responding to the coronavirus pandemic with a desire to grow their own veggies, and he has lots of knowledge to share—as well as one plea: Be sure to plant some flowers, too.

Physics undergraduate wins prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Elizabeth Yunerman, a junior studying physics and astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz, has been named a 2020 Goldwater Scholar by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.

Updated guidance on campus operations based on extended Shelter in Place Order issued by the Santa Cruz Health Department

The UC Santa Cruz community continues to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are being proactive in maximizing physical distancing, while maintaining the critical operations needed to support students and employees who continue to live on campus, to facilitate remote learning, and to ensure the campus infrastructure is maintained and campus facilities are safe.

UCSC researchers are taking on the coronavirus challenge on multiple fronts

From developing diagnostic tests to conducting surveys of infection prevalence, campus researchers are doing what they can in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moving Services to Pack and Ship Belongings

If you have already left campus and are unable to return to retrieve your belongings personally, you may need to contract with a personal moving service to pack your belongings and ship them to you.

Filling out census forms

An accurate 2020 census will help UC Santa Cruz immensely, and campus needs your help to ensure that happens!

Supporting student employees during period of COVID-19

COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for us. Among those many challenges is the question of whether and how we can continue to employ students. I’m writing with thoughts related to this question.

Realignment of campus compliance organizations: Equity and Equal Protection Office

We are pleased to announce the realignment of existing campus compliance organizations into a single campus Equity and Equal Protection Office.The Office of Equity and Equal Protection will be comprised of the Title IX Office, the Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Office, the UCSC ADA Program, and the UCSC Whistleblower Program.

SHR announces tentative timeline for Talent Acquisition Management system

SHR announces tentative timeline for Talent Acquisition Management system.

Vice Chancellor Peggy Delaney retiring

Need to Complete Move-out of UCSC Residence

We are writing to urge you to promptly complete your move-out as soon as you are able to do so.

Notice of Mandatory Housing Relocation

In response to COVID-19, UC Santa Cruz has taken steps to dramatically and immediately reduce the number of people living on campus.

Emergency notification: Confirmed case of COVID-19 at UCSC

We write to share that the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency confirmed today that a student member of the UC Santa Cruz community has tested positive for COVID-19. The student lives off campus and has been self-isolating since being tested. The student was last on campus March 16 and is doing well.

Postdoctoral fellowship supports planetary science research

Elizabeth Bailey has won a 51 Pegasi b Fellowship from the Heising-Simons Foundation for research at UC Santa Cruz on exoplanets and the formation of planetary systems.

California Sea Grant funds sustainable aquaculture project

Pallab Sarker, an associate research professor in environmental studies, has received support from the Coastal Sea Grant program to fund his research into the development of sustainable feed for farmed fish.

Campus to host an additional scoping session for Long Range Development Plan

UC Santa Cruz has announced an additional online scoping session to provide people with another opportunity to provide public input for its Long Range Development Plan.

UCSC Zoom Service Changes

In response to COVID-19, ITS has implemented the following changes to the campus Zoom service that make it easier and safer for everyone at UCSC to connect online.

Grad student wins support for Joshua tree research

Daniel Hastings, a graduate student in environmental studies, has received a research fellowship award to support his work studying the effects of climate change on the Joshua tree.

UCSC grad students win funding for research on salmon and coastal resilience

California Sea Grant has awarded funding to two UC Santa Cruz graduate students for research projects involving restoration of salmon populations and management strategies for resilient coastal communities.

Alumna Laura Helmuth appointed editor-in-chief of 'Scientific American'

Laura Helmuth, a graduate of the UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Program, has been named the new editor-in-chief of 'Scientific American'.

Orin Martin recognized for 'Fruit Trees for Every Garden'

Orin Martin's book 'Fruit Trees for Every Garden' has been recognized by the American Horticultural Society as one of the outstanding gardening books of 2019.

UC Issues new Presidential Policy on Open Access for Theses and Dissertations

The new policy was developed in response to a March 2016 request from the Systemwide Library and Scholarly Information Advisory Committee (SLASIAC)

Recruiting raptors for rodent control along the Pajaro River levee

UCSC’s Predatory Bird Research Group is working with the Santa Cruz County Flood Control District to encourage hawks and owls to patrol the levee for rodent control.

Thousands move out as campus transitions to remote learning

As finals week wrapped up, more than 6,800 students had notified UC Santa Cruz that they planned to move off-campus for spring quarter. Another 1,300 told housing officials they planned to remain in campus housing. About 500 students have not yet shared their plans.

Beware of online employment scams

A "thank you" to our students

We write today to acknowledge the challenges you have faced over the past two weeks as we switched to remote learning and final exams, and to express our sincere gratitude for taking the changes head on. These are not easy days, and you have demonstrated resilience and patience. Thank you.

A "thank you" to our faculty

We write today to express our sincere gratitude for all that you have done and will do in the coming months to continue to provide instruction to our students.

Campus directive during statewide stay-at-home order

Our community has pulled together in positive ways in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The current Santa Cruz County and Santa Clara County shelter-in-place orders, plus last night’s statewide stay-at-home order, mandate that we be more explicit in how we respond to this growing public health challenge.

COVID-19 FAQ Working with Staff Human Resources

In light of the quantity and speed of changes affecting our campus community, Staff Human Resources has developed a page of FAQs to help all of us navigate SHR services and processes during this evolving situation.

Directive regarding remote instruction and research

We write to provide clarity regarding who should and should not be coming to work at all campus locations to perform duties related to remote instruction and research consistent with the procedures that the campus has now established for providing remote learning and essential research continuity. This directive supersedes all earlier communications.

A "thank you" to our staff

We write today to express our sincere gratitude for all that you have done and will do in the coming months to continue to support our students, our faculty, our research, and the mission of UC Santa Cruz.

Candidates for CPEVC to make virtual campus visits

As you are aware, our campus is conducting a search for a campus provost and executive vice chancellor. At the beginning of April, we plan to have three candidates visit campus "virtually," using remote technology to accommodate the shelter-in-place and social-distancing practices necessitated by COVID-19.

Campus-wide - ePerformance Launch

The UCPath staff performance appraisal management tool, ePerformance, will be rolling out to the campus in April 2020. This module will replace the previous appraisal tool (appraisals.ucsc.edu) with a secure, online evaluation platform through UCPath.

Responding to requests for campus assistance

As UC Santa Cruz continues to manage its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, campus employees may be asked directly to lend assistance and support for our local partners.

ACTION REQUIRED TODAY: Undergraduate, Graduate and Family Student Housing Tenants

In order to dramatically and immediately reduce the density on campus, we strongly urge all students who can leave campus to do so by Sunday, March 29. Travel to return to your permanent residence is encouraged and permissible.

Executive order from Governor Newsom

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a new statewide order this evening requiring residents to stay at home or at their place of residence except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. The order goes into effect tonight; no end date has been set at this time. Anyone who does leave their house should maintain a social distance of at least six feet.

Intellectual property and copyright in course materials during COVID-19 remote teaching: information and language for instructors

As faculty prepare to deliver more instruction remotely, using videoconferencing and related tools, we are providing this brief review of rules on copyright, both for protecting your own copyright, and respecting the rights of others.

CANCELLED - Planned Campuswide Electrical Shutdowns (3/21 & 3/28)

These shutdowns, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, and Saturday, March 28, have been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date. As a result, campus electrical services will not be interrupted as originally planned.

Tracking data used to identify biodiversity hot spots in Southern Ocean ecosystems

An international team of scientists used electronic tracking data from birds and marine mammals to identify areas of ecological significance in the waters around Antarctica.

Important information on filling out census forms

The U.S. Constitution requires the country to conduct a census every 10 years. The U.S. Census Bureau aims to have every person who lives in the country, regardless of their citizenship, fill out a census form. The results help determine federal funding for many campus areas including adult education, science education including agriculture and engineering, wellness programs, health and mental health services, and financial aid in the form of Pell Grants.

Tools for Remote Instruction

Here is information about recommended digital tools to use for Remote Instruction.

Campus Housing and Operations Update

The emergence of COVID-19 is presenting unprecedented challenges for communities all across the country. As COVID-19 mitigation actions escalate across the country, our campus is making additional changes to our operations.

Administrative leave with pay

Guidance for employees and supervisors regarding the use of paid administrative leave pursuant to President Napolitano’s Executive Order dated March 16, 2020

On-Campus Parking and Transportation Update

Please be advised that effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020 through Tuesday, April 7, 2020, permit requirements for regular, non-reserved parking spaces on the residential campus, Coastal Science Campus and Westside Research Park will be temporarily suspended.

New understanding of immune modulator interleukin-2 guides drug discovery

A new study shows how IL-2’s flexible structure governs its effects on the immune system, providing crucial information for harnessing its therapeutic potential.

How to #keepteaching and #keeplearning during a pandemic

Jody Greene is eager—almost desperate—to help her colleagues who are facing the unprecedented challenge of shifting to remote instruction for the entire spring quarter.

Temporary cessation of non-essential on-campus research operations

As you know, we are in the midst of a dangerous global pandemic and the County of Santa Cruz has issued a Shelter in Place Order for all residents. For the safety of our campus community, we are now in the process of winding down all but essential on-campus operations.

Do not use thermal heating packs on campus

Police and fire officials urge students who remain in campus housing to avoid the use of thermal heating packs to heat food.

UC Santa Cruz campus was ready for its close-up

Producers of 'Devs,' the new sci-fi thriller that premiered March 5 on Hulu, were looking for just the right location to depict a high-tech corporate campus with a tinge of dystopia. It needed to look like Northern California — sort of Silicon Valley-ish — and it needed to say science and tech. UC Santa Cruz was the right place at the right time.

ALL remote instruction for spring quarter and changes in library hours

I write today to announce that the suspension of in-person instruction, lectures and discussion sections, extended to the full spring quarter, will include all labs, studios, field research, and field study courses.

Timing is key for parents who want to help children learn at museums, say researchers

Children's museums can be a challenging environment for parents who feel the urge to explain the science behind all the novel activities that dazzle youngsters. New research suggests that timing is key to supporting children's learning in these environments.

Two programs will support undergrads in research, service learning, and peer mentoring

Undergraduates in the Division of Social Sciences will soon benefit from two programs that will provide paid opportunities to do research, engage in service learning, and mentor their peers.

Operational changes to Dining Services - March 16 - 20, 2020

In Memoriam: J. Casey Moore (1945–2020)

Casey Moore, professor emeritus of Earth and planetary sciences, died on Wednesday, March 11.

Study shows widely used machine learning methods don’t work as claimed

Researchers demonstrated the mathematical impossibility of representing social networks and other complex networks using popular methods of ‘low-dimensional embeddings’.

At-home Internet Options for UCSC

In preparation to study and work from home and other remote locations in spring quarter, it is important that we have fast and reliable internet service. Several internet providers are offering free or special offers because of the impacts of COVID-19. Students may want to check their local provider for any student discounts.

In Memoriam: Lloyd Robinson (1929–2020)

Lloyd Burdette Robinson died peacefully in his sleep on March 12, 2020. He was 90.

Campus operations impacted by Shelter in Place Order through April 7

In light of new actions by the county health officer, UC Santa Cruz is announcing changes that will apply to campus operations at its locations in Santa Cruz County.

Spring 2020 Intent to Vacate / Express Checkout Process

As outlined earlier today by Chancellor Larive, remote instruction for lecture and discussion sections, originally announced through April 3, will extend for the entire spring quarter.

COVID-19 operational changes extending into spring quarter

As outlined earlier today by Chancellor Larive, remote instruction for lecture and discussion sections, originally announced through April 3, will extend for the entire spring quarter.

UCSC to adopt remote instruction for duration of the spring quarter

I write today to announce that the suspension of in-person instruction, lectures and discussion sections is now extended to the full spring quarter. We also will continue with remote final exams at the end of spring quarter, June 8-12.

Guidance for Responding to Reports of COVID-19 exposures and/or positive test results

We write to offer guidance for when you hear from staff who are concerned about exposure to COVID-19, who are being tested for COVID-19, and/or who may have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in their close community of relatives and friends.

New book debunks myths about who causes crime and why

Craig Haney, a distinguished professor of psychology, is the author of the new book Criminality in Context: The Psychological Foundations of Criminal Justice Reform, a comprehensive analysis of 40 years of research into the root causes of criminal behavior.

Instructional Computer Labs and Computing Stations Update - COVID-19 Impact

This morning, ITS closed some of the instructional computer labs because we are taking preventative measures against COVID-19 and asked our student workers to follow guidance from

UCSC thin-film expertise to help develop NASA’s next generation of space telescopes

Engineer Nobuhiko Kobayashi's expertise in thin-film technology could improve the performance of NASA’s next generation of space telescopes.

Changes to vision talk format for Vice Chancellor of University Relations candidates

In order to align with the COVID-19 public event guidance issued yesterday, we are canceling the Vice Chancellor of University Relations candidate in-person vision talks scheduled to take place this month.

COVID-19 Guidance for supervisors and managers

Working during this unusual time in response to the COVID-19 emergency requires flexibility and modifications to our normal practices. This message addresses several temporary changes we are making to our regular human resources policies to ensure we are maximizing the safety of our community members while continuing to deliver on our educational and research mission.

Astronomers use slime mold model to reveal dark threads of the cosmic web

The problem-solving prowess of a simple slime mold has been harnessed to trace the large-scale structure of the universe.

Research shows mangrove conservation can pay for itself in flood protection

A new global study shows that mangroves provide billions of dollars worth of flood risk reduction benefits every year.

Operational changes in response to COVID-19 virus

As outlined earlier this morning by Chancellor Larive, UC Santa Cruz is making adjustments to the delivery of classes and the administration of final exams in response to the COVID-19 virus. While we do not have a confirmed case on campus, there are confirmed cases in Santa Cruz County, and we are working to be proactive in supporting the health and safety of our campus community.

Suspension of in-person classes and final exams

Earlier today, the Chancellor announced new actions designed to help limit coronavirus (COVID-19) risk on campus. In recent days we have seen the continued spread of COVID-19 around the world and now here in Santa Cruz County.

URGENT: UC Santa Cruz suspending in-person classes in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Today we are implementing new campus actions designed to help limit coronavirus (COVID-19) risk on campus. Importantly, there are no confirmed cases on our campus at this time; however, we recently learned that a second case has been identified in Santa Cruz County and the number of cases in neighboring Santa Clara County continues to rise.

Grad student Melissa Cronin wins Seafood Sustainability Contest

The $45,000 prize will support Cronin’s efforts to to reduce the mortality of manta rays and devil rays incidentally caught during tuna fishing.

Campus Advisory

UC Santa Cruz graduate students started an open-ended strike On Feb. 11, 2020. Organizers have said they will not be leading sections, grading assignments, holding office hours, and/or conducting research. Demonstration activity at the base of campus is also anticipated.

Preparing for possible campus suspension of in-person instruction and examinations

As outlined in a previous campus communication, UCSC is continuing to take precautionary steps to prepare the campus for scenarios where COVID-19 makes large gatherings unsafe.

Systemwide review of revised UC policy on Protection of Human Subjects in Research

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on proposed revisions to Presidential Policy on Protection of Human Subjects in Research.

UC Santa Cruz preparation for coronavirus

Though there are no confirmed cases of the virus here on our campus, the first confirmed case could very well happen on campus at any time. We want to be as prepared as possible so we can move quickly should we need to.

Taking a moment to say thank you

We want to take a moment to thank you for all you do to support our campus community.

Update on grade withholding and spring quarter enrollments

I want to recognize your continued patience as we work through the effects of the unsanctioned graduate student strike. This has been a difficult year — you endured power outages in the fall, and more recently the withholding of fall quarter grades, and now the winter quarter teaching strike which has impeded your access to classes, sections, and labs. You have faced significant disruption and uncertainty over the past three months.

Update on COVID-19 (coronavirus)

UC Santa Cruz leaders continue to closely monitor the dynamic COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation and are in regular communication with local and state health officials. Your health and wellbeing are our number one priority and we are doing all we can to support a safe and healthy environment for everyone in our campus community.

Campus power shutdowns on March 21 and 28

The campus must install and test equipment for the new photovoltaic system. To complete this work, a power shutdown is required. On both March 21 and March 28, campus power will be shut off, allowing contractors to install and test all the equipment required to connect the photovoltaic system to the campus power grid.

Interview for VC-UR finalists

UC Santa Cruz is recruiting for a vice chancellor of University Relations. In the next few weeks, four finalists for the position will participate in interviews on campus.

Maintaining educational continuity in the context of COVID-19

We write to share best practices for instructors and academic units, for the educational benefit of our students. The goal of this preparation and planning is to minimize educational impacts should participation in coursework become difficult for health reasons for academic staff or students. If you encounter challenges, please consult with your department/program chair or college provost. Units should work closely with their dean’s office.

Elaine Sullivan uses 3D technologies to peel away the layers of history

A new "born-digital" publication by UC Santa Cruz associate history professor Elaine Sullivan takes a fresh look at the ancient Egyptian burial site of Saqqara to demonstrate how it has evolved over more than 2,500 years.

Genomics Institute COVID-19 Precautions

In an abundance of caution, UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute staff have been advised to telecommute this week, and to avoid the university’s Westside Research Park facility at 2300 Delaware Ave.

Karen Holl publishes a "primer" on ecological restoration

Karen Holl has introduced hundreds of undergraduates to ecological restoration, and now she has published the book she wishes had been available when she first stepped into the classroom.

Information sessions set for March 12 to review LRDP Environmental Impact Report process

Public agencies and members of the public are invited to two scoping sessions to learn more about the environmental review process for the UC Santa Cruz proposed Long Range Development Plan

Presentation on zombie insects wins Grad Slam top award

Engineer Heiner Litz wins NSF CAREER Award for data storage research

Heiner Litz, assistant professor of computer science and engineering, has received a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Updates and information on the coronavirus (COVID-19)

For now, the most important thing is for you to do is stay home and seek medical care if you’re feeling sick, especially if you develop a cough or a high temperature. Students should call the Student Health Center at 831-459-2591 for instructions on self-care or to make an appointment.

Vote in Tuesday’s election

Tuesday, March 3, is the Presidential Primary Election in California.

Update on grade strike

As you are likely aware, in an effort to better support our Ph.D. and MFA students and help address the very legitimate financial concerns they have raised, we announced and implemented a number of new campus programs to help alleviate their financial burdens – and we are working together to provide greater levels of support.

UC Santa Cruz leads collaboration to speed wound healing with a novel smart bandage

With up to $16 million in funding from DARPA, UC Santa Cruz engineers will work with doctors and scientists at UC Davis and Tufts University to develop bioelectronic intelligent control of wound regeneration.

Geographers recognize Guthman book, Wilted, about the strawberry industry

Julie Guthman has been awarded the 2019 Meridian Book Award for Outstanding Scholarly Work in Geography for her book, Wilted.

Five UC Santa Cruz astronomers are among the first class of AAS Fellows

The American Astronomical Society has designated an initial group of more than 200 Legacy Fellows, including five faculty members in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz.

Chancellor announces workgroup, advisory committee to support graduate students

Chancellor Cynthia Larive announced a new Senate-Administrative Graduate Education working group to develop a comprehensive, actionable plan for strengthening graduate education and a Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Graduate Education.

Heising-Simons Foundation supports exoplanet imaging projects at UC Santa Cruz

Three new grants totaling $2.4 million will fund work at UCSC on new instruments and technologies to support research on planets beyond our solar system.

Campus community input needed for grassland management plan

Justin Luong is trying to prioritize different campus grasslands for protection, given campus enrollment goals, sustainability goals, and the long range development plan.

Clarification of programs offered to graduate students

Last week, acting Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies Quentin Williams and I met with graduate students, department chairs, and faculty regarding the grading and teaching strike. We came away with a strong sense of our shared commitment to supporting our graduate students. We also heard genuine confusion about the quality and scope of these programs. In an effort to find a way forward together as a community, I would like to clarify the programs and describe new details that resulted from our conversations.

In Memoriam: Thomas Schleich (1938–2020)

CP/EVC recruitment update

Twelve grad students to showcase work during Grad Slam

The event returns to the Kuumbwa Jazz Center at 320-2 Cedar St. in Santa Cruz and is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Planned power outage scheduled for March 21, March 28

On March 21st and March 28th the campus will be shut-down to install all the required equipment to connect a new photovoltaic system to the campus grid and perform testing.

UC Santa Cruz joins national "tech for social good" network

UC Santa Cruz has been accepted into a new national network of colleges and universities that have made an explicit commitment to developing technology that will advance the public interest.

Campus conference to inaugurate new ‘Helene Moglen Lecture in Feminism and Humanities’

UC Santa Cruz will present Writing for Living, a conference in honor of emeritus dean of humanities and literature professor Helene Moglen (1936-2018), on March 13-14 at the Humanities Division.

Aquaculture to benefit people and the environment

Two graduate students have received a one-year, $150,000 grant to create environmentally sound seaweed and sea cucumber farms on the coasts of Kenya and The Gambia.

Norris Center aims to inspire naturalists across campus

Jessica Correa has loved insects since she was a little girl. Today she is an instructor with the Bird School Project. The Norris Center for Natural History gave her the support that launched her career in environmental education.

Researchers get a ‘whale’s-eye view’ of Antarctic sea ice

Cameras attached to a rare species of Antarctic whale are giving scientists an unprecedented view of how the whales survive in their sea ice habitat.

Chancellor Cynthia Larive's remarks to the UC Santa Cruz Academic Senate

Art professor’s exhibition in Spain addresses algae and climate change

UC Santa Cruz art professor Jennifer Parker believes that algae are an “unsung hero of the planet”--noting that these photosynthetic organisms produce one half of the total global oxygen, while absorbing one third of the carbon dioxide produced worldwide...

Van Williams, vice chancellor of information technology, talks diversity

In recognition of Black History Month, UC's Office of the President interviewed Vice Chancellor of Information Technology Van Williams, a UC thought leader on diversity and inclusion initiatives.

An open letter from President Janet Napolitano to faculty, staff and students at UC Santa Cruz

UC President Janet Napolitano addresses the unsanctioned strike at UC Santa Cruz.

Graduate student strike update

Interim Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Lori Kletzer provides an update on the campus's work to bring the unsanctioned strike by some graduate students to an end.

Statement on Feb. 12 protest, arrests

Wednesday, officers arrested 17 participants who ignored dispersal orders that were repeated over approximately 20 minutes--requests to move out of the city intersection of Bay and High streets and onto the university field to continue their demonstration.

Using isotopes to reconstruct life histories within the transatlantic slave trade

Four hundred years after the displacement of millions of Africans began, anthropologist Vicky Oelze wants to use isotope biogeochemistry to trace back and identify the origins of individuals who were abducted and perished in the Americas.

Bringing new perspectives to astronomy

An array of grants from the Heising-Simons Foundation is helping UC Santa Cruz accelerate astrophysics and other sciences while changing what we think an astrophysicist looks like

Both entrances to campus open

Today’s picketing by some graduate students and their supporters at the entrances of the residential campus is winding down. Both the main and west entrances to campus are open, and traffic is flowing freely.

Be ready to vote in March 3 primary election

Tuesday, March 3 is California’s Primary Election. There are several important matters on the ballot, including primary elections for federal, state and local offices in addition to several local and state initiatives. Voting is a citizen's fundamental right, and UC Santa Cruz urges you to let your voice be heard.

Both campus entrances/exits are open

Today’s unsanctioned labor action by some graduate students and their supporters, with picketing and other activities at the main entrance of the residential campus, has concluded. Both the main and west entrances to campus are open.

Picketing near main entrance | campus open

Some UC Santa Cruz graduate students have started an unsanctioned, open-ended labor strike today with picketing and other activities at the main entrance of the residential campus.

Opportunities for dialogue

On January 27, Chancellor Larive announced two new programs to support our graduate students. Despite these efforts, we were disappointed that some of our TAs—200 of whom continue to withhold grades—last week threatened to escalate their activity to a full teaching strike.

Unsanctioned strike by some graduate students

Some UC Santa Cruz graduate students have announced they will begin an unsanctioned, open-ended labor strike starting on Monday, Feb. 10.

2019 Novel Coronavirus

This letter serves to update everyone with accurate information obtained from the CDC and state communicable disease specialists.

Coronavirus genome posted on the UCSC Genome Browser

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute is facilitating research into the novel coronavirus that has infected thousands of people since an outbreak began in Wuhan, China, last year.

Unsanctioned strike by some graduate students

While campus leaders have recently been in dialogue with leaders of the Graduate Student Association to prevent escalating strike activities, the campus community should be ready in the event of strike activities Monday. 

Use of temporary Pass (P) grading

Having received concurrence from the Academic Senate Committee on Educational Policy (CEP), I have asked University Registrar Sanger to make available the Pass (P) grade as an option for letter-graded undergraduates as an interim measure.

Humanities Institute launches new ‘Deep Read’ initiative with spotlight on Margaret Atwood

The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz has launched “The Deep Read,” a new initiative that invites the campus—and the community at large—to take a deep dive into literature, art, and the most pressing issues of the day.

Women's Rugby celebrates 40 years

The UC Santa Cruz Women's Rugby team celebrates its 40-year history, including numerous titles and hundreds of friendships.

Stevenson College: An inclusive, collaborative social atmosphere

Stevenson College was built on a legacy of responsibility, engagement, and mutual understanding, preparing students to become leaders and to make positive social change in their communities.

Proposed hydropower dams pose threat to Gabon’s fishes

Proposed hydropower dams in Gabon pose a substantial threat to the African nation’s most culturally and economically important fishes, according to a new study.

Unprecedented study yields most comprehensive map of cancer genomes to date

Pan-Cancer Project discovers causes of previously unexplained cancers, pin-points cancer-causing events, and zeros in on mechanisms of development.

Limiting non-essential travel to China

To protect the health of the university community in the midst of a dynamic situation with the coronavirus, the UC Office of the President has directed that faculty, staff, and students should avoid all non-essential travel to China.

Engineering speaker series highlights diverse voices in tech

The Baskin School of Engineering is presenting Diverse Voices 2020, a professional speaker series running through May 14 and featuring a diverse group of industry leaders, including alum Tara Hernandez.

Craig Haney testifies before committee charged with revising state's penal code

Craig Haney, distinguished professor of psychology, was the only witness to testify during the first meeting of the newly formed Committee on Revision of the Penal Code.

Campus health officials closely monitoring coronavirus

UC Santa Cruz health officials are closely monitoring the coronavirus and, in coordination with county officials, preparing to manage any outbreaks in our campus community.

Lighting project advances carbon neutrality

A lighting retrofit in Humanities Buildings 1 and 2 has resulted in a 20 percent energy reduction in the buildings’ energy use.

Yesterday’s employee housing survey email

You all should have received two emails yesterday afternoon about our new housing survey, which provides an opportunity to provide important feedback on your housing experience and preferences.

UCSC taking art/science LASER talk series downtown for special evening at Rio Theater

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, the Institute of the Arts and Sciences will bring its local LASER—now in its seventh year of quarterly talks on campus—downtown for a special evening at the Rio Theater in Santa Cruz, beginning at 7 p.m.

UC Santa Cruz hosts Bang Bang Con West conference February 29 and March 1

The two-day conference of ten-minute talks about the joy, excitement, and surprise of computing returns to UCSC after a sold-out inaugural event last year.

In Memoriam: Jonathan Kahana (1966-2019)

Study connects marine heat wave with spike in whale entanglements

Entanglements of humpback whales in fishing gear along the U.S. West Coast increased dramatically during the 2014 to 2016 marine heat wave known as the ‘warm blob’.

Seismic biomarkers in Japan Trench fault zone reveal history of large earthquakes

Researchers found multiple faults with evidence of more than 10 meters of slip during past large earthquakes in the region hit by the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake and tsunami.

New graduate student programs: FAQ

Additional information is available for the two new programs to support graduate students.

Community alert: Seeking assistance with burglaries, fraud, and thefts

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community’s help in investigating a rash of crimes that began Jan. 8, 2020.

Jenny Reardon named a fellow of The Hastings Center

Jenny Reardon, professor of sociology and the founding director of the Science and Justice Research Center, has been named a fellow of The Hastings Center, a leader in the field of bioethics.

Graduate student funds for travel to Latin America available through RCA

New funding is available for graduate students traveling to Latin America to conduct preliminary research, thanks to a grant from the Tinker Foundation and matching funds from the university that were received by the Research Center for the Americas.

Mathematician François Monard wins NSF CAREER Award

Grant supports research on problems in integral geometry, the mathematics behind medical imaging and other applications.

MyUCSC Planned Outage, Jan. 25

MyUCSC and affiliated AIS systems will be unavailable Saturday, Jan. 25, from 8 AM to 5 PM for routine system maintenance.

Information about the coronavirus

We know that many of you are concerned about the recent appearance of the coronavirus. Although there have been no confirmed cases on campus, we want to provide you with some information about how to protect your health.

Questions That Matter: Reporting the Middle East and the future of investigative journalism

The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz will present "Reporting the Middle East and the Future of Investigative Journalism"—the sixth installment of its Questions That Matter series—on Feb. 4 at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in downtown Santa Cruz.

Campus reaches new contract with skilled trades employees

I am pleased to announce that UC Santa Cruz has reached a new four-year contract with its skilled trades employees.

Information about potential sick out

The University has become aware that certain academic student employees (ASEs) may be planning on a sick out on Wednesday, Jan. 22 in order to attend the Regents meeting in San Francisco.

In death of dinosaurs, it was all about the asteroid — not volcanoes

Volcanic activity did not play a direct role in the mass extinction event that killed the dinosaurs, according to an international team of researchers.

The carbon footprint of dinner: How "green" are fish sticks?

Fish sticks may be a tasty option for dinner, but are they good for the planet? A new study of the climate impacts of seafood products reveals that the processing of Alaskan pollock into fish sticks, imitation crab, and fish fillets generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.

$2.6 million grant funds program to increase diversity of conservation leaders

New funding for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at UC Santa Cruz builds on the program’s successes in training the next generation of diverse conservation leaders.

‘We The Enemy’ solo show by artist Carlos Motta explores the politics of borders

'We the Enemy,' the first West Coast solo exhibition of artworks by internationally acclaimed artist Carlos Motta, opens at the Sesnon Gallery on Jan. 23. It will be accompanied by 'Bodies on the Border,' a symposium at UCSC and SFMOMA, organized by the artist in collaboration with UCSC's Institute of the Arts and Sciences.

CITRIS Core Seed Funding program invites proposals for 2020

The 2020 CITRIS Core Seed Funding program is now open for submissions.

Engineer, philanthropist Jack Baskin dies at age 100

Jack Baskin, an entrepreneur and major philanthropic supporter of UC Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz community, died at his home in Carmel on January 12.

Global study of street networks reveals growing urban sprawl

Local streets of the world’s cities are becoming less connected, part of a global trend that is driving urban sprawl and discouraging the use of public transportation.

Sad news on campus benefactor Jack Baskin

It saddens me to announce the passing of Jack Baskin, an engineer and entrepreneur whose philanthropy helped shape modern-day UC Santa Cruz.

Participate in a campus climate research study

The purpose of the study is to gather a wide range of data related to campus climate, diversity efforts and inclusive practices, and work-life concerns so that campus leadership is better informed about the quality of living and working environments for students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented communities on campus.

Astronomer Sandra Faber awarded Royal Astronomical Society’s Gold Medal

The Royal Astronomical Society has awarded its Gold Medal in Astronomy to Sandra Faber, professor emerita of astronomy and astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz.

Public conversation about race and racial reconciliation on Jan. 22

Racial reconciliation and the future of race in America will be the subject of a public conversation with scholars Alondra Nelson and Herman Gray on Wednesday, January 22, at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center.

Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor to kick off ‘Beyond the End of the World’ lecture series

The Humanities Institute and the Center for Creative Ecologies at UC Santa Cruz will launch the "Beyond the End of the World" lecture series with award-winning author Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, on January 23, at the Music Center Recital Hall.

ITS Update from VC Williams

Happy 2020! The start of a new quarter provides an ideal time to reflect and share news about Information Technology Services - what we’ve been up to and where we’re heading.

Seeking assistance with campus vandalism incidents

UC Santa Cruz police are seeking the campus community’s help in the investigation of a series of vandalism incidents that have occurred throughout campus since Friday.

Arts professor’s anthology named one of 'Best Art Books of the Decade'

'Chicano and Chicana Art: A Critical Anthology'--a diverse collection of essays edited by UCSC history of art and visual culture professor Jennifer González--has been named one of the "Best Art Books of the Decade" by ArtNews.

$1 million gift creates William Wallace Campbell Director’s Fund for Lick Observatory

A new endowment honoring the third director of Lick Observatory will support current and future directors’ priorities for the observatory.

Microsoft Windows 7 Support Ends on January 14, 2020

Microsoft will end support of Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. When a vendor ends support, it can lead to security vulnerabilities, software incompatibility, compliance issues, and poor computer performance and reliability. It's important that your computer is running the latest supported software and operating system.

Biologist Jordan Ward wins NSF CAREER Award

Jordan Ward, assistant professor of molecular, cell, and developmental biology, has received a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation.

Update on UC’s seismic safety initiative

The safety of our campus community is our highest priority and reflected in our continuous work to improve seismic resilience on campus.

Biodiesel for buses cuts carbon footprint

By switching to renewable diesel fuel, UC Santa Cruz has significantly reduced the amount of carbon emitted from its student shuttles and other fleet vehicles.

Labor demonstration near main entrance | campus open

The AFSCME union’s Skilled Trades unit has informed UC Santa Cruz that its members are going out on strike beginning today, and will remain out indefinitely.

Information about fall grades and guidance for students and faculty

Eighty percent of fall quarter grades have been submitted. Grades belong to the students who earned them, and we will continue to work toward full grade submission.

UC Santa Cruz helps develop Egyptian Center of Excellence for Water

UC Santa Cruz is partnering with the American University in Cairo, nine other Egyptian and U.S.-based universities, and industry partners to help Egypt make the most of its limited water supply.

Food and anti-corporate globalization activist Vandana Shiva coming to campus Jan. 25-26

The public is invited to attend two events with legendary food activist Vandana Shiva, who will be at UC Santa Cruz on January 25 and 26.

UCPath is here!

We are delighted to report that UCPath is now live at UC Santa Cruz. UCPath is the University of California’s new Human Resources and Payroll Management system.