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March 2021 News Archive

March 31, 2021
Seymour Center plans for physical reopening as virtual programs continue to expand their reach
Seymour Center Outdoors!, a new in-person outdoor education program, is scheduled to open to the general public on April
March 31, 2021
Postdoctoral fellowships support planetary science research
Emily Martin and Melodie Kao have won 51 Pegasi b Fellowships to support their research on
March 31, 2021
Community alert - post-incident advisory
At 2:41 p.m. Tuesday, the UC Santa Cruz Police Department received a request for assistance from the City of Santa Cruz Police Department to block traffic to support its response to a person armed with a firearm in the area of Laurel Drive and California Street in their jurisdiction.
March 30, 2021
Marking fifth year, Center for Innovations in Teaching and Learning plays vital role in campus mission
The center will celebrate its fifth anniversary April 14 with a convocation featuring Estela Bensimon, professor of higher education at the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education and director of the Center for Urban Education, which she founded in 1999.
March 30, 2021
Spring quarter transportation options
Spring has sprung, Slugs, and TAPS is here to help you get where you need to go this quarter.
March 30, 2021
Opening up offices and lab/studio spaces for research purposes
Effective immediately, we are shifting from a by-approval-only process for the use of offices and labs/studios for research purposes to an open-by-default model for research purposes, with guidelines for how to continue to prioritize health and well-being in these spaces.
March 30, 2021
UC Santa Cruz programs ranked in ‘Best Graduate Schools’ survey
The latest survey by U.S. News and World Report released rankings for graduate schools across the country, and UC Santa Cruz programs were evaluated in engineering, economics, history, sociology, education, and political science.
March 30, 2021
Forthcoming survey on UC Santa Cruz public safety and policing
Later this week we will send a survey to all in our campus community to gather perspectives about campus safety and the role of campus police.
March 29, 2021
Teens describe their gender and sexuality in diverse new ways, but some are being left behind
Psychology Professor Phil Hammack’s latest research shows how regional differences and other social factors can either hinder or support expression of diversity in sexual and gender identity among
March 29, 2021
Health center pivots to provide services through pandemic
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UC Santa Cruz Student Health Center had to quickly change everything it was doing while remaining open for
March 29, 2021
Campus launches credit-bearing summer orientation
The Slug Orientation courses will orient students to our campus and to university life, while promoting community-building and effective habits of mind for academic success.
March 25, 2021
Changes in ocean chemistry show how sea level affects global carbon cycle
A new analysis of strontium isotopes reveals how the global carbon cycle has responded to changes in climate and sea level through geologic
March 25, 2021
Staff member guides students on path to higher education
Osiris Ortiz has spent nearly two decades helping the regions high school students pursue four-year degrees through her work at the Educational Partnership Center.
March 25, 2021
UC Santa Cruz faculty recognized for excellence in ecology
The Ecological Society of America announced its 2021 Fellow and Early Career Fellow awards, and UC Santa Cruz’s faculty were the most decorated of any university on this
March 25, 2021
UCSC ecologist Erika Zavaleta appointed to California Fish and Game Commission
Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Erika Zavaleta, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz, to the California Fish and Game Commission.
March 24, 2021
Three decades of connections, encouragement, and programs
UCSC's African American Resource and Cultural Center, this year celebrating its 30th anniversary, has created meaningful change for students of color and become a key part of the
March 24, 2021
Finalists for Dean of Graduate Studies making virtual campus visits
Starting Thursday, April 1, five finalists for the position of Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies will be visiting our campus virtually.
March 23, 2021
'Another glass ceiling shattered'
UC Santa Cruz student Gina Schneider became a part of history as one of the first women in the U.S. to achieve the rank of Eagle
March 23, 2021
Update on fall quarter instructional planning
We write today to provide an update on our instructional planning for the fall 2021 quarter.
March 22, 2021
Founding UC Santa Cruz professor and revered literary and cultural critic Harry Berger Jr. dies at 96
Harry Berger Jr., professor emeritus of literature and art history at UC Santa Cruz, died on March 12, 2021, at age 96. An internationally recognized scholar and founding
March 22, 2021
Influential evolutionary biologist Barry Sinervo dies at age 60
Sinervo made landmark contributions ranging from evolutionary biology and game theory to the effects of climate change on animals and
March 22, 2021
Two UCSC research teams recognized for outstanding papers in PNAS
The Cozzarelli Prize recognizes selected papers as outstanding contributions to the scientific disciplines represented by the National Academy of
March 22, 2021
UC Santa Cruz joins AAAS Sea Change initiative
UC Santa Cruz has joined the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s SEA Change initiative in a public commitment to systemic transformation into more diverse, equitable, and
March 22, 2021
Updated proposal deadline policy
Based on these experiences and in order to ensure a manageable workload for our staff, superior quality of service for our faculty and researchers, and a streamlined process, I am shortening and firming up the deadlines and instituting a simple online approval process for exceptions, which will only be allowed in limited circumstances.
March 19, 2021
Student Health Services Closed Dates during Spring Break 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 for mandatory staff trainings on the following dates/times during Spring Break week.
March 18, 2021
UC Santa Cruz joins new consortium to ensure future of SlaveVoyages database
UC Santa Cruz has joined a newly formed consortium of institutions to ensure the preservation, stability, and future development of what has become the single most widely used
March 18, 2021
UCSC professor contributes to new study showing how parts of the US will ‘tropicalize’ as climate changes
Environmental Studies Professor Michael Loik is a coauthor on a new paper describing how warming winters are allowing some tropical plants and animals to replace temperate communities in
March 18, 2021
New analysis shows potential for ‘solar canals’ in California
UC Santa Cruz researchers and their partners published a new study that suggests covering California’s water delivery canals with solar panels could be an economically viable means of
March 18, 2021
UC Regents approve UC Santa Cruz plan to increase student housing, expand child care
Recognizing the critical role housing plays in supporting student success, the University of California Board of Regents reapproved a project that will significantly increase the number of current
March 18, 2021
Regents approve more housing for our students, child care for employees
The UC Board of Regents voted earlier today in support of a vitally important on-campus student-housing and child-care project.
March 17, 2021
For migrating elephant seals, ‘lightscapes of fear’ shape feeding, resting strategies
A new tracking study shows how elephant seals balance predator avoidance and the need to feed, shifting strategies as their body condition improves during a 7-month foraging
March 17, 2021
Statement against Anti-Asian racism and violence
This tragedy highlights an escalating pattern of anti-Asian hate crimes that we have seen in our region and country over the past year.
March 17, 2021
Kaiser Permanente offering free COVID vaccine to members and non-members in qualifying tiers
Kaiser Permanente is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations to members and non-members, as long as they are in qualifying tiers, which includes those working in education.
March 16, 2021
Campus holds first Sexual Violence Sexual Harassment Research Symposium
UC Santa Cruz will hold its first-ever research symposium — and a first for a UC campus — highlighting research by campus scholars on issues of sexual violence
March 16, 2021
UC reaches open access agreement with Elsevier
After more than two years of negotiations, this morning the University of California announced a transformative open access agreement with Elsevier, the world’s largest academic publisher.
March 16, 2021
UC Santa Cruz expands, enhances Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship program
UC Santa Cruz this fall will welcome a new cohort of postdoctoral scholars under an expanded and enhanced Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship program.
March 15, 2021
Staff Advisory Board Nomination period is now open
Are you interested in serving our campus and giving back to your fellow staff members? Consider joining the Staff Advisory Board!
March 15, 2021
Good luck on finals and stay connected through Spring Break
As we near the end of the winter quarter, I am reaching out to wish you all the best with final exams, and to remind you that the Division of Student Affairs and Success (DSAS) continues to provide support throughout your college journey, whether it be in person or remotely.
March 15, 2021
UC systemwide review of revisions to the University Police Policies and Administrative Procedures (Gold Book)
The University of California Office of the President invites comments on proposed changes to the Universitywide Police Policies and Administrative Procedures, which are applicable to UC Peace Officers.
March 15, 2021
Systemwide review of revised policy on the classification of gifts and sponsored awards
The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy on Classification of Gifts and Sponsored Awards.
March 12, 2021
'Staycation,' all I ever wanted
With travel restricted because of COVID-19, UC Santa Cruz aims to keep on-campus students entertained with a spring break 'staycation' featuring themed dining nights, scavenger hunts, kayak tours,
March 12, 2021
COVID-19 campus update as Santa Cruz county moves to red tier and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) update guidance for fully vaccinated individuals
I write to provide several updates on campus planning and changes that are unfolding in the COVID-19 pandemic landscape.
March 12, 2021
One year since our world changed
We would like to mark this anniversary with that gratitude and with hope for a future that looks very different from our past
March 11, 2021
How to live like Shakespeare
A new series of conversations about Shakespeare that explore different aspects of human experience and the human condition kicks off April 5, co-hosted by Sean Keilen, director of
March 11, 2021
Celestial heights and oceanic depths
Two of UC Santa Cruz’s most prominent trailblazers in science, astronomer Sandra Faber and alumna and former astronaut Kathryn Sullivan, spoke of risks, discoveries, and sexism in candid
March 11, 2021
Disrupting harmful food systems to prevent future pandemics
Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Maywa Montenegro de Wit is exploring how lessons from the abolition movement could help agroecology combat the agro-industrial complex to prevent future
March 10, 2021
Community Alert - Seeking assistance with burglaries, thefts
The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community’s help in investigating a series of crimes that began March 4, 2021.
March 10, 2021
Low-temperature supercapacitors could power missions to moon and Mars
UCSC researchers developed 3D-printed porous carbon aerogels for electrodes in ultralow-temperature supercapacitors, which could reduce heating needs for future space and polar missions.
March 9, 2021
A little squid and its glowing bacteria yield new clues to symbiotic relationships
A small molecule produced by bioluminescent bacteria as they colonize the light organ of the Hawaiian bobtail squid may play a key role in establishing the
March 9, 2021
As pandemic hit, conferences manager pivoted to health care
Michael Luttrell now oversees a staff of 62 students, who have been trained to help facilitate testing of asymptomatic students.
March 9, 2021
Update on COVID-19 vaccination distribution
The COVID-19 vaccination distribution model continues to shift throughout the state as Blue Shield implements the new statewide framework
March 9, 2021
Second systemwide review of revised policy on UC Native American Cultural Affiliation and Repatriation
The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy on Native American Cultural Affiliation and Repatriation.
March 8, 2021
Sea otters maintain remnants of healthy kelp forest amid sea urchin barrens
While kelp forests have declined dramatically along the California coast, sea otters in Monterey Bay are maintaining patches of healthy kelp forest, according to a new
March 8, 2021
Return to Rat Island: Conservation strategy leads to ecosystem rebound
Hawadax Island's birds and seashore ecosystem have returned to a natural balance after the removal of invasive
March 8, 2021
Encouraging Students to Share their Experiences through SETS
The Committee on Teaching (COT) has teamed up with representatives from the Student Union, Online Education, and CITL to encourage students to share their experience in the classroom by filling out the Student Experience of Teaching Surveys (SETS) at the end of each quarter.
March 8, 2021
Announcing New Undocumented Student Support Initiative
I am pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative, an 18-month campus program to enhance structural supports for undocumented students to thrive on campus and beyond, and to strengthen relationships between undocumented students, staff, and faculty at UC Santa Cruz.
March 5, 2021
Focused on student success and equity, UC Santa Cruz seeks reapproval to build more housing and child-care facilities
In an effort to provide students with more housing security amid an unrelenting housing crisis, UC Santa Cruz will seek reapproval for a project that will significantly increase
March 5, 2021
The collapse of Northern California kelp forests will be hard to reverse
Most of Northern California’s kelp forest ecosystem is gone, replaced by widespread ‘urchin barrens’ that may persist long into the future, according to a new
March 5, 2021
More housing for our students, child-care for employees
Later this month, I will seek reapproval from the Board of Regents for a vitally important campus housing and child-care project. Student Housing West, with more than 3,000 beds, a new complex for students with families, and a child-care facility that will be open to all employees, is the largest stand-alone housing project our campus has ever proposed, and would provide more desperately needed on-campus housing for our students.
March 4, 2021
Slugs roll up their sleeves to help make campus a COVID-19 success story
Low positivity rates, zero on-campus transmission, and fast testing turnaround times have made UC Santa Cruz a leader in efficient coronavirus response compared to its university
March 3, 2021
UCSC leads multicampus initiative on coastal resilience and climate adaptation
A UC-funded initiative will bring together researchers at the Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and San Diego campuses to address pressing issues for California’s coastal
March 3, 2021
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. and will have all of her expenses paid to attend graduate school
March 3, 2021
Barbara Ferrer: Advocating for justice through public health
Rachel Carson ’78, community
March 3, 2021
Girl activists are more visible than ever. Is this progress?
In the past decade, there’s been an explosion in media coverage of girl activists. Professor Jessica Taft, a leading expert in youth activism, sees opportunity in this visibility,
March 3, 2021
Shiva Abbaszadeh wins Tracy Lynn Faber Memorial Award
The award from the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging supports the advancement of women in medical imaging
March 3, 2021
Dean of Arts position finalists visiting our campus virtually
I am happy to announce that starting Monday, March 8, five finalists for the Dean of Arts position will be virtually visiting our campus.
March 3, 2021
Diverse Voices 2021: Promoting diversity in STEM education and careers
Diverse Voices, a Baskin School of Engineering professional speaker series spotlighting industry leaders and Baskin Engineering alumni, returns April 2021 for its third season.
March 3, 2021
Yuan Ping wins OpenEye award for outstanding junior faculty
The award from the American Chemical Society identifies junior stars in the area of computational
March 2, 2021
TestMe: Slugs rise to the challenge of helping to keep the campus community healthy
More than five dozen hardworking Banana Slugs are a key element of UC Santa Cruz’s TestMe asymptomatic testing program, which has administered more than 56,000 COVID-19 tests of
March 2, 2021
In Memoriam: Atharva Chinchwadkar, Oakes College
We are saddened to write to you with news of Atharva Chinchwadkar, an Oakes student, who was reported missing Sunday, February 21. It is now known that Atharva passed away in an automobile accident. Their vehicle was located February 27.
March 2, 2021
Realigning the Office of Planning and Budget with new reporting structures
Effective March 1, the Office of Planning and Budget was realigned and reporting structures changed to strengthen the effectiveness of the four units within the office and to increase transparency about campus resources. An analysis of the organizational structures of other UC campuses, consultation with Academic Senate and campus leadership, and a year of reflection and thoughtful consideration informed our thinking.
March 2, 2021
UC MBEST Speaker Series and Info Sessions
The UC MBEST Executive Committee invites you to join us for our UC Monterey Bay Education Science & Technology (UC MBEST) Speaker Series featuring leading UC-affiliated and national research park and innovation district practitioners and thought leaders.
March 2, 2021
Women's History Month a time to honor accomplishments, celebrate excellence
Women’s History Month, observed every March, recognizes, commemorates and encourages the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in U.S. history. It is the perfect
March 1, 2021
Scientists describe ‘hidden biodiversity crisis’ as variation within species is lost
Many of the benefits people receive from nature depend on diversity within species, but this intraspecific variation is poorly understood and declining