2022  Administrative Message

Welcoming our new Vice Chancellor for Information Technology

I am happy to announce that Aisha Jackson, our Vice Chancellor for Information Technology, has officially joined us.

Campus Update on Monkeypox

The Student Health Center provides an update about monkeypox and our campus response and preparedness efforts.

Center for the Advancement of STEM Leadership

The Center for the Advancement of STEM leadership has been established, effective July 1, 2022. Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz, professor of astronomy and astrophysics, will be the faculty director of the center.

Daily symptom check guidance for employees

Effective Aug. 1, the daily symptom check questionnaire will no longer be required for employees working on-site at UCSC-owned or leased facilities.

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 reports of coyotes acting aggressively or coming in proximity to people.

Road repairs on Red Hill Road

Construction crews will begin road maintenance work Monday, July 18, on Red Hill Road between the Biomedical Sciences and Interdisciplinary Sciences Buildings (ISB), with an expected completion date of Friday, August 5.

Student Health Services closed July 4

Student Health Services will be closed Monday, July 4 for the federal holiday.

Supreme Court decision revokes fundamental civil rights

We are deeply dismayed by the U.S. Supreme Court opinion issued this morning that revokes the rights of millions of Americans to make private, personal, informed choices about their health care and ultimately their lives.

Launching search for Associate Vice Chancellor for Equity and Equal Protection

We are pleased to announce the kickoff of a national recruitment for our Associate Vice Chancellor for Equity and Equal Protection.

Annual message about the California Whistleblower Protection Act

The California Government Code requires every state agency, including the University of California, to annually distribute to its employees a message from the California State Auditor that provides an explanation of the California Whistleblower Protection Act.

UCSC joins new alliance aimed at boosting Latinx doctoral students, professors

The group, officially launching today and comprising all 20 of the nation’s top research universities that are also classified as Hispanic-Serving Institutions, aims to increase opportunity for those historically underserved by higher education.

Upcoming closures for Student Health Center, SHOP, and CAPS

Student Health Services will close early on Friday, June 10, 2022 and for the full day on Monday, June 20.

COVID-19: What to do during finals week

Guidance for completing your finals amid the rise in local COVID-19 cases. This message includes information about what to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms and/or test positive for COVID-19 and are supposed to take a final.

Campus update: Gearing up for commencement; celebrating Pride month; professor among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people

This has been a remarkable academic year—from the return to largely in-person instruction to many historic moments, including the naming and dedication of John R. Lewis College and leading the effort to produce the first truly complete sequence of a human genome.

Anticipated salary increase for policy-covered staff and academic appointees, update on staff salary equity program

We are excited to share that all eligible policy-covered staff employees will receive a 4.5 percent salary increase, and senate faculty and policy-covered academic appointees will receive a 4 percent salary increase, pending approval of the state budget.

Submit feedback on Staff Appreciation Picnic

If you were able to attend the staff picnic, please fill out this form so we can gather your feedback and use it to inform future events

2022-2023 Annual Overtime Compensation Election for Represented Non-Exempt Employees

During the month of June, for the departments/units that continue to offer the option of compensatory time, employees in the bargaining units listed above can make a change to their current overtime compensation election.

SAB’s Spring Chancellor Forum

Our upcoming spring forum will be with Chancellor Cynthia Larive on 5/31/22.

Upcoming closure for Student Health Center, SHOP, and CAPS

The Student Health Center, SHOP, and CAPS announces upcoming closures.

Indoor masking is strongly encouraged

Even though masks are no longer required from the State of California and in most UC Santa Cruz facilities, their use indoors, especially in high-density spaces, is strongly recommended.

Welcoming our new Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success

I am happy to announce that Akirah J. Bradley-Armstrong, our new Vice Chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs and Success, has officially joined us.

Sad news regarding former Chancellor Karl S. Pister

Karl S. Pister, who devoted a remarkable 70 years to the University of California and to expanding educational opportunities for students, died Saturday, May 14, at his home in Walnut Creek. He was 96

Motorcyclists to ride through campus on Sunday to raise money for cancer research

The ride will begin at Porter and Kresge colleges and make its way through campus before ending in downtown Santa Cruz.

Rejecting hate, violence, and intolerance

Our hearts go out to the Buffalo community, to the victims and their families, and to our campus community who mourn this weekend’s senseless tragedy.

Vote in California's primary election

Tuesday, June 7 is Election Day in California for the primary elections.

Increased patrols while investigation continues into possible threats of violence this weekend

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department has increased patrols this weekend in an abundance of care and caution while officers continue to investigate threats of violence made on social media postings and by someone loudly shouting at 1:52 a.m. Thursday in the lower quad at Stevenson College. 

Nominations for UC Santa Cruz's Outstanding Staff Award

Please help us honor UC Santa Cruz's outstanding staff and make your nomination for the Outstanding Staff Award today. The submission deadline is Friday, May 27, 2022.

Investigating possible threats of violence this weekend

UC Santa Cruz community members are urged to immediately share any information related to threats of violence made on social media postings and by someone loudly shouting at 1:52 a.m. Thursday in the lower quad at Stevenson College. The threats referenced possible violence this weekend.

Campus comment period for the Advanced Payment to Suppliers Policy

In support of reproductive rights

We are deeply troubled by the long-term ramifications for reproductive rights if the leaked draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion in "Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization" becomes law.

Enter to win a $75 gift card! Complete the annual transportation survey today

Please take about 15-20 minutes to complete the annual transportation survey to help us help you by improving our programs and services.

Temporary change to vacation accrual maximum ends June 30, 2022

As a reminder, the vacation accrual maximum in UC’s Absence from Work policy (PPSM-2.210), was temporarily lifted effective June 1, 2020, to allow policy-covered staff more time to use their accrued vacation leave to bring their accrual below the maximum.

A new maintenance and service request app, CruzFix, goes live May 2

CruzFix will be available to the campus community on May 2, 2022, replacing two separate systems previously known as FAMIS Classic and FixIt.

21/22 Annual Performance Evaluations coming due

Managers/supervisors should complete the annual evaluations for their non-represented and represented staff to build on our culture of engagement, to provide ongoing support and encouragement and to document any performance concerns that may exist.

Deer fawning season alert

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

Drive safely with increased pedestrian activity on campus Tuesday, April 26

UAW 2865, the labor union that represents UC academic student employees and graduate student researchers, has announced that it will hold a march at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 26.

COVID-19: Community Update

As UC Santa Cruz continues to monitor COVID-19 transmission rates, the community is reminded of the importance of engaging in ongoing mitigation efforts.

Spring 2022 Campus Elections Announcement

The ballot initiative language for the Spring 2022 Campus Elections is now available for review.

Seeking assistance with Unlawful Entry of Occupied Dwelling

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community’s help in the investigation of a crime that occurred early Monday, April 11.

Announcing the appointment of Vice Chancellor for Information Technology

We are excited to announce that Aisha Jackson will serve as our next Vice Chancellor for Information Technology. Her first day will be Aug. 1.

Indoor mask guidance for staff

With the indoor mask mandate lifted, we are leaving it to each individual to decide what works best for them. We have included some suggested language below.

Rosa Garcia to serve as associate director of Equity & Equal Protection, ADA Officer

The Equity & Equal Protection Office is happy to welcome back Rosa Garcia as Associate Director of Equity & Equal Protection, ADA Officer.

Spring update; plans for fall; record applications

Welcome to spring quarter. I’m so happy we’re starting this quarter off on a high note.

Information about Ramadan at UCSC

This message is intended to provide our campus community with information about observing and celebrating Ramadan.

UCSC helps produce first truly complete sequence of a human genome

The first truly complete sequence of a human genome — covering each chromosome from end to end with no gaps and unprecedented accuracy — is now available for the whole world to access.

Interim leaders selected for Employee and Labor Relations

Effective April 12, Barbara Greening and Sabrina Shaver will share the leadership roles for labor relations and employee relations, respectively.

Staff Picnic RSVP and Tabling opportunities

The Staff Advisory Board is excited to bring back the UCSC Staff Appreciation Picnic this year!

Suggested language about indoor masking

Masking remains strongly recommended in all indoor campus settings and people may choose to mask at any time.

Staff Advisory Board voting is now open

The Staff Advisory Board is pleased to announce the 2022 election for new members is open.

Campus fire risk remains high

With firefighters responding to three fires at UC Santa Cruz over the past several weeks, we want to remind the campus community that wildfire poses a serious and potentially devastating threat to our campus.

Upcoming closure for Student Health Center, SHOP and CAPS

Student Health Services—Student Health Center, CAPS, and SHOP will be closing early the afternoon of Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 12 PM–5 PM for Staff Development.

Update to indoor masking policy

Effective April 10, masks will not be required for most indoor settings at UC Santa Cruz facilities, but their use will still be strongly recommended.

Campus Tours Update

Recently, we have been carefully resuming our in-person tours, as you may have seen around the campus. The tours are outdoors and serve a limited number of people per group.

Spring quarter course materials now available

UCSC has partnered with Akademos to provide textbooks and other course material at reduced prices and offer more purchasing options including new, used, digital, and rentals.

Condemnation of anti-Black and antisemitic graffiti

As a community and a country we must continue to work together to reject racism and all expressions of hate.

Feedback welcome for Vice Chancellor for Information Technology recruitment

We have created a survey for each finalist for you to provide feedback to me and the search advisory committee. The surveys will be available until 6 p.m. Thursday, March 10.

Campus update: The return from spring break; White House honor for Ramirez-Ruiz; plaudits for impressive holiday food drive

I know these are busy times for everyone right now. Good luck to our students, faculty and staff as we wrap up the winter quarter.

Spring Break COVID Updates

With Spring Break quickly approaching March 19-26, we are writing to provide some important COVID-related reminders.

Planning for in-person instruction this fall

We are excited to share that we are planning for in-person instruction this fall.

Spring break COVID testing protocol and travel guidelines

With the end of winter quarter quickly approaching, we write to share UCSC’s 2022 COVID spring break guidelines.

Staff Human Resources is collecting feedback

Staff Human Resources is conducting a short, confidential survey for nonacademic staff to collect feedback about SHR's services.

Russian invasion of Ukraine - Supporting our community

Over the past week, we have closely followed the news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and we join the international community in condemning this unprovoked attack.

New Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL22) for COVID-19 relief available to all employees in 2022

This communication is to inform you of a recent update on the University of California’s (University) COVID-19 Related Leaves for policy-covered and represented academic and staff employees.

Second Systemwide review of UC Research Data Policy

The Research Policy and Analysis (RPAC) unit within Research and Innovation received many thoughtful comments on the policy and made revisions based on that feedback, which is broadly summarized here.

Staff Advisory Board nomination period is now open

Are you interested in serving our campus community and giving back to your fellow staff members? Consider joining the Staff Advisory Board!

Launching search for Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are pleased to announce the kickoff of a national recruitment for our first Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Indoor masking still in effect on campus

We have decided to continue the indoor masking requirement at all UC Santa Cruz facilities until further notice.

Upcoming campus visits for Vice Chancellor of Information Technology finalists

Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 22, we will be conducting the final interviews in the search for the Vice Chancellor for Information Technology.

SUA now accepting funding applications for Winter 2022 SOFA Round 2

Is your student organization looking for funding support for an upcoming event you are planning?

Campus Fire Safety and Awareness

With the current dry conditions, the threat of fire on our campus is high and potentially devastating. Anyone who smells smoke or sees a fire should call 911 immediately.

Creating a shared vision to increase our faculty to advance student success, research enterprise

We are thrilled to announce today an ambitious effort to hire 100 additional Senate faculty over the next decade.

February 17th Staff Forum with CP/EVC

The Staff Advisory Board seeks to continue supporting staff by amplifying your voices to campus leadership.

High-wind advisory in effect through 9 p.m. tonight

The National Weather Service has issued a High-Wind Warning for Santa Cruz County and much of the San Francisco Bay Area through 9 p.m. this evening.

COVID-19 testing options, updated cadence, daily symptom checker and more

UC Santa Cruz’s testing protocol and our expanded testing options and COVID-19 mitigation measures as we resume in-person instruction this week.

COVID-19 reminders, expanded testing options, updated testing protocol, and more

As we resume mostly in-person instruction this week, we write to share important reminders and critical updates pertaining to COVID-19.

Announcing: assistant executive vice chancellor and chief of staff

Ann Pham, currently director of Academic Programs and Planning for Baskin Engineering, has accepted my offer to join the Office of the Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor as assistant executive vice chancellor and chief of staff.

Excited for in-person instruction to resume January 31

We are happy to report that we are set to resume primarily in-person instruction starting Monday, Jan. 31.

Booster shots available this week: on-campus clinics Jan. 26-28

To help provide students, staff, and faculty access to booster shots, Student Health Services will be administering Moderna boosters Jan 26, 27, and 28 at Stevenson Event Center.

Proposed revisions to UC Policy on Supplement to Military Pay

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on proposed revisions to the UC Policy on Supplement to Military Pay.

On-campus testing, masks, booster clinics, proof of vaccination

Here are the latest COVID-19 mitigation updates to help us prepare for a more populated campus during the winter quarter.

Updates to DRC Academic Access Letter Format

We are reaching out to you to share that the Disability Resource Center’s Academic Access Letter format has been updated effective Winter Quarter 2022.

Expanded services offered by back-up care program

Today, we are pleased to share that there are additional forms of support available through our partnership with Bright Horizons .

Campus update: Mostly in-person instruction returning; commemorating Black History Month; finalizing commencement plans

We are happy to say that we remain on schedule to return to mostly in-person instruction Jan. 31.

Winter quarter instruction - instructor exception process for the return to in-person instruction; other information

We write here to provide an expanded exception program to which instructors may apply now to continue teaching remotely this winter quarter after the general return to in-person instruction on January 31.

Returning to campus: testing requirements, COVID call center, booster clinics, and more

As we plan to resume in-person instruction January 31, I write to share essential information regarding the processes and protocols for students returning to campus.

Supporting our Jewish community

Our thoughts are with the victims and their families of the hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 15.

Be careful near the ocean with tsunami advisory in effect

The West Coast is under a tsunami advisory after an undersea volcano erupted earlier today near the island nation of Tonga in the South Pacific.

Winter Quarter Update - Residential Students

Urgent response requested from All UCSC residential students.

Campus Booster Clinics: Jan. 19-21

The Student Health Center has expanded its availability of COVID-19 booster shots to faculty, students, and staff with a series of clinics in January.

Implementation Task Force for Inclusive Excellence in Graduate Education

We are convening a task force to develop plans for implementing the recommendations proposed in the Joint Senate-Administration Working Group on Graduate Education (JWG) report.

Announcing the appointment of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success

We are excited to announce that Akirah J. Bradley-Armstrong will serve as our next Vice Chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs and Success. Her first day will be May 16.

Caring for Students: Winter quarter COVID update

In consultation with academic and administrative leaders on our campus, at other UC campuses, and with UCSC health center staff, we have made the difficult decision to delay in-person instruction by an additional two weeks.

2022 Campus Elections

The Dean of Students Office is pleased to announce the 2022 Campus Elections process.

Delaying in-person instruction until Jan. 31

After consultation with academic and administrative leaders on our campus, at other UC campuses, and with our health center staff, we have made the difficult decision to extend alternate and remote modes of instruction for two additional weeks

Parking pay station decommissioning, ParkMobile roll out

On January 14, 2022, TAPS will take the parking pay stations on the residential campus off line and replace them with the ParkMobile mobile payment system.

Announcing our new interim senior associate vice chancellor for Business and Administrative Services

Walter Branson will serve as interim Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration, effective Jan. 3.

Reminders for return to work on Monday

The following are some important reminders regarding your return to on-site work.