2023  News Briefs

Career Success collecting donations for student Career Clothing Closet

This Winter, the Career Success office plans to open a Career Clothing Closet for all UC Santa Cruz students. The UC Santa Cruz community is invited to donate to the closet.

Funding opportunities to develop UC Santa Cruz innovations

The Innovation & Business Engagement Hub is now accepting applications for two funding opportunities to advance innovations being developed at UC Santa Cruz.

Chancellor Larive elected to board of the Association of American Universities

UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Campus to eliminate enrollment adjustment fees effective January

UC Santa Cruz is eliminating three long-standing enrollment adjustment fees, including the $10 Removal of Incomplete Fee.

Notice of open comment, UC policy on the use of university vehicles

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy BFB-BUS-46 Use of University Vehicles.

Annual Harvest Meal planned for November 23

UC Santa Cruz Dining will be hosting the annual Harvest Meal on Thursday, November 23, 1–4 p.m., at the College Nine/John R. Lewis dining hall.

New open access course – data-driven animation for science communication

The Teaching & Learning Center at UC Santa Cruz is delighted to announce that Dr. Jessica Kendall-Bar has created an open access version of her Data-Driven Animation for Science Communication course, which is now freely available on the Coursera platform.

UC Santa Cruz students host second annual Student Climate Conference

Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at UC Santa Cruz’s Rachel Carson College, the UC Santa Cruz Climate Coalition is hosting a Student Climate Conference, with student panels, academic posters, and art from graduate and undergraduate students from not just UC Santa Cruz but other California colleges and universities.

University Center Bistro now open for weekday lunch service

University Center Bistro has opened its doors for lunch Monday through Friday above the College Nine/John R. Lewis dining hall, giving faculty, staff, and students a new dining experience to enjoy on campus this fall.

Celebrating Election Heroes

November 6 was Election Hero Day, a civic holiday honoring the heroes of American democracy. UC Santa Cruz wants to celebrate the tremendous contributions our students have made, ensuring a safe, secure, and accessible voting experience for everyone in the campus community.

Provost Search: College Nine and John R. Lewis College

The Division of Social Sciences is conducting a search for the next college provost at College Nine and John R. Lewis College. Internal applicants with expertise in leadership, administration, or fundraising, as well as those with a history of college engagement, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Deadline Approaching for Innovation Impact Award Nominations

Campus community invited to Día de los Muertos Ceremonia on November 2

Día de los Muertos Ceremonia, a spiritual and cultural celebration that captures the idea of unity between life and death, will take place November 2 in the Quarry Amphitheater.

UC Santa Cruz guides the way in new report on academic continuity

UC Santa Cruz is heralded for its commitment to academic continuity in times of disruption in a new report titled Planning for Academic Continuity by Every Learner Everywhere.

Deer alert - drive cautiously

This time of year drivers and cyclists need to be extra vigilant about deer darting into roadways. It is deer rutting season, when the bucks are in hot pursuit of mates. Deer will often run across roads, appearing to come out of nowhere as the mating season progresses.

Campus + Community Center conducting survey about community-engaged scholarship

Search launches for UC Santa Cruz’s next director of Athletics & Recreation

UC Santa Cruz is launching a national search for the next director of Athletics & Recreation. The department plays a critical role in enhancing the student experience through athletic activities, and the wellbeing of all members of our community through recreational activities.

System-wide leaders visit campus to discuss next steps in Agricultural Experiment Station designation

A group from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources visited UC Santa Cruz to discuss implementation for the campus’s official designation as an Agricultural Experiment Station.

UC Santa Cruz celebrates Ombuds Day, Oct. 12

The UC Santa Cruz Office of the Ombuds reopened in January 2023 after a decade-long hiatus, bringing back a vital resource for the campus community. As the academic year unfolds, the campus community has the opportunity to celebrate Ombuds Day.

Campus-Recognized Sorority and Fraternity Transparency Act - Annual Report

In accordance with AB 524, UC Santa Cruz provides all students access to an annual report about campus-recognized sorority and fraternity greek letter organizations.

Relocated: Services for Transfer & Re-entry Students (STARS) now in Bay Tree Building

As construction continues on phase two of the Kresge Renewal project, Services for Transfer & Re-entry Students (STARS) recently relocated to the Bay Tree Building in Quarry Plaza.

CITRIS Core Seed Funding Program open for submissions

CITRIS and the Banatao Institute invite proposals for their Core Seed Funding Program.

Downtown Day 2023

UC Santa Cruz students are invited to explore downtown Santa Cruz and discover all the vibrant areas it has to offer on Friday, October 6 from 10:00am - 6:30pm.

HSI Leadership team welcomes campus to fall quarter; encourages participation in upcoming signature events

UCSC faculty member co-chaired APA task force on obstacles to promotion, tenure, and retention for psychology faculty of color

Psychology Professor Margarita Azmitia co-chaired an American Psychological Association (APA) task force that was appointed to report on obstacles to promotion, tenure, and retention for psychology faculty of color.

Fund your student research project or event with the 2023 CITRIS Tech for Social Good program

The Tech for Social Good program provides up to $5,000 in funding for research projects and up to $1,000 for events.

PG&E, UC Santa Cruz meet to proactively, collaboratively plan for electrical needs

To proactively and collaboratively plan for the future, leaders with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and UC Santa Cruz met to discuss efforts to advance sustainability, increase service reliability, and prepare for increased campus electrical power demand.

UCSC welcomes new Title IX director

Julie Lewis has been named UC Santa Cruz’s new Title IX director. She started her role on August 21, 2023.

Fall course materials needed

The Bay Tree Campus Store is calling all faculty members to submit their course adoptions for the fall quarter as soon as possible to guarantee textbook availability at the best price for UCSC students.

Staff Advisory Board is pleased to announce the Staff Scholarship Program

The Staff Advisory Board is excited to announce a new opportunity to help our staff participate in professional development. Using funds raised during Giving Day from generous UCSC community members, we are launching the UCSC Staff Advisory Board Scholarship Award Program.

Undergraduate research funding available through Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP)

LAEP is a form of work-study that funds 100% of eligible student wages for on-campus, research-focused employment.

DSAS invites campus community to volunteer for new student move-in

Over 250 volunteers are needed to help welcome new students to campus!

Excellence in Teaching Awards announced

The Academic Senate’s Committee on Teaching in collaboration with Chancellor Larive and CP/EVC Kletzer celebrated UC Santa Cruz’s innovative and dedicated teachers with a gathering at the Cowell Provost House in early June.

The Division of Finance, Operations and Administration realigns teams to improve services to campus

Finance, Operations and Administration (FOA) has reorganized several departments within the division in order to better align services with campus needs.

Mitigating potential UPS strike impacts

To mitigate potential disruptions in receiving vital goods, UCSC departments should consider exploring alternative delivery services or postponing purchases if UPS remains the sole supplier option.

New Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research: Csilla Csaplar

Csilla Csaplar joined UC Santa Cruz on July 6 as the new Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research. Csilla joins UCSC from Stanford University, where she has served as Director of Engineering Research Administration in the School of Engineering for the past six years. At Stanford, Csilla was responsible for all the sponsored research activity for nine School of Engineering departments, approximately 275 faculty, 1,000 awards, and $150 million annually.

White House cites economist Rob Fairlie’s research on Native American entrepreneurship

The Biden-⁠Harris Administration cited research by UC Santa Cruz Economics Professor Rob Fairlie on the coronavirus pandemic’s impact for Native American-owned businesses.

Employees invited to volunteer for Watsonville July 4 Parade

UC Santa Cruz hopes to widen community awareness of the university through its participation in this year’s 4th of July Parade in downtown Watsonville. Historically, upwards of 15,000 people line Main Street to cheer on various local and regional organizations.

Submissions open for 2023-24 CITRIS UCSC Interdisciplinary Innovation Program

CITRIS and the Banatao Institute at UC Santa Cruz invites all UCSC principal investigators to apply for project support through the UCSC Interdisciplinary Innovation Program (or I2P - formerly the Campus Seed Funding program).

Important information about the California Whistleblower Protection Act

The University’s Whistleblower Policy provides multiple avenues for employees to bring forward concerns of potential employee misconduct.

In Memoriam: Gerald E. (Jerry) Weber

Sign up to participate in the Santa Cruz Pride Parade on June 4

Members of the UC Santa Cruz community are invited to join in this year's Santa Cruz Pride parade, which starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 4.

UCSC ranked number two on Wall Street Journal list for top public colleges for high-paying jobs in engineering

New rankings from the Wall Street Journal place UC Santa Cruz as the number two public school for high-paying jobs in engineering, just behind UC Berkeley, and the number nine public school for high-paying jobs in data science and software.

Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor talk will address the history of African American studies

On Wednesday, May 24 at 7:30pm, engaging education (e2) is honored to bring Professor Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor to UCSC. The event will be held at Classroom Unit 2.

Campus Elections are next week; stay up-to-date on on essential info and deadlines

Campus Elections begin Monday, May 15. Learn more about voting and important deadlines.

Changes in Back-up Care Tax implications 

Effective, May 12, 2023, employees or students who use the Back-up Care Program will be required to pay taxes on the imputed or miscellaneous income corresponding to the hours of care used. 

Second Decarbonization & Electrification Town Hall Meeting

Join us next week for the Decarbonization & Electrification (D&E) Task Force's second town hall gathering.

Fentanyl Awareness Day is May 9

Tuesday, May 9 marks the second annual national Fentanyl Awareness Day. Free fentanyl testing strips are available for students. Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is also available for students, staff and faculty on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Visits set for Vice Chancellor for Research finalists

Beginning May 1 and continuing through May 11, the UC Santa Cruz community will have the opportunity to meet, hear from, and ask questions of the finalists for Vice Chancellor for Research.

Summer Session is launching Pay for Only 10

UCSC Summer Session is launching Pay for Only 10, in which payment is capped at 10 credits in tuition—making summer degree progress less expensive .

Indirect cost recovery changes for fiscal year 2024

Attention Principal Investigators: UC Santa Cruz recently updated its federal Facilities and Administration (F&A) agreement approving indirect cost recovery rates for sponsored contracts and grants.

Faculty and staff course material open house

The process for faculty to post their reading and resource lists has been streamlined. Akademos representatives will be on campus this Thursday, April 13, to answer your questions.

Banana Slug Day parking restrictions

Banana Slug Day is on Saturday, April 15, a day that also coincides with our Alumni Reunion Weekend and a few other events. As you can imagine, campus parking and facilities will be heavily impacted.

Decarbonization & Electrification Town Hall Meeting

On May 9th, the Decarbonization & Electrification (D&E) Task Force will host their second town hall gathering. Task force members will talk about their work to date and collect comments and suggestions to ensure we reach our community climate goals.

White House cites Rob Fairlie’s research in annual economic report

Economics Professor Rob Fairlie’s research on race and ethnicity in higher education was cited in the 2023 Economic Report of the President.

Improving access to Early Start Summer Edge Program

This year, to advance access to a summer start, the Division of Undergraduate Education has removed the Summer Edge $50 registration fee, which is one of several initiatives taken to encourage new admits, and particularly transfer students, to take advantage of the opportunity to make degree progress before their first fall.

The State of California offers a new program to help first-time homebuyers

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) under Governor Newsom is launching a new program to benefit first-time homebuyers.

Bike race to partially close Hagar and Coolidge on April 9

A bicycle race at UC Santa Cruz will close the northbound lane of Hagar Drive and the southbound lane of Coolidge Drive from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 9.

Join the Campus Advisory Committee on the Status of Womxn

Our Campus Advisory Committee on the Status of Womxn (CACSW) invites interest and nominations for roles: Co-Chair (Faculty), Co-Chair (Staff), Secretary/Treasurer, and Member(s)-at-Large.

Strengthening UC Climate Policy: Community Feedback Forum

As the climate crisis worsens, UC is evolving its response with an updated climate policy that shifts away from a carbon neutrality strategy that requires significant reliance on offsets towards a strategy of direct decarbonization.

Welcoming the new director of Undergraduate Admissions

Timetra Hampton has been appointed as UC Santa Cruz’s new Director of Undergraduate Admissions. She will begin on May 1.

Notice of Open Comment, UC Policy on Inventions, Patents, and Innovation Transfer

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy on Inventions, Patents, and Innovation Transfer.

UCSC wins prestigious Highly Established Action Plan Seal for voter engagement

UC Santa Cruz has become one of only three University of California campuses awarded a Highly Established Action Plan Seal as part of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) for its voter engagement efforts.

New Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships announced

Lorena Rodriguez was appointed the Director of the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office as on March 1, 2023. Most recently serving as the Deputy Director of Financial Aid, Lorena has provided remarkable expertise, dedication and leadership throughout her time on campus.

Notice from Office of Admissions: Admitted Student Tours Beginning April 3

Michelle Whittingham, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management and interim director of undergraduate admissions shares important dates for and upcoming information about upcoming programs and services for newly admitted students.

Nominations for the UC Women's Initiative are open

Nomination forms, eligibility, costs and a full program overview is available now. Submit your completed application between February 27, and March 24, 2023 for consideration.

Overleaf Pro is now free for campus community

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Office of Research, the School of Engineering, and the Division of Physical & Biological Sciences, Overleaf Pro is now available to everyone on campus, including students, at no cost through December 21, 2023.

Supporting the people of Syria and Turkey

On behalf of the university, Vice Chancellor Anju Reejhsinghani and Vice Provost Richard Hughey extend their deepest sympathies to all those impacted directly or indirectly by this terrible disaster.

Designing the digital user experience to meet research needs - Meet Jessica Waggoner

Jessica Waggoner, the user experience librarian, and her students work to understand information-seeking behaviors so the campus community can easily access the resources they need to be successful in their classes and push the boundaries of research.

SlugUnity continues with On the Margins tabling event; individual coaching sessions available for students, staff, and faculty

In continuation of SlugUnity: a space for community healing, On the Margins will be on campus this Friday, February 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Quarry Plaza. During this time, On the Margins will distribute wellness kits, social justice and racial justice literature, and resources. 

Visits set for finalists for Chief Campus Counsel

The Chief Campus Counsel is a key leadership position at UC Santa Cruz, providing the campus with advice on a broad range of legal, regulatory and governance issues.

Funding opportunity to develop university innovations

The Innovation & Business Engagement Hub is now accepting applications for its new Innovation Catalyst Grant; a proof-of-concept program focused on providing targeted gap funding, training, mentorship, and support to UC Santa Cruz researchers in order to help de-risk and/or validate the implementation and adoption potential of early-stage technology innovations.

John Bollard named associate vice chancellor for student health and wellness and chief well-being officer; joins Division of Student Affairs and Success

The Division of Student Affairs and Success is excited to announce John Bollard has been hired as the associate vice chancellor for student health and wellness and chief well-being officer. He will begin his appointment Thursday, February 2.

Learning-Aligned Employment Program Launches; provides 100% funding for on-campus, student research positions

LAEP is a nine-year, state-funded, work-based learning program similar to federal work-study. The program offers eligible students the opportunity to earn money to help defray their educational costs while gaining education-aligned, career-related employment.

The university invites campus community to come together for SlugUnity: A Space for Healing

In the wake of numerous, horrific acts of violence that have recently unfolded across the country, UCSC invites students, staff, and faculty to gather together in the Quarry Amphitheater this Thursday, February 2 from noon to 1 p.m..

Leading the Change survey due Feb. 3

UC Santa Cruz wants your input on Leading the Change: The UC Santa Cruz Strategic Plan.

Your guide to dining on campus in 2023

11 UCSC Dining locations plus a variety of vendors provide options all over campus.

Disclosing foreign collaborations in research projects

In order to comply with evolving federal regulations related to disclosing foreign collaborations and other support, the Office of Research has updated Cayuse to include screening questions. These questions are meant to trigger information that needs to be disclosed on all applications and progress reports for projects with federal funding.

Annual asbestos notice

California Health and Safety Code Section 25915.2. requires notification to all UC Santa Cruz personnel of the presence of asbestos in certain materials used in the construction of University buildings.

Reminder: Leading the Change survey

UC Santa Cruz wants your input on Leading the Change: The UC Santa Cruz Strategic Plan.

Visits set for finalists for Dean of Physical and Biological Sciences

The finalists for the position of Dean of Physical and Biological Sciences will be on campus for two days each beginning Feb. 6 and ending Feb. 17. Campus leadership invites all in the UC Santa Cruz community to participate in the interview process and to provide feedback on the four candidates.

Reminder - Decarbonization & Electrification Task Force Town Hall

Join the Decarbonization & Electrification (D&E) Task Force and the Climate Coalition at the inaugural D&E Town Hall gathering. Get an update on the task force’s work and join a discussion on how to plan the next steps for the decarbonization of the campus.

Leading the Change survey launching today

The strategic plan is our opportunity to chart a path for progress on our campus goals of advancing student success, amplifying our research profile, fostering an inclusive campus climate, and becoming more sustainable and resilient. The strategic planning process will include establishing metrics by which success will be measured over the next decade.