May 2024 News Archive

UC Santa Cruz Night at the Museum spotlights Filipino American stories from the Pajaro Valley

The annual UC Santa Cruz Night at the Museum celebration will be held this Wednesday at the Museum of Art & History. This year's edition highlights Sowing Seeds:

Humanities Distinguished Undergraduate Alumni Award recipient John Rickford is a world-renowned scholar of Black Talk and social justice advocate

John Rickford (Stevenson, ‘71, sociolinguistics), this year’s Humanities Distinguished Undergraduate Alumni Award recipient, is a world-renowned scholar and champion of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE), also known as Black

Update on this morning’s actions at the main entrance

We continue to ask the campus and the community to avoid the main entrance.

Earliest, most distant galaxy discovered with James Webb Space Telescope

An international team of astronomers today announced the discovery using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) of the two earliest and most distant galaxies yet confirmed, dating back

Remote instruction for May 31 and instructional modality planning

With the main entrance of the residential campus now blocked by protesters and the West entrance alone serving all essential campus functions, we have again made the difficult decision to remain in remote instruction on Friday, May 31.

The UC Santa Cruz Film and Digital Media Department presents: 'Echoes of Home'

To celebrate their achievements over the past two years the graduate film students are showcasing their works. The presentation at the Del Mar Theatre marks years of progress

Fashion, community, and academics: First-gen student Izzy Zazueta’s path to graduation

Izzy Zazueta (John R. Lewis ’24, politics), a third year, dean’s honors, and first-generation student, will graduate from UCSC with extensive research experience, involvement with nearly a dozen

First-gen student Renata Lopez reflects on community, career, and graduation

First-generation student Renata Lopez (Oakes ‘24, computer science) talks about finding her community with Chicanx and Latinx Resource Center, El Centro, and post-graduation plans.

Researchers explain social media’s role in rapidly shifting social norms on gender and sexuality

A new paper by UC Santa Cruz psychologists describes how social media has supported an explosion of diversity in gender and sexuality in America by empowering authentic self-expression.

CITRIS invites PIs at UC Santa Cruz to apply for research support through the Interdisciplinary Innovation Program

CITRIS and the Banatao Institute, UC Santa Cruz invites Principal Investigators on the Santa Cruz campus to apply for research support through our Interdisciplinary Innovation Program (I2P) – formerly known as the CITRIS UCSC Campus Seed Funding Program.

Notice of Open Comment: New Interim Non-Patent Royalty Disposition Policy

The Office of Research invites comments on the new interim policy on Income Disposition for UC-owned Copyrightable Materials, Research Data, and Tangible Research Property (Non-Patent).

On blocking campus access

Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, demonstrators have been blocking the only two ways to drive on and off of our residential campus. This is an extremely dangerous effort to cause intentional harm to our campus community unprompted by any action on the part of UC Santa Cruz.

UC Santa Cruz welcomes next AVC for Budget Analysis and Planning Amber Blakeslee

I am happy to announce the appointment of Amber Blakeslee as UC Santa Cruz’s next associate vice chancellor for budget analysis and planning. She will begin her position

Slugcast rewind: Listen to episodes from the week of May 20

Hosted out of the Student Affairs and Success divisional office, Slugcast is the official UCSC podcast.

New study discovers tiny target on RNA to short-circuit inflammation

UC Santa Cruz researchers have discovered a peptide in human RNA that regulates inflammation and may provide a new path for treating diseases such as arthritis and lupus.

Engaging faculty through partnership development with institutions abroad

In spring 2024, UC Santa Cruz faculty participated in three delegation visits to institutions in Mexico, the UK/Northern Ireland, and India to explore partnership

Magy Seif El-Nasr appointed the UCSC Presidential Chair

Department Chair and Professor of Computational Media Magy Seif El-Nasr as the University's next Presidential Chair to lead three initiatives related to AI and education.

In Memoriam: Larry Polansky

Composer, theorist, and professor emeritus Larry Polansky passed away on May 9, 2024 at age 69. Following a successful career in the music industry, Polansky (‘77, math and

New exoplanets catalog showcases diverse, exotic worlds

Our understanding of exoplanets, those strange worlds that orbit stars beyond our solar system, is now broader and deeper thanks to separate studies published this week featuring the

Planning to resume in-person instruction on Tuesday

A passionate voice for diversity and inclusion

Rachel Freeman-Cohen (Stevenson, ‘20, Feminist Studies) has turned a passion for student advocacy into a flourishing career at San Diego State University.

Remote instruction on Thursday, Friday

In the interest of providing clarity and as much predictability as possible, we have decided to continue with remote instruction for Thursday and Friday, May 23 and 24.

Help represent UC Santa Cruz at the Watsonville 4th of July parade

UC Santa Cruz is looking for your help representing the campus at the Watsonville 4th of July parade.

Donation call for Career Clothing Closet

Career Success just launched our Career Clothing Closet last Winter Quarter! Now that we're in full swing, we're seeking out more donations of any new or lightly used professional clothing. Your donations will help students in need feel ready for job interviews and other career-related activities.

VOTE NOW in 2024 Campus Elections Announcement

The "polls" are now open. Vote now in the 2024 Campus Elections.

Campus to adopt virtual parking permits

In the coming months, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) will begin the transition to a virtual permitting system for campus parking. With virtual permitting, TAPS will no longer issue physical parking permits in most situations.

The UCSC Arts Division & Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery present 'Material Matters'

Once a year the art department hands out its most prestigious award, the William Hyde Irwin and Susan Benteen Irwin Scholarship. Every year twelve students receive this merit

The UCSC Arts Division presents Los Mejicas annual Spring show ‘Grupo Folklorico’

As one of the oldest organizations on campus, Los Mejicas has over half a century of bringing people together to celebrate their Mexican heritage. Their upcoming annual spring

Remote instruction on Tuesday, Wednesday

Given today’s disruptions and the possibility of more challenges in the coming days, we have made the difficult decision, in consultation with the Academic Senate, to switch to remote instruction Tuesday and Wednesday.

Update about campus disruptions

Today, some students and employees blocked both roads on campus and the campus entrance, preventing access to campus and requiring transition to remote work and learning.

Information and updates about campus operations

UC Santa Cruz will share updates and information related to the UAW strike that starts on Monday, May 20.

Ukraine blackouts caused by malware attacks warn against evolving cybersecurity threats to the physical world

A new paper presents the first study of how two major malware attacks in Ukraine operated and interacted with the physical power system equipment to cause

Announced systemwide labor strike beginning Monday, May 20

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)—which represents academic student employees, postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers—has announced a systemwide labor strike that will begin Monday, May 20 at UC Santa Cruz.

Announced systemwide labor strike beginning Monday, May 20

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)—which represents academic student employees, postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers—has announced a systemwide labor strike that will begin Monday, May 20.

Statement on Jim Simons

The world has lost a great champion of math and scientific research with the death of Jim Simons, an award-winning mathematician, quantitative-investing legend, and inspired philanthropist.

Sea otters use tools when feeding to survive a changing world

Sea otters are one of the few animals that use rocks and other objects to access their food, and a new study has found that individual sea otters

Francis Nimmo elected to prestigious fellowship of UK's Royal Society

Francis Nimmo, professor of earth and planetary sciences, has been named a fellow of the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of sciences. The society announced today the election of 90 researchers from around the world as new fellows, citing their "invaluable contributions to science."

Compassion in action: Alumna Diane N. Nguyen leads with love through her philanthropic firm

From a young age, UCSC alumna and alumni councilor Diane Nguyen felt the desire to help others. Now as the founder of her own philanthropic firm, Lead with

Student Kristi Truong finds home in UCSC’s soccer program

Kristi Truong (Stevenson ’26, global community health) played soccer since she was seven years old. When choosing where to attend college, she overcame pressures to attend a school

UC Santa Cruz biologist tapped to contribute to national report on nature's role in society

For America's first-ever report on nature’s inherent worth, and its contributions to the economy, our health and well-being, UC Santa Cruz's Malin Pinsky will co-author a chapter on

Quarry Plaza encampment and campus demonstrations

As an academic institution, we encourage and depend on the robust exchange of ideas. We also strive to maintain a campus environment that is welcoming, open, civil, and mutually respectful of everyone and their views.

In Memoriam: David Draper

Remembering Professor of Statistics David Draper.

UC Santa Cruz Arts Division presents "Iolanthe"

Iolanthe may not be Gilbert & Sullivan’s best known work but according to music lecturer Sheila Willey “I actually think the music is more interesting and a little

UC Santa Cruz Arts Division Presents 'Find Your Path!'

Find Your Path! is a two-day experience that guides students through potential career pathways through both in person and online

SlugSafe: Campus Transit is operating modified routes

Stem cell study reveals distinct population of ‘troublemaker’ platelet cells that appear with aging and lead to blood clotting, disease

Professor of Biomolecular Engineering Camilla Forsberg and her research group have discovered a distinct, secondary population of platelets that appears with aging and have hyperreactive behavior and unique

Championing Native American DNA

Kimberly TallBear, this year’s recipient of the University of California, Santa Cruz Distinguished Humanities Graduate Student Alumni Award, is being honored for her work in championing indigenous rights

DSAS appoints Laura Arroyo as the next Associate Vice Chancellor for Colleges, Housing, and Educational Services

The Division of Student Affairs and Success is pleased to announce Laura Arroyo has been named Associate Vice Chancellor for Colleges, Housing, and Educational Services (AVC

2024 Campus Elections Announcement

The ballot information for the Spring 2024 Campus Elections is now available for your review at elections.ucsc.edu.

CIDER drone pilot program has trained 32 new commercial remote pilots in 2024 — application to join next year's cohort opens in the fall

In 2024, the student cohort doubled from 20 to 40 students, and an agriculture-focused track was added alongside the general drone use track. CIDER invites all undergraduate students,

Continuity of Instruction and Research

I am writing today to update and inform you about developments regarding our academic student employees (ASEs). On May 3, 2024, the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) filed Unfair Labor Practice charges against the University of California, related to ongoing campus protests and arrests that followed at other UC campuses. UAW 4811 is conducting a strike authorization vote from May 13-15. If the strike vote is successful, UAW’s Executive Board will have the authority from their members to call a systemwide strike.

Slugcast rewind: Listen to episodes from the week of May 13

Hosted out of the Student Affairs and Success divisional office, Slugcast is the official UCSC podcast.

Campus Exterior Lighting Walk

Everyone is invited to join an evening walk around campus to explore the current lighting and make suggestions for improvements and additional lighting that will make navigating the campus at night more safe.

$1M grant to help prepare students for impactful careers in the arts

The UCSC entity Moving Image Lab, a new partnership between the Isaac Julien Lab and The Humanities Institute, will receive the prestigious Mellon Foundation funding that will provide

K7 Agreement Ratified

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees’s (AFSCME) Skilled Crafts (K7) employees have ratified a new contract with the University of California on May 3, 2024.

New study discovers cellular activity that hints recycling is in our DNA

Introns are perhaps one of our genome’s biggest mysteries. They are DNA sequences that interrupt the sensible protein-coding information in your genes, and need to be "spliced

UCSC will lead a Regional Hub of the NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Alliance: the Engineering PLUS Alliance to serve those underrepresented in STEM

The Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz has been selected to lead the inaugural Western regional hub for the NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Alliance: the

California State Board of Food and Agriculture visits campus

On April 30, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross and members of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture held their April Board

Thinking about Summer already? So is Summer Session.

As the dogwoods bloom across the UC Santa Cruz campus and we transition from spring to summer, it’s time for students to plan for Summer Session opportunities. Enrollment is now open, offering students an array of in-person and online academic opportunities.

UC Santa Cruz continues to pursue ambitious plan to increase student housing by 40 percent by 2030

Within walking distance to other UC Santa Cruz facilities and direct bus routes to the residential campus, the Delaware Avenue project will provide housing for about 400 upper-division

Slugcast rewind: Listen to episodes from the week of May 6

Hosted out of the Student Affairs and Success divisional office, Slugcast is the official UCSC podcast.

Improved nutrition, sanitation linked to beneficial changes in child stress and epigenetic programming

A new study led by a global-health researcher at UC Santa Cruz provides some of the clearest and most comprehensive evidence to date on what is known about

Continuing our strong partnership with Hillel

UC Santa Cruz strives to be a community welcoming and supportive to students of all backgrounds, cultures and religions. Hillel has long been an important part of our campus's interfaith council and we value and intend to continue this relationship.

UC Santa Cruz Arts Division presents "An Iliad"

Professor Patty Gallagher, in collaboration with other UCSC faculty, arranged an upcoming of 'An Iliad,' a retelling of Homer's classic. The show represents years of work, and has

Staff Appreciation Picnic postponed

This year’s Staff Appreciation Picnic on May 9th, is being postponed in light of current events.

Prescribed burns in Big Basin Redwood State Park until May 9

California State Parks is conducting prescribed burns in Big Basin Redwood State parks until May 9, which is leading to a noticeable smell of smoke on campus.

Campus status updates

This page is being updated with important information for the UC Santa Cruz community.