News Briefs

Award-winning independent filmmaker Trinh T. Minh-ha visits UC Santa Cruz

On Friday December 6th, 2024, University of California, Santa Cruz welcomed to campus the internationally acclaimed independent filmmaker, music composer and scholar Trinh T. Minh-ha for a screening of her 2022 documentary, What About China?.

Gift of Bösendorfer grand pianos elevates music excellence at UC Santa Cruz

Two extraordinary Bösendorfer grand pianos have found their new home at UC Santa Cruz, thanks to the generosity of alumnus Ken Corday (Porter ’75, aesthetic studies/music). Corday, an accomplished pianist, composer, and Emmy Award-winning executive producer of Days of Our Lives, continues his longstanding support of the Arts Division at UC Santa Cruz through this remarkable gift.

Creative Technologies is a new major for a new age

Launched at the start of Fall quarter 2024, the University of California, Santa Cruz created a first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary major in the Arts Division: Creative Technologies

Notice of Open Comment: Policy on the Use of Animals in Research, Teaching, and Testing

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy on the Use of Animals in Research, Teaching, and Testing. The proposed policy would update and replace UC’s current policy on the use of animals in research and teaching.

Join the UC Santa Cruz community in dedicating the campus labyrinth on Dec. 2

Join the UC Santa Cruz community in dedicating the campus labyrinth on Monday, Dec. 2 from 12 - 1pm. Labyrinths have been used for thousands of years, in many different cultures and countries around the world. This design was created keeping accessibility for all in mind.

Professor J. Xavier Prochaska to deliver December 4 Kraw Lecture

The Kraw Lecture Series aims to help audiences better understand the big picture behind scientific research at UC Santa Cruz and the broader trends at play. This tradition continues with the December 4 talk on how artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating the scientific pursuit.

Notice of Campus Comment Period: Clery, Emergency Notification, and Timely Warning

Last fall, the campus enacted three new interim policies pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). The Division of Finance, Operations, and Administration is now accepting comments on the policies prior to the final campus approval.

After 50 successful years, Feminist Studies faculty vote to disestablish the formal department, making way for more wide-ranging feminist scholarship across campus

Feminist Studies faculty and staff are committed to helping current students enrolled in the department's programs earn their degrees

Theater fireside chat aimed at bringing attention to African American students at UC Santa Cruz

Recently the founder and director of AATAT, Professor Don Williams, sat down with colleagues, including Lisa Marie Rollins, for a fireside chat about the organization and its future.

Foundry celebrates 50th anniversary with a bronze pour

The foundry on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus has a long tradition of inviting guests to watch their spectacular bronze pour. This year’s pour is especially significant given it is the 50th anniversary of the Foundry.

Announcing the 2025 Deep Read book James

The Humanities Institute (THI) has recently announced the UC Santa Cruz 2025 Deep Read book. This year, we will read James by prolific author, Percival Everett.

Procurement announces exclusive employee discount program at The Bagelry

UC Santa Cruz Procurement and The Bagelry, a beloved local favorite for bagels and spreads, have announced an exciting new contract pricing arrangement exclusively for faculty and staff.

UC Santa Cruz Music Department is gearing up for a holidays filled with music

One of the most important aspects of a music education is the ability to perform. At the University of California, Santa Cruz the Music Department arranges numerous events every quarter to make sure students have opportunities to show their skills and gain valuable experience on stage.

Computer engineering student builds cybersecurity solutions for Joby Aviation

UC Santa Cruz Computer Engineering student Shipra Ithal participated in an internship at Joby Aviation via the CITRIS Workforce Innovation Program

2024 Notification of republication of the Clery Act Annual Security & Fire Safety Report

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), an updated version of the 2024 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available for viewing.

Professor A.M. Darke creates groundbreaking work in Black representation

A.M. Darke, an associate professor of Performance, Play, & Design at UC Santa Cruz, has spent her career becoming one of the leading voices of diversity in games, especially in the context of representing Black hair. For her latest work Darke has helped compile a program that better represents coily hair in animation.

Renowned higher ed researcher Dr. Adrianna Kezar to visit campus November 7-8

Adrianna Kezar is the Dean’s Professor of Leadership, Wilbur-Kieffer Professor of Higher Education, at the University of Southern California and Director of the Pullias Center for Higher Education within the Rossier School of Education.

UC Santa Cruz professor Anna Friz wins international prize in radio

Anna Friz, an associate professor of Film and Digital Media, has been raking in awards and honors. The multi-disciplinary artist who took a sabbatical last winter after receiving a Guggenheim fellowship, recently received the Karl Sczuka Prize for radio from SWR Germany.

Astronomy postdoc to develop technologies that mold starlight to better detect exoplanets

The Astronomy & Astrophysics Department welcomes postdoctoral scientist Emiel Por, who invents technologies that mold the starlight captured by ground- and space-based telescopes to improve imaging of planetary companions. His work will be supported by the Heising-Simons Foundation's 51 Pegasi b Fellowship program.

2024 CITRIS Interdisciplinary Innovation Program supports wide range of campus research

The CITRIS Interdisciplinary Innovation Program (I2P) provides UC Santa Cruz Principal Investigators with funding for projects focussed on developing information technology solutions to significant societal challenges.

UC Santa Cruz professor Derek Conrad Murray appointed Editor-in-Chief of leading arts publication

Derek Conrad Murray, Professor of History of Art & Visual Culture (HAVC), has recently been appointed editor-in-chief of Art Journal. After previously serving on the journal’s editorial board, Murray will be taking on an expansive position where he can shepherd the journal’s distinguished mission for the next three years.

Search underway for new executive director of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

UC Santa Cruz has begun the search for a new executive director to lead the Arboretum & Botanic Garden. This role will guide the Arboretum’s mission of advancing plant science and conservation, promoting genetic diversity, and supporting sustainable horticultural practices.

2025 CITRIS CIDER Pilot Training Program open for applications

The application period for the UC Santa Cruz CIDER Pilot Training Program is open through Nov. 4. In late November, 35 students will be selected to participate in an immersive experiential learning program centered around the use of drones and their application.

UC Santa Cruz launches new degree program in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications, and Research

UC Santa Cruz is launching a new Master of Arts program in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications, and Research (GISTAR), designed to meet the growing demand for expertise in geospatial technologies.

UC Santa Cruz neuroscientist to provide rapid-response expertise for AI policymaking

Assistant Professor Dan Turner-Evans will spend the 2024-25 academic year in Washington, D.C., providing expertise to lawmakers as they develop federal policies on artificial intelligence (AI) as part of the rapid-response cohort of Science & Technology Policy Fellows chosen by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

2024-25 CITRIS Tech for Social Good Program student funding open for project and event proposals

The 2024-2025 CITRIS Tech for Social Good program at UC Santa Cruz is open for proposals.

UC Santa Cruz Alumni Engagement team wins CASE award

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) awarded the University of California, Santa Cruz's Alumni Engagement Office with a Bronze Circle of Excellence Award for a video honoring alumna bell hooks (Ph.D. ’83, literature). The video was created in partnership with University Advancement colleagues.

2024 Arts Division Convocation honors Eduardo and Alison Carrillo

The annual Arts Division Convocation brings together the community to celebrate the new school year. The Distinguished Banana Slug Awards in the Arts is given every year to an honoree who exemplifies excellence and a dedication to the Arts Division. This year’s recipients are (posthumously) former professor Eduardo Carrillo, and his wife Alison Keeler Carrillo.

Santa Cruz Symphony opens new concert with music from professor

Despite his background in astrophysics former professor Martin Gaskell has always had a passion for music. This weekend the Santa Cruz Symphony will be opening their first concert of the season with one of Gaskell’s pieces.

Students invited to participate in Downtown Day 2024

UC Santa Cruz students are invited to explore downtown Santa Cruz and discover all the vibrant areas it has to offer on Friday, September 27 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm. UC Santa Cruz is partnering with the Downtown Association, the City of Santa Cruz, and the Museum of Art & History (MAH) for this fun and interactive event.

UC Santa Cruz celebrates National Postdoc Appreciation Week

Postdoctoral scholars at UC Santa Cruz participate in cutting-edge research while in this ultimate phase of their academic training. Many are preparing to enter the academy, while some are preparing for non-academic careers or professions that merge the two domains.

Center for Coastal Climate Resilience to co-host event at New York Climate Week

UC Santa Cruz Center for Coastal Climate Resilience (CCCR) and California Ocean Science Trust will be co-hosting an event at New York Climate Week on policy and finance tools to accelerate nature-based solutions for climate adaptation.

Learn how to protect our oceans at Blue Innovation Day on Oct. 6

UC Santa Cruz’s Innovation & Business Engagement Hub is partnering with Santa Cruz Works on Blue Innovation Day 2024, an event featuring activities and exhibits from companies, artists, small businesses, non-profits, and researchers who are committed to combating the water and ocean challenges exacerbated by climate change.

New UC Policy on Inventions, Patents, and Innovation Transfer

Effective July 1, 2024, UC adopted the Policy on Inventions, Patents, and Innovation Transfer (pdf) to establish the University’s ownership of intellectual property, facilitate legal protection under applicable intellectual property laws, promote innovation transfer, and commit to an equitable distribution of intellectual property commercialization income.

Courtesy notice regarding annual systemwide payroll disclosure

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 2023.

Notice of open comment, UC policy on White Bagging and Brown Bagging Medications

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on the final review revisions to the Presidential Policy Use of Externally Supplied Medications in UC Outpatient and Clinic Settings.

Orientation program joining the Division of Student Affairs and Success

Effective September 30, 2024, UCSC’s Orientation program will transition to the Division of Student Affairs and Success.

Campus update on new shuttles, maintenance program

UC Santa Cruz is continuing to move forward with its planned modernization campus shuttles. In the 2023-24 academic year, we added four newer diesel shuttles to our fleet and expect to have additional 12 replacement shuttles before the end of 2024. That will enable us to retire all the shuttles from 1993 at the end of the year.

2023-24 Excellence in Teaching Awards announced

The award, launched in 1996, highlights the university’s long tradition of innovative and creative teaching and honors UC Santa Cruz instructors who have demonstrated exemplary and inspiring teaching.

Work underway on new campus childcare center, housing complex

Construction has started on the new campus childcare center and housing complex for students with families.

UCSC Camper Park to close

UC Santa Cruz is closing the Camper Park housing facility due to health and safety concerns

CITRIS I2P faculty seed funding information session on July 12

The 2024 CITRIS Interdisciplinary Innovation Program (I2P) is currently open for submissions. The deadline for applications is August 15, and project teams must include at least two UC Santa Cruz PIs from different academic disciplines.

The UC Santa Cruz Film and Digital Media Department celebrates 25 years

The Film and Digital Media Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz proudly marks 25 years, celebrating a legacy of success and innovation.

Slugcast rewind: Listen to episodes from the week of May 27

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

Slugcast rewind: Listen to episodes from the week of June 3

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

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.

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.

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.

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, regardless of their major, to learn more about the program and apply for next year’s cohort in the fall 2024.

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.

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.

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.

May 11 is "Clean Up Day" throughout Santa Cruz County

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in Santa Cruz County “Clean Up Day” on May 11. Organized by Trash Talkers, the goal is to make Santa Cruz County the cleanest county in the state. PitchinSantaCruz.org is inviting anyone interested in being part of the All County Clean-up Day to sign up.

Slugcast rewind: Listen to episodes from the week of April 22

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

Classroom Emergency Preparedness workshop

A new workshop on Classroom Emergency Preparedness has been developed through a partnership between the Office of Emergency Management and the Teaching and Learning Center.

Campus celebrates “Bring Your Kids to College Day” on April 25

The UC Santa Cruz Student-Parent Organization is gearing up to celebrate "Bring Your Kids to College Day" on April 25.

Notice of Open Comment Period: Draft Fire Protection Policy

The Division of Finance, Operations and Administration is proposing revisions to the Fire Protection policy.

Chancellor’s innovation awards honor excellence in research, creativity

The 2023 recipients include innovators who have created breakthroughs in knowledge and technology that are improving our world, creators bringing forgotten history to life by merging storytelling, augmented reality, and holographic filmmaking, and community partners transforming lives and providing nourishment through job training, transitional employment, and organic farming.

Good turnout at Annual Teaching Week

The Teaching and Learning Center and the Academic Senate held the 2nd Annual Teaching Week at UC Santa Cruz.

Join DroneCamp 2024 and learn how to use drones for mapping and field data collection

CITRIS and the Banatao Institute’s CIDER Program invites you to join them at the 2024 DroneCamp, a collaborative five-day training program that covers everything you need to know to use drones for mapping and field data collection.

UC Santa Cruz joins consortium advancing Earth system science programs

UC Santa Cruz has joined a nonprofit consortium of 126 North American colleges and universities focused on research and training in Earth system science.

Deer fawning season alert

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

Hahn Parking Lot 101 closure April 1 – April 19 

Between April 1 and April 19, as UC Santa Cruz welcomes over 10,000 admitted and prospective students and their families to campus, access to the Hahn Parking Lot 101 will be restricted during business hours.

Community encouraged to take precautions following a string of burglaries

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is encouraging the campus community to take extra precautions following an attempted burglary and completed burglary of a campus mailroom and a string of car break-ins.

Nominations for the UC Women's Initiative for Professional Development are open until March 22

Designed for mid-career faculty and staff participants, and sponsored by the Office of the President, the program is open to all employees who are committed to the initiative's mission.

Dining Services opens Owl's Nest Cafe, located in Kresge College

Dining Services and the Division of Student Affairs and Success are pleased to announce the opening of Owl’s Nest Cafe. Located in Kresge College, Owl’s Nest provides food service Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Staff Advisory Board is pleased to announce the Staff Scholarship Program

Using funds raised during Giving Day from generous UCSC community members, UCSC career, non-represented staff can take courses, enroll in seminars and webinars, and attend conferences that support career advancement. Up to $500 per fiscal year will be reimbursed.

Vote for UCSC in STAT Madness 2024!

Vote for UCSC in the 2024 STAT Madness competition!

UC Santa Cruz-based center leads system-wide commitment to White House food security initiative

The Center for Economic Justice and Action (CEJA) at UC Santa Cruz will lead the University of California’s participation in the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities.

Continuing student housing application period closes March 4

Deadline to register to vote in March primary is Feb. 20

February 20 is the deadline to update your registration online to vote in the March 5 California Primary Election. 

Office of Equity and Equal Protection announces new systemwide anti-discrimination policy

The Office of Equity and Equal Protection (EEP) is pleased to announce the issuance of a new systemwide policy on Anti–Discrimination.

Legal Studies major Lauren Elscott found her passion with music and events on campus

Lauren Elscott is senior in the legal studies program whose true passion lies in music and events. At UC Santa Cruz she discovered the electronic music minor and how to be involved on campus.

Join the Banana Slug art contest

Get ready to unleash your inner artist and celebrate creativity like never before. The Assembly Bill 1850 (AB 1850) Banana Slug Art Contest is here to bring a splash of color and imagination into your life.

The UCSC’s African American Theater Arts Troupe presents Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage

Light-hearted comedy captures the struggles of the formerly incarcerated staff as they hope for a better life

Breaking Records and Feeding Hope

Space Management Policy Update

March 5 is Election Day in California

UC Santa Cruz's second annual Teaching Week Feb. 26 - March 1

The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) and the Academic Senate are delighted to present UC Santa Cruz’s second annual Teaching Week which will take place February 26–March 1, 2024. This is an opportunity for the entire campus to celebrate the many changes to the culture and practice of teaching and learning on our campus and to shine a light on all of the work so many of you have put into transforming your educational practices.

Campus division renamed to University Advancement

UC Santa Cruz has renamed the Division of University Relations to the Division of University Advancement.

UC Santa Cruz Summer Session offers exclusive tuition discount to California Community College students

UC Santa Cruz Summer Session is launching a new 50 percent per-credit Summer Session tuition discount exclusively for California Community College students.

Search launches for Associate Vice Chancellor for Colleges, Housing and Educational Services

The Division of Student Affairs and Success is pleased to announce the launch of a national recruitment for our associate vice chancellor for colleges, housing and educational services (AVC CHES).

The Department of Performance, Play, and Design depends on crucial funds from Measure 11

Many are hoping for an adjustment to Measure 11, which dictates the quarterly ticket price for all shows. If the measure makes it onto the ballot and passes it will bring in hundreds or thousands of dollars in revenue.

Institute for Social Transformation releases five-year impact report

UC Santa Cruz's Institute for Social Transformation is celebrating its five-year anniversary and released an impact report reflecting on progress thus far. 

UC Santa Cruz provides international travel support to campus community

UC Santa Cruz is now providing expanded services to faculty, staff, and students traveling internationally.

A new cohort of drone pilot students start in the 2024 CIDER Drone Pilot Training Program

The CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) welcomed its 2024 Drone Pilot Training Program cohort in an orientation session on January 8.

2023-24 CITRIS UC Santa Cruz Tech for Social Good Program's student project teams kick off

The 2023-24 CITRIS Tech for Social Good program at UC Santa Cruz started in January with kick-off meetings with the winning technology development track teams.

Faculty and staff invited to attend a student housing webinar on Feb. 7

Dave Keller, interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Colleges, Housing and Educational Services invites all faculty and staff to attend a housing webinar at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 7. The webinar will provide updates about the continuing student housing process.

Music Professor Russell Rodriguez wins the Américo Paredes Prize

The American Folklore Society awarded UC Santa Cruz professor Russell Rodriguez the annual Paredes prize in recognition of his work in the arts with the local community and his contributions to folklore and tradition.

Institute of Arts and Sciences announces new interdisciplinary initiative on climate change

A new multi-year initiative will bring together arts and science to start a conversation about marine biology and the effects of climate change. The new exhibit is set to premier in 2025, and the project is already in progress as the Friedlaender lab collaborates with nationally recognized artists.

National Endowment for the Humanities gives $60,000 award to two UCSC faculty members

The National Endowment for the Humanities included two UC Santa Cruz professors in their most recent round of grants and awards. Drs. Jennifer Derr and Stacy Kamehiro are using their newly awarded funding to continue in the projects that focus on diverse groups and global impacts.

Tech insider Guy Kawasaki to moderate panel featuring Jeremiah Owyang and Luca de Alfaro

“Artificial Intelligence in the Academic and For Profit Environments” will be hosted at UC Santa Cruz’s Silicon Valley campus on Jan. 30, beginning with a reception at 5:30p. The panel will start at 6p. More details are available here.

Call for participation: Campus roads Bike and Pedestrian Safety Study

The University of California, Santa Cruz has recently launched the Campus Roads Bike and Pedestrian Safety Study to identify safety enhancements and develop conceptual street designs for key campus corridors.

Plan for Summer this Winter

UC Santa Cruz Summer Session offers courses spanning various disciplines each summer. The various sessions run from June 24 through August 30 and attract a diverse community of continuing students, visitors, and high school students. Explore the available summer courses at summer.ucsc.edu now and prepare for open enrollment starting on May 1.

Transfer Summit will convene to discuss transfer student experience

You are invited to attend the 2024 Transfer Summit on Friday January 12 from 2-5 PM at the Stevenson Event Center. The goal of the summit is to create a high-level shared understanding amongst faculty and staff of the many aspects of the transfer student experience.