Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO, CA–Astronomers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, have developed a theoretical model that may explain recent observations of tremendously powerful gamma ray bursts, the most luminous phenomena in the universe. Andrew MacFadyen, a graduate student researcher, and Stan Woosley, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics, based their model on a scenario in…

Chancellor Greenwood presents a Chancellor’s Award Dean of arts Edward Houghton presents an award to one of the Dean’s Award winners in the Division of Arts. Chancellor Greenwood joined the deans of UCSC’s academic divisions last month to honor 42 undergraduates for academically outstanding achievement. The undergraduates were recipients of the Dean’s Undergraduate Achievement Awards,…

Beginning this July, campus telephone numbers will be assigned to a new area code–a change that requires campus units to assess their publications, other materials, and equipment to make sure that they incorporate the new 831 area code. When the 831 area code takes effect on July 11, a six- month grace period begins in…

In celebration of Gay Pride Month, there will be an end-of-the-year BBQ for queer and queer-friendly staff, students, and faculty on Tuesday, June 9, at the Women’s Center from 3 to 7 p.m. There’ll be great grillables, games, beverages, and more. (The gods and goddesses promise no rain.) For more information, call (408) 459-4385. The…

These images show the impact a house-size rock (represented by a white dot), traveling five kilometers per second, would have on the asteroid Castalia. An analysis of collisions between asteroids may help explain the structure and evolution of these small planetary bodies and also raises concerns about the feasibility of disrupting or deflecting an asteroid…

Michael Tanner and lecturer in music William Coulter entertained approximately 125 guests during a predinner concert on May 30. A singing toast (and gentle roast) was the highlight of the Tanner recognition dinner. From left to right are vocalists Nancy Loshkajian, Richard Jensen, and Paul Whitworth. Chancellor Greenwood presents Tanner with an inscribed plaque from…

Executives Of Graniterock, Giro Sport, And Raytek Tell Secrets Of Their Business Success The most important asset for all businesses are dedicated and innovative employees who focus on quality in every aspect of their work. This assessment was agreed upon unanimously by a trio of chief executives who participated in a public forum on June…

Online Courses Could ‘Level Playing Field’ For Prospective College Students From All Areas Educators from across California will discuss the feasibility of a statewide "virtual" high school, offering college-preparatory courses online, at a conference this month at UCSC. Approximately 125 high school teachers, administrators, and members of the UCSC faculty and staff have been invited…

A groundbreaking ceremony will mark the start of construction on a 10,600-square-foot weight training and fitness center for the Office of Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports. A number of activities are planned for the groundbreaking event on Tuesday, June 9, including a traditional shovel ceremony, a wellness fair with holistic health activities including massage and…

The June 4 issue of Nature ran an article by astronomer Erik Asphaug and colleagues on their simulations of asteroid collisions with earth and measures that could be used to avert "deep impact." The Santa Cruz County Sentinel interviewed Asphaug for a follow-up story. Ellen Moir, director of teacher education at UCSC, was quoted in…

The National Ocean Conference June 11-12 in Monterey will focus the nation’s attention on critical ocean issues, including the health of marine ecosystems, sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources, ocean research, and ocean management. This level of attention has been a long time coming, say UCSC researchers in ocean science, who have spent decades…

SANTA CRUZ, CA–UC Santa Cruz will establish a new Center for Ocean Health at the Joseph M. Long Marine Laboratory, a research and education facility operated by the campus. Construction of the new center will be largely funded by a $5 million grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The Center for Ocean Health…