Leadership Messages

Campus News

Donald Smith named interim dean and vice provost of Graduate Studies

June 12, 2026

Smith brings extensive experience in graduate education, faculty leadership, research administration, and student mentorship to this role. He joined the UC Santa Cruz faculty in 1996 and, before retiring in 2025, served as distinguished professor of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology and associate dean of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Campus News

In memoriam: Professor emeritus Barry Bowman

June 9, 2026

Barry truly embodied the very best of UC Santa Cruz. He was a pioneering scientist, dedicated teacher, and generous mentor whose impact will be felt for generations. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of discovery, service, and community.
Campus News

UCSC names Heather Bullock dean of Social Sciences

June 2, 2026

Heather is a professor of psychology and director of the Center for Economic Justice and Action and leads the systemwide UC Essential Needs Research, Training, and Promising Practices Consortium. She brings extensive experience in research, teaching, public engagement, and academic leadership to her new role as dean.
Campus News

UCSC Vice Provost and Dean Peter Biehl to join UC Irvine

May 28, 2026

Since joining UC Santa Cruz in 2021, Biehl has led the Graduate Division’s approach to graduate education, spanning recruitment, admissions, mentoring, student success, professional and career development, and alumni engagement.
Campus News

Dear Slugs: Dean of Students Newsletter

May 14, 2026

Read the lastest installment of Dear Slugs, a newsletter from the Dean of Students.
Campus News

AFSCME open-ended labor strike beginning May 14

May 7, 2026

We anticipate the strike will have noticeable impacts to the services provided by health services, transportation, and dining. We will be focusing our efforts on instructional and operational continuity, to fulfill our mission of teaching, research, and public service.
Campus News

Update regarding federal digital accessibility requirements

April 28, 2026

Last week, the Department of Justice extended the ADA Title II digital accessibility compliance deadline by one year, to April 26, 2027. Nevertheless, the UC IT Accessibility Policy (ITAP) remains in effect with an implementation deadline of April 24, 2026.
Campus News

Candidate interviews for Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education

April 20, 2026

All candidates will present a town hall talk that will also be recorded for later viewing. At the scheduled times, candidates will give a 30–40-minute talk followed by real-time moderated Q&A.
Campus News

Earth Month: Celebrating our campus, our progress, and a shared sustainable future

April 8, 2026

As we kick off Earth Month, I’m pleased to share some highlights of our community’s progress on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Campus News

UCAD Plus Joint Task Force Update #3

April 7, 2026

Each of these groups has diligently identified creative ways to leverage existing strengths and external partnerships to improve efficiency and preserve and expand capacity amid ongoing disruptions.
Campus News

New reference cards for responding to immigration officials in “limited access” spaces

April 6, 2026

These cards describe steps to take in the event that immigration officers request access to a limited-access space such as a classroom when class is in session or a laboratory.
Campus News

Interviews for Dean of Social Sciences candidates

April 6, 2026

All candidates will present a town hall talk that will also be recorded for later viewing. At the scheduled times, candidates will give a 30–40-minute talk followed by real-time moderated Q&A.