Administrative Message

Support for undocumented members of our campus community

We write today to reaffirm our support and care for undocumented members of the UC Santa Cruz community.

Prescribed burns near campus starting Wednesday, Nov. 20

Labor strike announced for Nov. 20-21

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union (AFSCME)—which represents University of California employees who work in patient care, dining, custodial, transportation and other service areas—has announced it will hold a systemwide labor strike Nov. 20-21 at all UC campuses and medical centers.

Prescribed burns near campus starting Wednesday, Nov. 13

California State Parks plans to conduct prescribed burns at Wilder Ranch State Park beginning Wednesday, November 13 through Thursday, November 21.

Moving through this moment together

A post election message from the Dean of Students, including information about support and resources.

Red Flag Warning for Santa Cruz County

Centering well-being as the national election approaches

Your well-being is our priority, and we encourage each of you to take steps to care for yourselves and find the support you need.

2024 UCSC United Way Campaign

Today we officially kick off this year’s UC Santa Cruz employee campaign in support of United Way of Santa Cruz County. Our 2024-2025 campaign, United We Thrive, highlights the collective power we have when we come together to build a stronger, more resilient community.

Open Enrollment 2024 for UC Faculty & Staff Starts Today

The University of California’s annual Open Enrollment (OE) period takes place from October 31 through 5 p.m. on November 22. All medical, dental and vision plans will be open for enrollment as well as Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Legal and Flexible Spending Accounts.

UCSC’s Season of Giving - Three ways to give

We’re about to enter a season of giving to various efforts that uplift folks in Santa Cruz County, both on and off campus.

Winter Curtailment 2024-2025

Our 2024-25 winter curtailment will run from Monday, December 23, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

California General Election

Tuesday, November 5th is Election Day in California for the General Election.

Innovation Impact Award Nomination Deadline

The nomination window for the Innovator of the Year award closes on Friday, November 15.

Parking permit scams and anonymous citation information collection

It has come to our attention that some individuals are attempting to sell fraudulent parking permits to students.

Notice of open comment: Interim Conduct Regulations Policy

The division of Finance, Operations, and Administration is now accepting the campus community's feedback in advance of removing the interim status.

Fraud alert and security steps for Fidelity accounts

We want to inform you of recent reports of fraudulent activity involving UC Retirement Savings Program accounts maintained by Fidelity.

Invitation to the SAB Virtual Fall Forum on October 24

Prepare for the Great California ShakeOut

International ShakeOut Day is an annual event that teaches earthquake preparedness and response activities for everyone.

Nominations open for Chancellor’s Innovation Impact Awards

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.

Annual reminder of emergency preparedness

The start of a new academic year is a good time to review your emergency preparedness for a range of possible scenarios we might face as a community, to update your emergency contact information, and to think about your own role in supporting a safe environment for everyone.

Notice of Open Comment: UC policy on Seismic Safety

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential policy on Seismic Safety.

Electioneering on Campus

Important information about time, place, and manner policies and student conduct

Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Garrett Naiman shares information about time, place, and manner policies, emphasizes the importance of following conduct regulations, and underscores the need to ensure a safe and respectful environment for free expression at UC Santa Cruz.

A message from UC President Michael V. Drake: Working together toward inclusive excellence

We recognize and indeed cherish our responsibility to honor our free speech traditions. We are resolute in our commitment to cultivating academic spaces of intellectual curiosity and moral courage.

2024 Notification 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), the 2024 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available for viewing.

Be CyberSafe - Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is UC Cybersecurity Awareness Month (UCCAM), the perfect time to protect yourself and our campus from cyber threats and to support our campus’s efforts to comply with new cybersecurity requirements.

Fall 2024 Transportation Update

Chancellor’s Update: Celebrating the new academic year!

Whether you are just joining us at UC Santa Cruz or are returning to campus recharged after summer break–welcome to the new academic year!

Welcome to Fall Quarter, Banana Slugs!

Dean of Students Garrett Naiman offers a welcome message to start the 2024-25 academic year.

University Record Management Reminder

With the 2024-25 academic year underway, we would like to encourage all faculty to consider the safe, secure destruction of inactive, confidential university administrative records while adhering to the UCSC Records Management Program and policies.

Celebrating and observing the Jewish High Holy Days

As we welcome the beginning of the academic year, Jewish members of our community will also be ushering in the Jewish new year as they celebrate and observe the High Holy Days.

Observing the Jewish High Holy Days and other religious holidays

Shortly after we welcome the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year, Jewish members of our community may observe the High Holy Days.

Campus plan for transportation, parking, and traffic impacts during move-in

UC Santa Cruz is preparing to welcome more than 9,000 residential students to our community next week.

Fall welcome and update

Let’s each take on the good work of fostering a positive community by assuming positive intent in others, demonstrating respect in our speech, writing and demeanor and practicing kindness and compassion.

Senate Bill 108: Rights and responsibilities of free expression

As we begin the new academic year, we seek to reaffirm our Principles of Community and share important information with our campus community about the rights and the responsibilities of free expression in the context of living, working, and studying at UC Santa Cruz.

Power restored to campus

Power has been restored to all areas of the residential campus, following a planned outage for maintenance and repairs to an electrical substation.

Updates on planned power outage

The residential campus is experiencing an planned power outage so campus electricians can conduct important maintenance and repairs to a primary electrical substation.

New UCSF medical office in Santa Cruz - Meet & Greet on campus

In an effort to provide employees with more health care options, we are happy to announce that UC Santa Cruz partnered with UCSF Health to bring primary care services to employees with UC Health Plans in the Santa Cruz region.

Update on campus budget

An update on our fiscal year 2025 budget and our continued work to address our structural deficit in core funds.

Help welcome our students to campus: Volunteer for Fall Move-In

Laura Arroyo, the new Associate Vice Chancellor for Colleges, Housing and Educational Services at UC Santa Cruz, invites volunteers to help welcome 5,700 new students during Fall move-in. Volunteers are needed for various roles from September 19-22. Sign up today!

Death of Susan Wojcicki

I am deeply saddened to hear of Susan Wojcicki's passing. She was a vibrant light in this world and an inspiration to me and countless others.

Investigation concludes in fatal bus crash

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department has concluded its investigation of the Dec. 12, 2023, bus crash that resulted in the death of TAPS driver Dan Stevenson and moderate to severe injuries to the five students on board.

Investigation into fatal bus crash concludes

Investigators concluded there was no evidence of any pre-existing mechanical conditions or failures of the bus that would have contributed to the crash or any direct evidence of any distraction.

Latest Budget Update

As we prepare for the fall quarter, we will be providing additional updates on our budget situation, both directly to the campus and through unit leaders.

Campus community urged to take precautions amid rise in COVID-19 cases

Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in California, the campus community is urged to take precautions to prevent the spread of illness and promote a health campus.

Update on 2024-25 budget

I am confident that, working together, we will get through this current budget challenge and emerge stronger, supported by better budget processes, and spending and revenue practices.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

Knowing some of the challenges you’ve overcome, including over this past year at UC Santa Cruz, we want to provide a great experience at commencement and do all we can to prevent the ceremonies from being marred by disruption.

Important information about the California Whistleblower Protection Act

The University of California is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct in the fulfillment of its education, research, public service and patient care mission.

Supporting safety and access to our campus

These have been difficult days and I write to share more detailed information about the actions taken last week to support safety and access to our campus.

Report allegations of police misconduct to Police Accountability Board

The UC Santa Cruz Police Accountability Board (PAB), established this academic year (2023-2024), is an independent and neutral oversight committee composed of diverse members representing the campus community that includes members of the faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and career staff. The PAB exists to improve police accountability of the UC Santa Cruz Police Department (UCSC PD), reform police policies and procedures and promote greater confidence in policing on campus.

Encouraging remote work during commencement and last call for volunteers

During 2024 Commencement ceremonies, Friday June 14 – Monday June 17, 2024, and with students moving out of the residence halls by Friday, June 14, heavy traffic is expected on campus over that four-day period.

In-person instruction for week of June 3

Now that the main entrance to our residential campus is open and we have two accessible entrances, we will return to in-person instruction on Monday, June 3.

Update on this morning’s actions at the main entrance

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

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.

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).

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 on June 24.

Planning to resume in-person instruction on Tuesday

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SlugSafe: Campus Transit is operating modified routes

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.

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.

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.

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.

UC Leave options expanded to include protected time off for reproductive loss

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, UC’s leave options expanded to provide eligible employees with up to five days of protected leave following a reproductive loss. This change aligns with California legislation that became effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Reminder - SAB Virtual Spring Forum this Tuesday

The Staff Advisory Board enthusiastically invites you to attend their Spring Forum with Chancellor Larive this Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Campus update: Celebrating Earth Day, thank you Spring Give supporters, Potential Slugs in their element

Our students have been powerful partners in our efforts to advance sustainability, and we’ve built an especially strong Sustainability Office that helps to keep us at the forefront of climate-action and sustainability trends.

Cal Fire Empire Grade Piles Burn

Cal Fire has announced it will be burning roughly 60 piles on Empire Grade Tuesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 18

Power outage at the residential campus

The UC Santa Cruz residential campus is in the midst of intermittent power outages due to under voltage from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E).

Important parking information for Banana Slug Day on April 13

Parking information for Banana Slug Day on Saturday, April 13, when UC Santa Cruz will be welcoming 6,000 admitted students to campus.

Celebration of Life for Zainab Mansoor

AVC for Student Development and Engagement and Dean of Students Garrett Naiman invites students to a Celebration of Life in honor of fellow Banana Slug Zainab Mansoor, who was tragically killed in February.

Staff Scholarship Award Program Spring Cycle closing April 15, 2024

The Spring 2024 Cycle for the Staff Scholarship Award Program will be closing at 11:59 p.m. on April 15, 2023.

Review of Proposed Revisions to Personnel Programs for Staff Members 2.210 (Absence from Work)

UC is now seeking to expand paid sick leave for part-time and full-time employees

SC Warriors playoff discount & SAB Virtual Spring Forum on April 23rd

The Staff Advisory Board invites you to attend their Spring Forum with Chancellor Larive on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The purpose of the SAB-supported forums is to provide staff with an opportunity to ask questions of campus leadership.

SAB nomination period is now open

Are you interested in serving our campus community and giving back to your fellow staff members? Consider joining the Staff Advisory Board!

Staff Scholarship Award Program Spring Application Cycle OPENS TODAY

Celebrating and Observing Ramadan, Easter and Passover

With the end of winter quarter instruction this week and final exams starting on March 18, this is a stressful time. Students observing these holy days may miss classes and/or request extensions for assignments. Some will also limit or avoid the use of technology, including virtual learning platforms.

Information about Ramadan at UCSC

This message is intended to provide our campus community with information about observing and celebrating Ramadan.

Important changes to UCSC Google service

In February 2021, Google announced changes to Google Workspace for Education ending unlimited free storage.

Notice of open comment period ALPR policy

The Division of Finance, Operations, and Administration is inviting comments on the proposed Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) policy through April 5, 2024.

Annual Pre-Retirement Planning Series for July 1 retirements and those within 5 years of UC retirement

UC Santa Cruz’s Benefits Office is offering the 2024 Pre-Retirement Planning Workshop series through March 22.

The Staff Advisory Board reminds you to attend our Winter Forum on Wednesday, March 6

Our guests are members of different departments on campus that deal with discrimination, harassment and dispute resolution, as well as disability accommodation requests and complaints.

Mourning the tragic death of our student

It is with the deepest sorrow that I share the news that one of our students succumbed on Friday to fatal injuries she endured early that morning at Seabright State Beach.

UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement Webinar Series

I write on behalf of Michelle Deutchman, executive director for the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement, to make you aware of a webinar series for UC faculty and staff that is occurring right now.

Invitation to the SAB Virtual Winter Forum

The Staff Advisory Board enthusiastically invites you to attend our second Winter Forum on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

Annual notice on employees responsible for reporting discrimination, sexual violence or sexual harassment

To promote a healthy campus climate, we encourage everyone in our community to report incidents of sexual violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation to EEP.

Planned power outage at residential campus on Sunday, February 25

UC Santa Cruz will experience a planned power outage from 7 a.m to 3 p.m on Sunday, February 25. The outage will impact most of the residential campus including all ten colleges and many upper campus facilities.

President Drake announces new Systemwide Office of Civil Rights

The University of California’s first Systemwide Office of Civil Rights was launched on Feb. 20, 2024.

UC Santa Cruz welcomes new AVC for planning, design, and construction

I am happy to announce the appointment of Emil Zordilla as UC Santa Cruz’s new associate vice chancellor for planning, design and construction. He will begin his position on February 26. 

Commencement schedule announced

This spring’s ceremonies will be held on the East Upper Field from June 14–17, 2024.

Update on the campus budget

Campus leadership has been involved in discussions to address a projected growing structural deficit in our core budget in a timely manner.

Addressing Bias and Bigotry: Call for Ideas

The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) is providing each campus with on-time funds to combat bias, bigotry and discrimination stemming from recent global events.

Attend a housing information session

Housing information sessions are the best opportunity for continuing students to learn about the housing application and assignment process.

Our plans for Commencement 2024

This spring’s ceremonies will be held on the East Upper Field from June 14–17, 2024.

Important Update on Preferred, Primary, Lived, and Legal Names in MyUCSC

We are excited to share important updates regarding the implementation plans for the UC Gender Recognition and Lived Name (GRLN) Policy announced on December 12, 2023, by CP/EVC Lori Kletzer.

Promoting safe campus transit services

The safety of our campus community is our utmost priority and we want every rider to be confident that our drivers and shuttles are meeting or exceeding expectations in the delivery of transit services.

Guide to 2024-2025 continuing undergraduate student housing

On Monday, January 29, all undergraduate students currently living in university housing received this email update about the 2024-25 continuing undergraduate student housing process. This email includes information about housing information sessions, the application period, the housing waitlist, and off-campus housing resources.

Preparing for storms on Wednesday and Thursday

Over the coming days, we expect a major winter storm to affect Santa Cruz County alongside much of California.

Add/Drop/Swap and Undergrad Part-Time Deadline Extended

Planning for possible disruptions on Friday

There have been several posts on social media calling for a demonstration at the base of campus from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. While we do not know how the event will unfold, blocking entrances is disruptive activity and not legally protected speech or sanctioned labor activity.

Important updates regarding 2024-25 continuing student housing process

Information security statement on generative AI

Although AI offers new and powerful capabilities for research and education, it also poses a potential risk to institutional data that UC Santa Cruz is legally and ethically obligated to protect.

Section of Hagar Road closed

A section of Hagar Road between Steinhart Way and just above the East Remote Parking Lot will remain closed until further notice. The heavy rain appears to have caused damage to the road.

Resources supporting community during Israel-Hamas War

Last quarter our UC Santa Cruz community was deeply affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. With the violence continuing, we anticipate that our students, instructors and staff will continue to be impacted by these events. A number of resources are available on campus to our instructional community and students to support trauma-informed and inclusive teaching and learning and to uphold the health and well-being of our community members.

Invitation to the SAB Virtual Winter Forum on January 31, 2024

The purpose of the SAB-supported forums is to provide staff with an opportunity to ask questions of campus leadership.

Leading the Change: Call for Interdisciplinary Proposals

I write to invite you to apply for the Leading the Change Collaborative Series. This series will support approximately two events per quarter from Spring 2024 through Winter 2025 that provide opportunities for collaborative, interdisciplinary conversations.

New director of Athletics and Recreation

Chris Spells has been named UC Santa Cruz’s new director of Athletics and Recreation. He brings a depth of experience overseeing daily athletic operations for NCAA varsity sports and recreational programming.