Dateline archive:
Voluntary time reduction, state budget update, new law dean — 5.16.08
| News | Directives | Events |
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Melting 20 tons of glass — for scienceThe UC Davis-led effort to build the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope recently passed a major milestone with the casting of its massive mirror at the University of Arizona. Watch two short NewsWatch videos produced for KVIE-TV about building the telescope and how it will advance the science of astronomy. [ More… ] |
NEWS
Regents approve voluntary time reduction plan
The budget-strapped UC system will again offer a way for eligible employees to voluntarily cut their hours for up to two years. From July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2010, eligible part-time and full-time employees could -- with departmental approval -- cut their hours by 10 percent to 50 percent, for as little as one month or as long as the entire two years. Employees would not lose any retirement credits, vacation or sick leave accrual, health insurance or other benefits. [ More… ]
Budget news: governor's May revision and student fees
Gov. Schwarzenegger's latest spending plan for 2008-09 eases up on some, but not all, of UC's funding cuts. This week's "May Revise" restores $98.5 million of the UC funding that his January budget proposed cutting, a change welcomed by the university, but still falls short of covering operational needs. Also this week, the regents approved a plan to raise student fees by 7.4 percent. [ More… ]
'Our' Kevin Johnson is our new law school dean
Kevin R. Johnson, associate dean for academic affairs and a noted international expert on immigration, race and civil rights law, was confirmed Thursday as dean of the School of Law by the UC Board of Regents. Johnson, 49, will be the first Latino to lead a law school in the UC system. [ More… ]
'Swanny's' swan song
Larry "Swanny" Swanson is retiring after more than three decades of service to UC Davis. Swanny spent the last 20 years as associate athletics director of external affairs. In addition to his official duties, he has been "the voice" of UC Davis football, men's basketball and gymnastics, and he has emceed and been the auctioneer for the annual Aggie Auction. [ More… ]
Scientists report progress in fight to keep Tahoe blue
Researchers at the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center say that by using new, more sophisticated models for detecting trends and, by factoring out the effects of annual precipitation, they have concluded that the historic rate of decline in the lake's clarity has slowed since 2001. [ More… ]
'He felt a pretty strong quake': UC Davis faculty, students safe in China after disaster
Ten UC Davis students studying in China are safe and accounted for, as are three faculty who were also there at the time of the temblor: plant scientist Shu Geng, agricultural engineer Zhongli Pan and meteorologist Bryan Weare. In addition, toxicologist Ron Tjeerdema was in Hong Kong. All were on university business; the faculty members are now either headed home or continuing with their visits in China. [ More… ]
Campus stymied by arboretum waterway cleanup challenge
Earlier this month, an unexpected algae bloom in the arboretum waterway prompted the university to shut off a new water supply that campus officials had seen as a way to make the channel fresh and clean. The project, more than eight years in the making, relies on spritzing reclaimed water from the campus's wastewater treatment plant into the channel to freshen it up. Those officials vow to stick with it until they succeed. [ More… ]
Is green the new black? Pushing the eco-envelope
You have a hybrid in the garage, solar panels on the roof and drought-resistant native plants in your yard. But what's in your clothes closet? Find out more at Fashion Conscious, the Design Museum's spring exhibit featuring sustainable garments, footwear and accessories. On Sunday, the museum is also hosting "Designing with Conscience," a public symposium with prominent designers exploring major issues facing the sustainable fashion movement. [ More… ]
DIRECTIVES
No new directives were issued this week.
EVENTS
Sounds of spring: UC Davis Gospel Choir and more
Saturday, May 17, 7 p.m., Freeborn Hall
A selection of African and African American choral music, including contemporary and traditional gospel, spirituals, hymns and anthems. Many other campus music groups are set to perform in the coming weeks. [ More… ]
Chancellor hosts brown bag chats on Sacramento and Davis campuses
Monday, May 19, ballroom, Courtyard by Marriott, 4422 Y St.; and Thursday, May 22, MU II, Memorial Union; both noon to 1 p.m.
Join Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef for an update on university activities and issues. Bring your lunch and your questions and comments. [ More… ]
Panel discussion: A Climate for Shared Solutions
Thursday, May 22, 2 p.m., AGR Room, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center
Can professors, policymakers and the private sector agree on common ground for climate change solutions? This panel discussion concludes the Climate Change Solutions Speaker Series, sponsored by the John Muir Institute of the Environment. [ More… ]
'Aggie Idol' to benefit Special Olympics
Thursday, May 22, 7 p.m., Freeborn Hall
Benefit featuring UC Davis student-athletes in an American-Idol-like talent show. Fundraiser for Northern California Special Olympics. [ More… ]