Dateline archive:

Budget forum, Special Olympics, weekend thermostats — 6.26.09

UC Davis FRIDAY UPDATE

6.26.2009

News and information for faculty and staff


Spotlight on…

California thirsty for waterLake Oroville

Three years of little rainfall have cost California dearly. This video highlights how UC Davis researchers are working for solutions to save farms and fish, and demonstrates the need for farmers, scientists and policymakers to collaborate on solutions. [ More… ]

NEWS

Budget anxiety grows: Staff open forum set for July 9

Layoffs, furloughs, pay reductions — these are anxious times for UC employees. For information on these topics and more, Human Resources invites all staff to an open forum, 1 to 3:30 p.m. July 9 in Freeborn Hall. Space is limited, and registration is required. Forum topics include the layoff process, preferential rehire rights and re-employment options, severance, career counseling and staff development, as well as the Voluntary Separation Program. [ More… ]

Special Olympics on campus; opening ceremonies tonight

UC Davis this weekend hosts the Summer Games of Special Olympics Northern California for the first time, with nearly 750 athletes expected. Admission is free to the opening ceremonies and all the competitions — with the public encouraged to come out to cheer on the athletes. The public also is invited to participate in the Reach for the Gold 5-kilometer run-walk. [ More… ]

Mercury rising: Conservation's cool for summer holidays

With summer here, it's time to stay cool and reduce energy use. During the summer weekends and holidays, UC Davis will adjust thermostats higher — thereby lowering air conditioning usage — in centrally controlled buildings. If you plan to work during this period, dress in light clothes to keep cool, as indoor temperatures may rise as high as 85 degrees. [ More… ]

Whistleblower alert: How to report suspected improper activities

The University of California wants you to report improper activities, and will protect you from retaliation for whistleblowing. State law mandates that all employees receive notification every year of their ability to report suspected improper governmental activities to designated campus and Health System officials, as well as to the state auditor, along with instructions on how to do so. [ More… ]

Iran on edge: Street clashes shake Islamic regime, social media make history

The world, watching through the likes of Twitter, is holding its breath on what happens next in protest-rocked Iran. UC Davis faculty with ties to the country and experts on the history and politics of the region weigh in on what may happen next during Iran's "long, hot summer." [ More… ]

Vanpool update: Solano One starts July 1; Placer van has room

Transportation and Parking Services announced the launch of a Solano County vanpool on July 1, while UC Davis employees coming from Placer County are invited to book full-time or casual space on a vanpool coming from their direction. [ More… ]

Library invites staff to summer classes

The University Library is holding summer classes for staff, offering information on how to use print materials and electronic resources from office and home. The program also includes instruction in searching the library's catalog and databases. All classes are scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. The first class is set for June 29, with repeat classes on July 23 and Aug. 5 and 10. [ More… ]

DIRECTIVES

Cal Aggie Alumni Association awards

The Cal Aggie Alumni Association is seeking nominees for its annual awards, which recognize outstanding personal and professional accomplishments of UC Davis graduates. Nomination materials are available online, and the deadline is Aug. 14. [ More… ]

General Education Tracking System (GETS) rollout

On July 1, the General Education Implementation Task Force, in coordination with the Committee on Courses of Instruction and the Office of the University Registrar, is ready to move forward with the release of the General Education Tracking System. [ More… ]

EVENTS

Staff Assembly: UC Davis Day at Raging Waters

Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Cal Expo, Sacramento

Staff Assembly is inviting people to sign up for summer group outings, the first of which is a trip to Raging Waters, a water park in Sacramento. Other outings include Sacramento Monarchs and Oakland A's home games. Also, Staff Assembly and Campus Recreation are teaming up to present a summer softball league for men and women, but you need to act fast — the signup deadline is 5 p.m. today. [ More… ]

Food Etc.: Wine choices for your holiday barbecue

Wednesday, July 1, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Gunrock Pub, Silo

Wines With Barbecue is the theme for the next Wednesday Night Wine Flight. The program will feature barbecue samples — and wines that complement the lively and diverse flavors. Admission is $10, and no reservations are needed. And in September, UC Davis affiliates can get a $10 discount for Understanding Heirloom Tomatoes, a half-day program presented by the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science. [ More… ]

Food, Mood and You support group

Thursday, July 2, 9, 16 and 23, noon, 126 Voorhies Hall

Sponsored by the Academic and Staff Assistance Program, this support group will focus on thoughts and feelings about food as well as "trigger times." People interested in attending are asked to call the ASAP office for a needs assessment appointment. ASAP also runs an ongoing Cancer Survivors Group that meets at noon the third Thursday of every month. [ More… ]

More calendar listings…