Dateline archive:
Brown-Whitman debate, research VC, pension news — 9.17.10
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UC Davis hosts governor debate |
NEWS SUMMARY
More stories at Dateline UC Davis and UC Davis News and Information
Charley Hess tapped as interim research chief
Charley Hess, who even in retirement is one of the most-recognized and respected figures at UC Davis, has been called back to campus service — for the third time — to serve as interim vice chancellor for research, as the university conducts a nationwide search to fill the position on a permanent basis. He will replace Barry Klein, who is stepping down as vice chancellor after nine years in the position. [ More… ]
Regents approve increased pension contributions
The UC Board of Regents on Sept. 16 voted unanimously to increase the amount UC and its employees contribute to the pension plan, with the goal of putting the plan on solid financial footing. [ More… ]
Costs of democracy: Mondavi garage, Mrak Hall Drive closures
The South Entry Parking Structure south of the Mondavi Center will be closed the morning and afternoon of Sept. 28, the day that UC Davis hosts the first debate between California gubernatorial candidates Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman. In addition, Mrak Hall Drive (which runs from the parking structure to Mrak Hall) and Alumni Lane (which runs along the north and east sides of Vanderhoef Plaza) will be closed to vehicle traffic from about 4 p.m. through midnight that day. [ More… ]
Research funds top $678 million
UC Davis received more than $678 million in research funds in the fiscal year that ended June 30. The total is a record for the campus and double what it was a decade ago. [ More… ]
Roadkill studies on the rise
Roadkill is the stuff of jokes and sometimes supper. But wild animals hit by vehicles are a serious concern of some ecologists, including UC Davis researcher Fraser Shilling, who just completed the first year of the largest-ever citizen-science survey of roadkill. The New York Times featured the project in a story this week: "Mapping Traffic's Toll on Wildlife." [ More… ]
Federal grant, additional funding boost state's new telehealth network
The new California Telehealth Network, a statewide, medical-grade broadband system for improving health-care access and emergency services, will receive a $9 million federal grant and an additional $5 million in matching funds from three prominent California organizations. [ More… ]
Breaking up the ant supercolony
Argentine ants have thrived since they arrived in North America a century ago, building a peaceful empire that extends for hundreds of miles. But the ants have yet to encounter the students of UC Davis professors Rick Grosberg and Sebastian Schreiber, who hope to provoke internecine ant war. [ More… ]
Campus expands mobile-assistance shuttle service
UC Davis will now offer its Mobility Assistance Program to faculty and staff in addition to students. The program provides convenient transportation to destinations across campus for individuals with mobility impairments. [ More… ]
DIRECTIVES
No directives were issued this week.
EVENTS
Research VC forums continue, today and possibly Sept. 24
Friday, Sept. 17, 2 p.m., Vanderhoef Studio Theatre, Mondavi Center
The second of two, possibly three, campus forums for the research vice chancellor's post is scheduled this afternoon. The candidate is Steve A.N. Goldstein of the University of Chicago. Harris A. Lewin of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, participated in a campus forum Sept. 15. A forum for another candidate is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 24. [ More… ]
Campus community invited to Fall Convocation
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m., Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center
The theme for the official kickoff to the academic year is "UC Davis: A Vision of Excellence," the same title that Chancellor Linda Katehi gave to the campus's recently released vision statement. In her convocation address, she plans to further discuss the new vision. The program also includes remarks by Professor Michael Ziccardi, who recently returned from the gulf oil spill, where he directed rescue operations for marine mammals and turtles. Also on the program: a performance by the UC Davis Jazz Combo. [ More… ]
UC-wide town hall forum on post-retirement benefits
Friday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m., online
The UC system will host a live, interactive webcast to talk with faculty, staff and retirees about major changes in post-employment benefits, health-care costs and other university issues. The online town hall — a first in UC history — is intended to give participants an opportunity to ask questions about UC benefits and to share any concerns they have. [ More… ]
New exhibit at Buehler: Emma Luna
Through Oct. 31, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center
The Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center is hosting an exhibition by Emma Luna: Monotypes-Mixed Media on Paper, which she describes as "unique impressions produced by painting oil inks onto a plate." Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. [ More… ]