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— The Friday Update team

Spotlight on…

Connecting with ObamaBarack Obama

UC Davis students are watching their new president, looking for signs of positive change. Our faculty is not just watching but analyzing Barack Obama and his policies — and the campus will be the beneficiary. [ More… ]

NEWS

Undergrad applications soar past 51,000 for fall 2009

A record number of high school seniors, prospective transfer students and others have applied to study at UC Davis for fall 2009. Freshman applications increased by 4.4 percent, and transfer applications are up 10.7 percent. [ More… ]

Bikes, vans: How do you get around?

Davis campus bicyclists and would-be vanpoolers are invited to talk transit next week and the week after. TAPS is hosting a pair of brown bags, Jan. 27 and 29, for people interested in joining or forming vanpools, while the Office of Resource Management and Planning is putting on two workshops Feb. 5 to take comments on the campus's draft Bikeway and Transit Network Study. [ More… ]

UC Davis study links smoking with most male cancer deaths

The association between tobacco smoke and cancer deaths — beyond lung cancer deaths — has been strengthened by a recent study from a UC Davis researcher, suggesting that increased tobacco control efforts could save more lives than previously estimated. [ More… ]

Chancellor's fellows: Five top scholars in engineering, humanities, economics, physics, biology

For the next five years, these UC Davis professors can officially title themselves as Chancellor's Fellows — Chen-Nee Chuah of electrical and computer engineering, Carolyn de la Peña of American studies, Christopher Knittel of economics, Sergey Savrasov of physics, and Henning Stahlberg of the molecular and cellular biology department. They are being honored for demonstrating excellence in their teaching, research and public service activities, and each will receive $25,000 to further their work. [ More… ]

Search on for staff adviser designate

Applications are being accepted for staff adviser-designate to the Board of Regents. There are two staff advisers at a time, with one serving as "designate" for a year and then moving up to staff adviser for a year. The designate now being recruited would serve from July of this year to June 2011. The staff adviser program allows for two staff and-or non-Academic Senate academic employees to participate in open sessions of designated committees of the board. Applications are due by March 2. [ More… ]

As economy sours, students worry about job prospects

The U.S. economy is making it difficult for graduating students to join the work force, scholars, staff and students say. With many companies reluctant to hire people for entry-level positions, some graduates may have to settle for jobs that are not their ideal careers. Others are choosing to delay entering the work force by pursuing graduate degrees or taking time off to travel. [ More… ]

Faculty urged to promote Undergraduate Research Conference

Abstracts are being accepted online for UC Davis' 20th annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference, scheduled for April 25. Abstracts are due by Feb. 17 at the conference Web site. Each student's abstract must be approved by a faculty sponsor, and faculty are urged to encourage outstanding undergraduates to the participate. [ More… ]

DIRECTIVES

Calvin E. Handy Leadership Award: Call for nominations

This award recognizes an individual community member, group or organization that, through leadership actions, has made significant contributions in the area of public safety and security to the campus or medical center community. Nominations are due by Feb. 27. [ More… ]

Soaring to New Heights Diversity and Principles of Community Achievement Recognition Awards

Nominations for individuals and teams are invited. Three awards recognize campus employees who demonstrate diversity and Principles of Community efforts that exceed the expectations of their positions. Nominations are due by Feb. 27; the Soaring to New Heights event is scheduled for April 14. [ More… ]

EVENTS

Come learn how new information technology roadmap will benefit campus

Thursday, Jan. 29, noon, 1065 Kemper Hall

The campus has scheduled a special public session to discuss the Administrative IT Services Roadmap, a project that promises to improve the coordination and governance of UC Davis administrative information technology services. The roadmap should help reduce the duplication and complexity of administrative IT services, plus ensure more informed investments in IT projects at the central, campus, school and department levels. [ More… ]

WorkLife brown bag: 'Recycle, Reuse, Rewear'

Thursday, Jan. 29, noon, Cabernet Room, Silo

Find out how clothing production impacts the environment and learn great tips on how to successfully consign your clothing in support of sustainability and clothing budgets. Sponsored by Staff Development and Professional Services. [ More… ]

Danzantes del Alma presents free Youth Dance Workshop

Saturday, Feb. 7, Wellman Hall

The UC Davis student dance troupe is offering separate sessions for ages 5 to 7 and ages 8 to 18, followed by an afternoon performance in Freeborn Hall. The program of instruction in folklorico dance is free and open to the public. Preregistration is advised, and same-day sign-ups will be accepted if space is available; enrollment is limited to 100. [ More… ]

More calendar listings…