Dear Colleagues,


As 2024 draws to a close we can be proud of another year accentuated by academic and research excellence at UC San Diego. Whatever your position in the university, I thank you for your hard work, your commitment to the ideals in the Chancellor’s strategic plan, and the leadership you express by setting an example for your peers or stepping up when challenges arise.  


The combined effects of everyone’s dedication is reflected in the university’s many recent achievements including UC San Diego being named the “Nation’s 6th Best Public University” by U.S. News & World Report and ranked “9th in the World for Most Influential Researchers by Clarivate,” the progress made on addressing student equity gaps by the Collective Impact working groups, and the inaugural Curiosity Ignited: Research that Sparks Change event highlighting innovative faculty work in the field of Artificial Intelligence.  


Our university’s notable advancements continue to receive international recognition. Most importantly, UC San Diego’s research, work, and discoveries have real-world impact and can benefit people around the globe. Each of you supports this important work every day and I am extremely proud of our students, faculty, staff, and the entire UC San Diego community. 


I hope you take this well-deserved break to rest and recharge. I look forward to connecting with you in the new year and working towards a successful 2025. 



Warmest wishes for a restful winter holiday, 


Elizabeth H. Simmons



Let's Chat!


Just a reminder that the easiest way for us to talk is to schedule time during my office hours. Click the button below to find out about ways we can chat!

More Information

Library Services Available During the 2024 Campus Winter Closure


Library hours will be modified in observance of the campuswide closure this winter. Geisel Library will close on Monday, Dec. 23, at 6 p.m. and reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. WongAvery Library will close on Monday, Dec. 23, at 5 p.m. and reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. While both Geisel Library and WongAvery Library will be closed, access to most online library resources will be unaffected. 


The Library’s website provides more information about how to access online resources and Library services available during the campus winter closure. 



Price Center Extended Hours for Student Study Spaces 


The Price Center has extended hours to accommodate student study needs. Open Desk and Sun God Lounge are now open until 2 a.m. and Price Center East Levels 1 & 2 are open 24 hours on weekdays. 

 

Price Center Hours: 

 

Monday – Thursday: 

Price Center East, Levels 1 & 2, Open 24 hours 

Sun God Lounge open until 2 a.m. 

Open Desk open until 2 a.m. 

 

Friday – Sunday: 

No changes to current building hours 

 

See a complete list of Price Center study spaces and a list of campus study spaces

Call for Entries: 2025 Art of Science Contest


Celebrate the beauty that can emerge during scientific research by entering the Library's Art of Science contest. UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, faculty, researchers and scientists are invited to submit visually compelling images derived from their scientific work. These submissions are more than just images; they showcase the beauty of scientific exploration, inspiring curiosity and engagement with some of society's most pressing challenges and cutting-edge research. 


The submission period is open now through April 25, 2025. Winning images will receive $75 and be featured in an exhibition at Geisel Library in Fall 2025. Learn more and submit your entries at lib.ucsd.edu/artofscience


For questions, please email Abigail Pennington at apennington@ucsd.edu



Save the Date: Future of Academics Affairs Forum 


Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at 9 a.m.  | via Zoom


Save the Date for the annual Future of Academic Affairs Forum – an opportunity to hear about updates, opportunities for collaboration, and the latest news about the Chancellor’s updated strategic plan. More information on topics for the 2025 forum will be shared just after the winter break.


Registration is already available online.  

Chancellor's NIH Institutional Training Grant: GSR Cap Gap Program (TCGP)


Chancellor Khosla has committed up to $4.3 million in funding for fiscal year 2024-2025 to provide relief for PIs who are successful in securing training grants, specifically for the NIH T-series, for their graduate students. Funding will be provided to cover stipend gaps, with PIs continuing to fund tuition and fees. 


Learn more



UC Washington Center

UC Washington Center (UCDC)


Encourage your students to apply to the UCDC program, which offers all UC San Diego students an opportunity to gain professional experience, build networks, and explore career paths in Washington D.C.


This quarter-long program allows students to live, take courses, and intern for academic credit in D.C., immersing them in national policymaking, advocacy, and cultural exchange. Internships in prestigious organizations like government agencies, nonprofits, and think tanks provide firsthand exposure to careers in public service and policy. Scholarships are available to ensure accessibility for students from diverse financial backgrounds.  


The priority application deadline for Spring and Summer Quarters is November 1, with rolling applications accepted until all spots are filled. Learn more 


There are also several UC Washington Center faculty opportunities, including teaching and research. 

2025 Summer Program Inventory


To prepare and share the resources and information needed to efficiently and safely account for these programs, the Summer Planning team is collecting preliminary information. 


Complete the 2025 Summer Program Inventory submission form.  


Form Closure: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 -Submissions received after November 13 are considered late. Late submissions will be accepted until Wednesday January 8, 2025. 


For questions, please email Rocco Fragomeni, Director of Summer Planning. 



Launching Soon: UC Mandated Training- Single Sign-On Alerts 


Beginning Monday, January 6, 2025, all Academic Affairs faculty and staff (except student staff) will begin receiving alerts when they log into Single Sign-On (SSO) if they have any outstanding training to complete in UC Learning.  


Following this alert launch in January, faculty and staff will receive the following messages:  


UC Mandated training is due in 14 days:  

A reminder will appear in Single Sign On, with the due date and training identified. There will be an option to either go to the UC Learning Center to complete the training or bypass the message and login through SSO. The message will continue to appear at each login until training is complete.  


UC Mandated Training is overdue by 30 days or more:  

If an employee is within one of the two annual lockout periods —designed to minimize disruptions to instructional operations—and is more than 30 days overdue in completing required training, they will encounter an intercept screen. This screen will restrict access to all systems except UC Learning, where they can complete their overdue training. 


You are encouraged to complete any overdue training to prepare for this important change. An email reminder will also be sent to all Academic Affairs faculty and staff in mid-December, before the holiday break.  


If you have any questions, please contact Leo Munduruca at lmunduruca@ucsd.edu

Red Folder


The Red Folder is an informational guide designed to assist faculty and staff in recognizing and supporting distressed students.  


Learn more about Resources for Faculty and Staff Supporting Students in Distress on the Student Affairs and Campus Life website.



Invitation to Director of Student Affairs Policy, Standards and Conduct Open Forums 


Join the Office of Student Affairs and Campus Life and the Center for Student Accountability, Growth, and Education in open forums with the candidates for the role of Director of Student Affairs Policy, Standards, and Conduct. Your valuable feedback ensures that a candidate who reflects the university’s values and mission is selected. For the best candidate experience, in-person attendance is encouraged. There will be two candidates per day and one candidate per session. 


Monday, Dec. 16 & Wednesday, Dec. 18 

Hybrid | Red Shoe Room | Zoom 

RSVP at tinyurl.com/UCSDSAGEDirectorSearch24


VCSA-CL Divisional Staff Open Forums: 8 to 8:45 a.m. & 1 to 1:45 p.m. 

Campus Partner Open Forums: 9 to 9:45 a.m. & 2 to 2:45 p.m. 

Student Open Forums: 10 to 10:45 a.m. & 3 to 3:45 p.m. 


Each open forum session will include a brief 5-7 minute overview from one of the final candidates and an open Q&A from participants. You are encouraged to attend all four sessions for a candidate if their schedule permits. For any questions or concerns, please reach out to damosbey@ucsd.edu

Experiential Learning "Snack and Learn" Workshop


Wednesday, January 22 | RSVP

1 - 2:30 p.m.

UC 111A (Chancellor's Complex)


Join an Experiential Learning Snack & Learn session where you can share feedback on experiential learning activities across campus.


This is a great opportunity to share about your experiential learning course/program, engage in meaningful discussions, network with colleagues, and contribute to shaping the future of experiential learning at UC San Diego.

Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) Support Groups


  • Tritons Flourish 
  • Mindful Pause (Mindfulness Meditation Group) 
  • BIPOC Support Group 
  • Black Community Support Group 
  • Neurodivergent Support Groups 
  • Parent and Caregiver Support Groups 


See the full list of FSAP support groups and workshops for more information. 



UC San Diego Ranks 9th in the World for Most Influential Researchers

UC San Diego has the highest number of influential voices in the University of California system and tied for 9th highest among universities and institutes worldwide, according to Clarivate's 2024 Highly Cited Researchers list.

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UC San Diego Takes Steps to Establish Globally Recognized Fintech Institute

With financial technology (fintech) a focal point of India's changing 21st century economy, the University of California San Diego has joined a consortium in partnership with Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Ahmedabad University and IIT Gandhinagar to launch the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI) aimed at establishing India as a global leader in fintech.

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Philosopher Eddy Keming Chen Receives $325K Grant to Explore the Nature of Reality

Eddy Keming Chen, associate professor of philosophy at the University of California San Diego School of Arts and Humanities, has been awarded a $325,000 grant to explore the nature of quantum foundations.

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