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Dear Colleagues,
During this season of gratitude, I am profoundly thankful for all of you.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we can reflect on the opportunities and challenges we’ve faced, and the progress and achievements we’ve made. This is also a great time to recognize the people at UC San Diego moving us forward and working towards the university’s mission.
One important element of the Chancellor’s vision for the university is freeing everyone to do their best and most creative work by reducing barriers and red tape. My office is following up on suggestions made by many deans, chairs, faculty, and staff to streamline everything from business functions to search processes to academic reviews. The best tips about where to look for our next streamlining project come from you – so please email me or my AVC for Finance and Administration with ideas.
I would also love to hear about the achievements within your schools and departments and learn how your team or unit recognizes your colleagues. Many thanks to those of you who have already shared lists or opportunities to learn about these individuals who have been recognized! For those that haven’t yet responded, please email my Director of EVC Strategic Communications & Engagement who is collecting information on faculty and staff honors and awards to provide future opportunities to highlight more of the exceptional contributions to our campus.
And you can always connect with me directly in my regular Office Hours and “Reverse Office Hours,” where I can visit your lab, studio, or classroom and learn about the impactful work you are doing. If an office or zoom meeting feels too “formal,” we can also schedule a quick walking brainstorm session or other, more casual conversation – just please reach out.
It is my great pleasure to say a big “Thank You” to the entire UC San Diego community. I wish you a relaxing fall holiday break and hope you are able to rest, recharge and enjoy time with loved ones.
With much gratitude,
Elizabeth H. Simmons
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Let's Chat!
Just a reminder that the easiest way for us to talk is to come in during my office hours. Click the button below to find out more and schedule a time!
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Native American Heritage Month
Unite with the Triton community in a month-long celebration of Native American history and culture led by the Intertribal Resource Center.
See the full Calendar of Events.
For questions or more information contact NAHM@ucsd.edu
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Celebration of Cultures
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Epstein Family Amphitheater
Join the third annual Celebration of Cultures and experience the vibrant tapestry of cultures embodied by the Triton community through delicious multicultural food, performances, and more.
Tasting samples will be provided to the first 1,000 UC San Diego employees who reserve their e-ticket online on a first-come, first-served basis. Those unable to register among the first 1,000 entries can still enjoy the festivities by registering for the Bring Your Own Food tickets. In addition to food, cultural dance and musical performances, the event will feature opportunity drawings and more.
Staff and academic employees are required to reserve and download an e-ticket to their mobile device via Eventbrite through Blink and show their UC San Diego ID to receive lunch and attend the event activities. Quantities are limited and typically sell out.
Register for lunch and learn more about the Celebration of Cultures. Please email any questions to Alyson Hong.
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Price Center Extended Hours for Student Study Spaces
Price Center now has extended hours, which began Monday, Oct. 21, to provide additional safe,
no-cost locations for students to study. 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
Please encourage students to check out a complete list of Price Center study spaces and a list of campus study spaces.
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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
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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.
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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 by November 13.
Submissions received after November 13 are considered late. Late submissions will be accepted until Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 (after which the form will close)
For questions, please email Rocco Fragomeni, Director of Summer Planning.
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Creating a Culture of Care: Supporting Students in Distress
This free and interactive training is designed to assist faculty and staff in recognizing and supporting students in distress. What is a Student in Distress? A student in distress is one whose academic progress or functioning in the university environment is adversely affected due to a number of indicators that are impacting their well-being and/or the well-being of others. This is an excellent training for any staff or faculty member that has frequent interactions with students.
December 12, 2024 | 9-10:30 a.m. (Virtual)
Register on the UC Learning Center by searching the keyword “Students in Distress”
For more information, please contact Chrystian Smith at cas014@ucsd.edu
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Health for the Holidays
The UC-wide Health for the Holidays challenge runs Nov. 25 through Dec. 20, 2024.
Create teams of 4-40 people and earn points each week in a fun activity and nutrition-based challenge.
Bring winter scenes to life as you log activities, which build up “snow” in these virtual scenes. Daily “Gift Box” activities foster connection, gratitude, and optimism. It includes team chat features, wellness tips, recipes, and festive articles.
Register to participate
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Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) Support Groups
Jewish Wellness Forum, facilitated by Lindsay Winters, ASW, FSAP Associate Counselor
Friday, Dec. 6 from 12:30 - 2 p.m.
The Bella (Bella Vista) restaurant at the Sanford Consortium | 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla
Pre-registration required
A space to bring Jewish individuals together through a sharing and listening of experiences: a meeting informed by compassion, understanding and conversations about what resilience and tradition can mean for the community. For all Jewish campus staff and faculty, and postdoctoral scholars (Campus and UC San Diego Health).
Email Lindsay Winters for more information.
Other FSAP support groups include:
- 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.
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Exploring Global Connections at UC San Diego's 20th International Education Week | This November, UC San Diego marks the 20th anniversary of International Education Week with a dynamic lineup of globally focused events celebrating the campus's diverse and vibrant community. | | | |
Curiosity Ignited: Showcasing How AI is Accelerating Discoveries | The inaugural Curiosity Ignited, a signature Homecoming academic symposium explored topics of AI and its connection to interdisciplinary research at UC San Diego. Students, alumni, and thought leaders gathered on Saturday, November 9, for engaging presentations and discussions on how UC San Diego is | | | |
Explaining Science Through Dance | Science can be difficult to explain to the public. Explaining a theoretical science concept to high school students requires a new way of thinking altogether, which is precisely what researchers at UC San Diego did when they orchestrated a dance with high school students at Orange Glen High School in Escondido as a way to explain topological insulators. | | | | | | |