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Essential news for the UCSF community

The Surprising True Story Behind the ‘Unofficial’ Bear Mascot of UCSF


Ask UCSF colleagues and you’re bound to run into at least a few that agree the University’s mascot is a bear. So, is it true?


See what we found »

Tooth flossing

Debunking Popular Online Dental Myths


Social media influencers are quick to share easy ideas and do-it-yourself dental hacks. But do TikTok trends save viewers a trip to the dentist – or cause tooth trouble?


Read about it »

The Latest COVID-19 Variant: What You Need to Know


The World Health Organization recently named the fastest-growing strain a variant of concern, meaning it’s not yet been added it to the “watchlist” for high-risk strains.


Learn what UCSF experts say »

Video: UCSF ‘Amazingly Positioned’ to Lead 2024 Health Care AI Revolution


There’s a real sense the University has the opportunity to transform into “the leading AI-enabled academic life sciences university,” according to a panel of UCSF AI experts. 


Watch the conversation »

UCSF Staffer Bravely Takes on Severe Mental Illness


Terrifying. That’s how one UCSF staff member, who prefers to remain anonymous, describes her severe bipolar disorder.


Read her story »

Social Spotlight

The first UCSF baby in 2024 joined the world at 2:15 p.m. on Jan. 1, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces.


Meet Zora on Instagram »


Our Experts in the News

The New York Times

Morning Person? You Might Have Neanderthal Genes to Thank


NPR

'This Is Not Rocket Science': A Doctor's Mission to Overcome Children's Fear of Needles


The Washington Post

How to Promote Good Posture and Avoid Becoming Hunched Over


The New Yorker

All the Carcinogens We Cannot See


KCBS-AM with UCSF Health

How UCSF is Improving Children's Health with Nature

Announcements

Amazon Gift Cards for Taking UCSF Data Quiz: Institutional information is increasingly becoming UCSF’s lifeblood and most critical asset. Data is also growing enormously in complexity and volume while regulatory requirements are becoming ever more stringent. Take this data security quiz and score one entry in a drawing for six $50 Amazon gift cards. Test your knowledge »



New Mission Bay Collaborative Space Coming: The second-floor space at Genentech Hall will soon transform into a dynamic hub featuring communal tables, café-style seating, colorful chairs, an outdoor patio and more. The space – previously occupied by Café 24 – was the subject of a community contest in August to reimagine its use. See when it’s opening »



Donate Air Miles to HEAL: Support the Health Equity Action and Leadership Fellowship’s essential bi-annual trainings and regional workshops by donating United Airlines miles to frontline clinicians around the globe. This community-based training enables HEAL’s fellows to effectively serve and stay in resource-denied settings. To donate, visit the HEAL campaign page, click “donate” and log in to your United Mileage Plus account »



New FAS Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion: Klint Jaramillo, MEd, MSW, has joined UCSF Financial and Administrative Services in an inaugural role leading broad diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism efforts. Klint previously served as the Executive Director of Resource Centers for Identity & Inclusion for UCSF’s Office of Diversity and Outreach. Learn more about Klint »


UCSF Staff Employee Referral Program Expanded: UCSF has expanded the staff employee referral program for difficult-to-fill and other open roles. The program is open to both Campus and Health employees for Campus and Health staff roles, and eligible employees who refer a successful candidate will receive a referral payout or bonus. To refer a candidate and be eligible for a payout or bonus, provide the candidate with your name and UCSF email to include in their online application. Read more about the program »


Embrace a Healthy Start to the New Year: With convenient locations at UCSF's Mission Bay and Parnassus Heights campuses, UCSF Fitness and Recreation is here to support health and fitness goals with amenities like pools, group fitness and pickleball. Employees can take advantage of free enrollment fees and save 40% off a dual site membership. Join today »



Get the Accessible Event Champion Certificate: Applications are now open for the Accessible Event Champion Certificate Program, a five-part training course designed to equip UCSF event planners with skills for planning accessible events at UCSF. Apply now »



The Latest Speech Matters Podcast: Listen now to “When Speech Causes Stress: Supporting Campus Constituents” from the University of California. This month’s guests, Dr. Katya Armistead, assistant vice chancellor and dean of students for UC Santa Barbara, and Dr. Genie Kim, director of student mental health and well-being at the UC Office of the President, discuss the hard work of providing support to the campus community when ugly speech rears its head. Hear it now »

 

Introducing UC’s Retirement Counseling and Advisory Services: The UC Retirement Administration Service Center takes another step in its new operating model with the January 2024 launch of Retirement Counseling and Advisory Services. Beginning this month, a dedicated team of accredited financial professionals are available for personalized retirement counseling by appointment, helping members of the UC Retirement Plan (UCRP) make informed decisions about their retirement. Learn more »


Precision Medicine World Conference This Month: UCSF will co-sponsor the 2024 Precision Medicine World Conference in late January, featuring 29 UCSF speakers and panels. Highlights include expanded AI and Real World Evidence tracks, Atul Butte receiving its highest honor, the Pioneer Award, and the New Federal Programs Driving Transformative Health Breakthroughs panel. Get more information »



Make a Big Impact on Your Website: Automated testing tools are great resources for identifying and resolving common digital accessibility issues, but they might not catch all issues. As Michele Mizejewski, a user experience designer, found, there is no greater benefit than firsthand feedback from users with disabilities testing a website. Watch Michele’s video »

UCSF Community Well-being Grants Awarded: Sixteen projects that support the health and well-being of UCSF staff, faculty and learners will soon come to fruition thanks to funding from the 2024 Community Well-being Grant program. The projects include a variety of programming, including community building, training, mindfulness teaching, guest speakers, off-site events and more. See what projects were funded »

Events

January 10

Breast Oncology Program Seminar: Renée van Amerongen, PhD


January 10

Advancing Care in Outbreaks of Special Pathogens: From Ebola to Lassa Fever


January 10

The Dr. James L. Sorensen Memorial Symposium: The State of the Science of Addiction


January 10

UCSF Faculty Mentoring Program Lunchtime Series: A Conversation with Holly Ingraham, PhD


January 11

Anti-Blackness in Communities of Color


January 12

Stem Cell Seminar: James Dahlman, PhD


January 12

Artificial Intelligence Readiness at UCSF: Current State and Future Directions


January 16

Health Care Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients and Companions


January 17

WIT @ UCSF Tech Café: Qualtrics


January 18-19

2024 PSMA Conference


January 18

Shout it Out: How to Nominate for a University Award


January 18

3D Printing Part 1: Introduction to 3D Printing


January 18

Clinical & Translational Science Institute Open House


January 18

BALANCE Faculty Spotlights: Mark Terrelonge, Jr., MD, MPH


January 18

Perinatal Loss and Disenfranchised Grief: Definitions, Impacts and Resources


January 22

A Life in Bioethics: Celebrating the Career of Barbara Koenig, PhD


January 22

Multi-Cancer Early Detection Symposium


January 22

Clinical & Translational Science Institute Open House


January 23

Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Cancer Control Program Meeting


January 23

Seeing the Whole Person: Implications for Mental Health Integration in Perinatal Care


Visit the UCSF Events Calendar to submit events and see what’s happening.

Deals and Discounts

Cirque du Soleil Tickets: Save up to 20% off on select seats and dates for the innovative show KOOZA, which follows the journey of a naïve clown looking for his place in the world. Groups of 10 or more save 25% and get reduced handling fees.



Get Tickets Now »
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