the current

the monthly e-newsletter of UC ANR Staff Assembly | May 14, 2024 | Vol. 3, No. 5

from the SAC Chair

Togetherness

When you enjoy being with colleagues, a feeling of togetherness is formed and becomes the foundation for much success and fulfillment, individually and as an organization. As the out-going Chair of Staff Assembly Council (SAC), I have had the honor of sharing a profound sense of togetherness with my SAC colleagues and so many of you across UC ANR.

Together, we have seen record levels of engagement with Staff Assembly programs and events through our ongoing efforts to improve the work experience for all UC ANR staff. That positive impact has been made possible by our amazing Staff Assembly Council members, who build upon the legacy of all the SAC teams before them.

I hope you peruse our recently created “alumni” web page, which honors our many dedicated Council volunteers over the years, dating back to Staff Assembly’s establishment in 2015. I thank each and every one of them for their innumerable contributions.

It has been a pleasure to serve as Chair for the past two years, and I wish the incoming Staff Assembly Council for 2024-25 all the best in continuing to foster the extraordinary togetherness that makes UC ANR such a special place.

Scott Brayton

Staff Assembly Council Chair, 2022-2024

thank you Lunch and Learn participants

Staff enjoy lunch, conversation and tours with SAC members at Kearney and Hopland RECs

UC ANR staff met with Staff Assembly Council members during fun and productive Lunch and Learns at Kearney Research and Extension Center on April 11 and Hopland REC on May 2.

Like their peers at the March 28 session at South Coast REC, staff members received updates on Staff Assembly activities, heard about ways to participate, and shared their concerns and suggestions. Ambassador Chair Saoimanu Sope and Communications Chair Mike Hsu visited Kearney, while Program Chair Andrea Warner and Mike went to Hopland.

Many thanks to Marcie Holmes-Baker and Terri Gonzalez for arranging logistics at Kearney, and to SAC Ambassador Ryan Puckett for leading an excellent tram tour of the center. Our gratitude goes out as well to Hannah Bird and SAC Ambassador Greg Solberg for helping organize the Hopland visit. And last but not least, thank you to Atef Swelam and John Bailey for supporting these visits!

UC ANR Moves 2024

ANR community movin' and groovin' during wellness event

Beginning with a lively stretch session led by SAC Chair Scott Brayton on Zoom, the May 1 UC ANR Moves event inspired ANR employees all across the state to get moving at their offices and around their neighborhoods.

"Thank you to everyone who took the time to form teams, dress up, take a walk and get active!" said SAC Wellness Chair Jodi Azulai, who worked with the Wellness Committee to plan the event. "We hope that the day will spark additional ideas for fun activities that promote health and well-being."

learning & development highlights

Reimbursement funds available to attend career development conference for UC staff

The NOW (Next Opportunity at Work) Conference is designed to support UC staff with career and professional development through inspiring speakers, workshops and community building.

Organized by UC Berkeley People & Culture, the conference will be held online on June 13. Virtual pre- and post-conference group/1:1 coaching opportunities will be June 10, 11, 12 and 14.

UC ANR Learning & Development funds will reimburse up to 10 staff for the general conference registration fee. First-come, first-served AND priority will be given to those who have not been reimbursed for this in the past. Contact Jodi Azulai at jlazulai@ucanr.edu for details.

Check the UC ANR Learning & Development website for more workshops, webinars and classes.

important dates

'Principles of Community 2.0' survey closes May 31

All UC ANR employees are strongly encouraged to choose the introduction, principles and conclusion that will comprise UC ANR's refreshed Principles of Community. Complete the 10-minute survey by May 31.

The top four choices for each component were selected during the EDI Summit earlier this year, from ideas gathered during conversations across the state with Elizabeth Moon, ANR's director of workplace inclusion and belonging.

These "Principles of Community 2.0" refresh the 2016 revise and serve as the bedrock for our shared language and behavioral expectations, reaffirming our commitment to one another and our communities. The principles guide our daily interactions, with the understanding that their underlying spirit remains constant.

Also, nominations for the inaugural Workplace Inclusion and Belonging Award are due tomorrow, May 15. Learn more about how you can nominate a colleague(s), workgroups, employee groups or others within ANR who have shown a continuous commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Deadline tomorrow (May 15): Apply for peer-to-peer coaching

Through guided conversations on a platform called Imperative, UC employees have an opportunity to connect with colleagues for peer-to-peer coaching and learning.

By meeting with a UC peer, participants will gain new perspectives at work, learn about other parts of the UC system, and enjoy dedicated time and space to reflect on work and career. Learn more about the platform.

If you are interested, fill out this form by May 15. This is a first-come, first-served opportunity and supervisor approval is required for participation.

did you know?

Conversational Spanish class starting this summer

The UC ANR News and Information Outreach in Spanish team and Latinx & Friends Affinity Group will offer a conversational Spanish class via Zoom, tentatively slated for July 9 to September 12.

NOS Manager Ricardo Vela is trying to gauge interest to see how many people would like to participate, and whether they are beginners or interested in conversing to advance the Spanish they previously have learned.

“We are still working on some important details, such as class format, length and frequency," Vela said.

Fill out a survey to express your interest.

Express interest

The Current is your monthly Staff Assembly e-newsletter, distributed on the second Tuesday of each month (read archived past issues). All staff members at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources are part of UC ANR Staff Assembly. We on the Staff Assembly Council help advise senior leadership and advocate on your behalf, and we also organize programs and events that promote your professional development and personal growth. (Note: Academics are members of our counterpart entity, Academic Assembly.)

Photo credits | Lunch and Learn: Hopland REC (top), John Bailey; Kearney REC, Mike Hsu; UC ANR Moves in Santa Clara County, Eileen Shydlowski; office chat, Amy Hirschi on Unsplash