I write this introduction to our latest newsletter with mixed emotions, for it is the last one to be published under Provost Hexter’s leadership. The gravity of this changing of the guard is not lost on me. I have had the privilege of working with him for three years, and I will always remember them for the burgeoning progress our campus has made in academic advancement, inclusive excellence, faculty diversity, and salary equity that began under him and former Vice Provost Maureen Stanton. He has been a close partner and mentor, always providing me with the sagest of counsel and fervent encouragement to never relent in our pursuit of initiatives to create new knowledge and establish new practices for us and other universities to follow.

Provost Hexter also imagined UC Davis as a leader for transformative change within the UC system, and I will always remain grateful to him for providing my colleagues and me in Academic Affairs the opportunity to contribute to his vision.

But as one chapter ends, another begins. In the weeks and months ahead, please join me in enthusiastically welcoming and working with our new Chief Academic Officer, Vice Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan. 

Stay safe and be well, and have a wonderful summer,

Phil

In our last newsletter, we shared that UC Office of the President has enabled optional changes to employee benefits in an effort to better support those who have been affected by COVID-19. We shared that retirement faculty and staff now have more flexibility in withdrawing money from their retirement plans and in changing their benefits.

With the continuation of remote work, the pressures on faculty with young children are significantly higher than usual, making it even more challenging to respond to work demands. The convener of the Faculty Parent Support Group, Professor Diane Wolf, is generously making herself available throughout the summer to listen to faculty concerns and, if needed, help develop strategies to navigate these new challenges. To arrange a one-on-one confidential meeting at your convenience by phone, Zoom or any other venue, please email Diane directly at [email protected].

Through Assembly Bill 1887 , California aims to "avoid supporting or financing discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people." This Bill prohibits state-funded or state-sponsored travel (with certain exceptions) to 11 states ( Alabama, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas ).

Effective July 1, 2020, California will add Idaho as the 12th state to the restricted travel list based on two bills recently signed into law in Idaho (House Bill 500 and 509). Please review your currently scheduled travel to ensure this does not conflict. Travel safely!