UCnetwork: April 2026

CUCSA celebrates outstanding UC staff and leaders

It’s that time of year again: The Council of University of California Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) has announced the recipients of the 2026 CUCSA Annual Awards, which honor staff and leaders across UC who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting colleagues, strengthening communities and advancing the staff experience. Thank you to this year’s winners and nominees for your support of colleagues throughout the university! Learn what inspires the 2026 awardees.

Learn what it’s like to be a CUCSA delegate. This Friday, April 17, at 11 a.m. (PT), register to join a virtual event with the Executive Board and delegates for an insider view into staff leadership.

The fight to protect California science starts now — and we need your help

University research is under attack, but California is fighting back. UC is partnering with Sacramento lawmakers, United Autoworkers Region 6, and the Union of American Physicians and Dentists to cosponsor a bipartisan bill, SB 895, that would place a $23 billion bond for scientific research on the November 2026 ballot. Learn more about the fight to protect California science and email your lawmakers now to let them know that science funding is a priority.

Your voice is powerful! Talk to your friends, neighbors and community about why scientific research, our university and SB 895 matter to you — and to our state’s future. 

Proof in action. Get inspired by student researchers at Grad Slam, meet the latest UC researchers in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and find out how experience-based learning prepares undergrads for the world beyond UC.

Join President Milliken for an April 22 conversation with UC free speech leaders

Next Wednesday, join President Milliken and the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement for a topical virtual conversation with two of UC’s foremost free speech experts — Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky and UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman — who will discuss their newly published book on campus free speech. Register here to attend the discussion. You can also read President Milliken’s latest Substack post about his #SpeechMatters experience, during which he positioned free speech as a “pillar of higher education.”

Tune in to more presidential events. President Milliken is on a roll with staff-focused events. He recently continued the President’s Leadership Conversation series by interviewing two UC campus leaders. Watch his conversation with UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive and read his Substack about interviewing UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz.

Retiring July 1? Here’s what you need to know

If you’re planning to retire this summer, now’s the time to prepare! UC offers many resources for a smooth transition, including personalized retirement counseling by appointment. Visit UCnet to learn about your options, and make sure to submit your signed retirement election form and any required documents through UC Retirement At Your Service 45–60 days before your planned retirement date.

It’s never too early to make financial goals. UC helps you plan for the future at all career stages. Visit the My UC Retirement website to check out free resources, including financial webinars and Fidelity financial counseling.

UC Spotlight: 37+ staff who inspired us this month

Join us in celebrating UC staff who are making a difference for our university and California communities — whether working on the front lines or behind the scenes! Here are 37+ colleagues who are making an impact.

UC-published book makes a “Daily Show” debut! UC Press staff are having a big moment after an author’s standout appearance on “The Daily Show” sparked New York Times bestseller buzz. Find out what it was like to reach readers nationwide — and why the book is resonating.

From data to diagnosis

Catching health issues early can make a real difference — improving outcomes, lowering long-term costs and helping patients get care sooner. Across UC’s academic health system, researchers are putting that idea into practice, using real-world UC data to spot disease risks earlier, support better clinical decisions and tailor patient care. Find out about the latest advancements in data-driven research.

Three cheers for California’s newest doctors! Last year, of the 748 UC medical students who found out their residency assignments during Match Day, 67% remained in California, including in communities with the greatest need for doctors. In honor of this year’s Match Day, explore the stories of UC Irvine Health students whose impact is already inspirational.

Help UC fight cancer when you file your taxes. As you file your California state taxes, there’s an easy way to support cancer research at the University of California. You can donate to one of two UC-managed funds right on your tax form, helping advance better ways to prevent and treat cancer. Most donations (95%) go directly to research and education, and every bit helps. Here’s how to give.

Look out for the systemwide staff engagement survey

UC is launching its 6th Systemwide Policy-Covered Career Staff Engagement Survey on April 27. Understanding employees’ experiences, perspectives and engagement is essential to strengthening our workplace culture, supporting our community and, ultimately, to fulfilling our mission. If you receive an invitation to participate, please take the time to share your perspective. Read more about the survey and check out the FAQs.

UC People

Mary Blackburn, public health pioneer

Trailblazing Black dietitian Mary Blackburn began her UC career in the tumultuous Civil Rights era and went on to make a lasting impact.

Meet Mary