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UCnetwork: August 2025

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UCnetwork is emailed monthly to University of California staff, but all members of the UC community are invited to subscribe. Get UCnetwork delivered to your inbox. Read on for our August issue!

Scientist looking at something under a microscope

Our future is at stake

The federal government’s demand of $1 billion from UCLA would devastate our university, cut off life-saving care, halt tech and economic growth, and reduce educational access. UC needs your help right now. Visit the new Stand up for UC website to get resources for speaking out, learn more about our impact, watch our newly updated Boldly Californian video and pledge your support. Your voice matters!

Mel Mann wearing a straw hat

“That was the drug that saved me”

Mel Mann’s family got their miracle when a clinical trial drug reversed a devastating diagnosis. But Mel knows that there are millions more people waiting for hope, and that the innovation that saved his life depended upon federal research funding. That funding is now under attack: Read Mel’s story to learn about his journey and how he’s standing up for science.

Adding her voice. UCLA graduate student Erin Morrow also owes her life to scientific innovation — and it inspired her research. Now, she’s joining students across the country to advocate for science research.

Smiling UC student

UC admitted more than 129K California students!

UC’s yearslong commitment to expanding educational opportunity for more California students is evident in the fall 2025 admissions numbers: Over 77% of in-state first-year applicants were offered a spot, a full 7 points higher than last year. And, more than 27,800 California community college transfer students were offered admission, too! Explore the numbers.

Group of happy people, some standing and some in wheelchairs

UC Spotlight: Our impact this month

Our UC Spotlight column celebrates how we’re making a difference throughout California. Read the August Spotlight for stories and photos of staff who are bringing UC’s values to life.

UC staff make a difference every day. Explore our new staff impact page that highlights how we are serving California, our nation and the world.

A doctor and nurse consult a monitoring panel

UC pathway programs open doors to health care careers

In addition to increasing the pipeline of future health care professionals for California, pathway programs at UC also indirectly contribute to social and economic mobility for individuals who otherwise may not have considered careers in health care. Here’s how the programs work.

We’re here for alumni, too: UC is working to ensure our alumni have a bright future and an opportunity to serve California communities. On Aug. 21, the HireUC Alumni Career Summit in Fresno will welcome up to a thousand alumni, diverse employers and a dynamic lineup of career panels.

Thoughtful serious african professional business man sit with laptop thinking of difficult project challenge looking for problem solution searching creative ideas lost in thoughts at home office desk

Resources to support you during challenging times

We have all been feeling the weight of uncertainty over the past few months. If you’ve been anxious, depressed or overwhelmed, or if you’re having difficulty being centered and purposeful, UC offers several resources to help.

cybersecurity concept, internet security, screen with padlock

Enhanced direct deposit security is coming to UCPath on Aug. 24

UCPath is upgrading its direct deposit security measures to further protect your financial data. You don’t need to do anything, but you may want to review the new process if you’re planning to update your direct deposit info. Here’s what will change.

Elizabeth McGriff

Call for stories: UC Changemakers

With federal funding at stake, it’s more important than ever to share how our community makes a difference, every day on behalf of Californians, the country and the world. Help us amplify the incredible work of our community by nominating someone who inspires you (or yourself!) as a UC Changemaker. Simply complete this form to participate.

Kathleen Yamul holding an otter plushie

UC People

UC People: Kathleen Yumul, well-being advocate

Wellness is the focus of Kathleen’s job, but it’s also her passion. She shares what inspires her work and why self-care matters.

Meet Kathleen

UC voices

“The U.S. is a world leader — if not the world leader — in biomedical research, and we need to preserve that and treat it as a national treasure.” Dr. David Shackelford

Professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, on the freezing of federal research funding at UCLA.

More UC news

UC promotes digital accessibility with systemwide resources

Annual medical plan satisfaction surveys launching on Aug. 25, 2025

Farmers Insurance Program no longer available to UC staff and retirees

A UC pediatrician shares what you need to know about children’s vaccines


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For questions about UCnetwork, contact our editorial team at ucnetwork@universityofcalifornia.edu.

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