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Help is available if you’re affected by wildfire
The damage caused by the Los Angeles County fires is devastating. If you’re in an affected area, help is available from the university and from UC’s benefits partners.
Not impacted by the fires? Here’s what’s happening and how you can help.
Share your questions for President Drake
President Drake will be participating in his final systemwide town hall with Council of UC Staff Assemblies leaders on Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. (PT). Register online here to participate and submit your questions.
Fall 2024 enrollment was record-breaking!
UC enrolled the biggest and most diverse student body in its history for fall 2024, with significant gains for in-state and transfer students, as well as students from underrepresented groups. These impressive stats highlight years of partnership between UC and the state to increase opportunity for all Californians.
Is a student in your family considering UC? Check out this Jan. 15 webinar for financial aid tips.
UC Spotlight: Kudos for our work together
Our monthly UC Spotlight celebrates UC locations, teams and individual staff members who are helping to make UC a great place to work. Read this month’s Spotlight for stories and photos of staff who are making a difference. Then, learn how to share your achievements.
The RASC portal is now available en español
The UC Retirement Administration Service Center website is now available in Spanish! Check it out by selecting “Español” in the top right corner of the RASC homepage or go directly to rasc.universityofcalifornia.edu/es. Every convenient feature has been translated, from retirement counseling scheduling to informational videos to the Retirement Roadmap.
Data is driving UC medical research
The UC Health Data Warehouse is helping researchers to fast-track medical research and improve health outcomes. In 2024, six teams across UC’s health system followed data to notable findings that accelerated diagnosis and treatments while revealing how social determinants of health can impact access to care.
More in med-tech: Explore four ways AI is poised to transform medicine.
Try this: Reduce stress and strengthen your brain
A UCLA gerontologist explains how simple, daily practices can increase our resilience to stress and anxiety while building new neural connections.
UC People
Nicholas Holmes, superhero fan
The president of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals is passionate about superheroes, pediatrics and building connections.
From President Drake
Coming together with kindness and compassion
We are all horrified and saddened at the death and destruction wrought by the wildfires. My thoughts are with everyone in the UC community and the greater Los Angeles region impacted by this devastating disaster. The scope of the destruction is difficult to comprehend. Many people have suffered losses, including members of our UC family. I want to make sure everyone in our community has access to the
for those affected. In addition, you can find out more here about how to help those communities in need.
The University of California stands ready to help the region and the state. At UCLA Research Park West, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has set up a disaster recovery center for those affected. UCLA Health employees are working around the clock to treat patients at UCLA hospitals and clinics, and UC Davis and UC Irvine have sent first responders to help on the front lines of the fires. Across all our campuses, we’re mobilizing to support affected students and employees with mental health services, basic needs and other emergency support. Meanwhile, our experts are ready with useful information on how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke and how homeowners can prepare for wildfires.
Over the longer term, we will continue to work to equip California with solutions to understand and address the impacts of climate change. This past fall, researchers at the UC San Diego Supercomputer Center launched the Wildfire Science & Technology Commons. This research collaboration will develop advanced sensing and analytics to help enhance our ability to respond to and recover from megafires.
In the face of so much loss, I find solace in the ways that people in our communities come together and help one another. I’m heartened by the valiant and capable efforts of firefighters and the generous support of neighbors and community members. I know that we can — and will — make it through this, by coming together with kindness and compassion, rolling up our sleeves and taking care of one another. Thank you for doing your part.
Fiat Lux.
Michael V. Drake, M.D.
UC President
UC voices
“Those who earn these awards embody the promise of America by pushing the boundaries of what is possible.” — President Joe Biden
Describing the winners of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation — the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement. Jennifer Doudna, Nobel Medalist and UC Berkeley professor of molecular and cell biology and of chemistry, was among the recipients.
More UC news
UC reaches voluntary agreement with U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
UC systemwide benefits survey coming soon
Share your perspective on the next UC president
CD12 annual report highlights role of data in improving health care
Advisory committee named for UC Riverside Chancellor search
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