UCnetwork: January 2026

UC’s response to Gov. Newsom’s 2026-27 state budget proposal

“I am deeply grateful to Governor Newsom and our legislative leaders for their steadfast support of the University of California,” wrote President Milliken. “I look forward to our ongoing partnership with Governor Newsom and the Legislature to ensure that our students have what they need to succeed at UC and beyond.” Read the full statement.

Also in UC headlines: For the first time ever, our total student enrollment exceeds 300,000 and California resident undergraduate enrollment surpasses 200,000! Explore the data.

10 awesome discoveries from UC research in 2025

The past year yielded an array of advancements from UC, including new treatments, new technologies, new ways to stay safe during disasters and new insights on the mysteries of the galaxy, our planet and our past.

Ready for your next obsession? UC community members also created an array of binge-worthy books, music and movies — and there’s something for everyone’s taste.

Your source for all things retirement

It’s now easier than ever to find the financial and retirement planning information you need. The Retirement Administration Service Center (RASC) portal has moved to the My UC Retirement website, bringing all UC retirement resources together on a single, unified platform. Explore the updated MyUCretirement.com website and discover more of its features and benefits.

UC Spotlight: 5 staff stories that inspired us this month

Our UC Spotlight celebrates how UC staff and their teams are making a difference for Californians and the world beyond our state. Meet the people who are bringing UC’s values to life: Read our January Spotlight!

CUCSA hosts staff advocacy-focused town hall

At the Council of UC Staff Assemblies All-Staff Town Hall on Tuesday, delegates invited staff from UC’s state and federal governmental relations teams to share updates on the state budget, legislation that may impact the university and details on how to get involved in UC advocacy efforts. Stefan Elgstrand, press secretary in the Office of California State Senator Jesse Arreguín, shared how Senator Arreguín is advancing legislation that supports UC. Watch the video.

Add your voice: We must stand together to protect our students, staff, faculty and our mission. Pledge to Stand Up for UC.

ICYMI: President Milliken is on Substack

In November, President Milliken launched a Substack — The Gold and the Blue, Volume 22 — where he shares information and updates about the issues and good work happening across our university, and connects with the UC community. Subscribe today to stay up to date.

An influential leader: On Jan. 29, President Milliken will speak at the prestigious Commonwealth Club World Affairs
of California. Here’s how to tune in.

Explore the impact of toxic chemicals with Fig. 1

Are people overreacting about “chemicals” being in everything? In the latest video from UC’s award-winning Fig. 1 video series, UCSF Professor Tracey Woodruff explains how toxic chemicals are affecting our health and what we can do to stop them. For more insightful videos about UC research, follow Fig. 1 on YouTube!

Wildfire effects linger: Long-term threats to lung health, mental well-being and overall community wellness have remained long after the 2025 L.A. wildfires were extinguished.

Investing in California’s future physicians

In December, UC awarded $3.5 million on behalf of the state of California to support innovative medical education initiatives aimed at expanding the physician workforce. The Grow Grants program supports initiatives that aim to expand California’s physician workforce by developing new training pathways and curricula to meet community health needs.

Reimagining the future of public health: Several UC health care leaders recently met at UC Irvine to share their insights into the state of public health in the U.S. 

Give “Dry January” a try

Dry January — abstaining from alcoholic beverages for the first month of the year — is a great way to assess your relationship with alcohol and reap the benefits of drinking less. If that’s too difficult, even small reductions in alcohol can make a difference for your health.

Dodge the ‘stomach flu’: Norovirus surges in the winter, so it’s important to know how to protect yourself. (Hot tip: Hand sanitizer can’t prevent its transmission.)

UC People

Stephen Lepore, scientific glassblower

Stephen quietly supports university research by creating and repairing the custom glassware modern science demands.

Meet Stephen