UCnetwork: May 2026

Hundreds of UC faculty and staff rally for state investment in science

On May 4, hundreds of UC researchers, faculty and staff converged on Sacramento to rally for a major California investment in research. Supporters encouraged lawmakers to include SB 895 — aka the California Science and Health Research Bond Act — on the November ballot. This proposed $12 billion statewide investment would establish the California Foundation for Science and Health Research and provide long-term, stable funding to support scientific and medical research across the state. Read more about the event, then add your name to support California research!

More on this event: Read our press release and visit President Milliken’s Substack to check out his audience address and more photos.

Speaking up for our university: On April 29, over 100 UC leaders, faculty and students met with Sacramento lawmakers to advocate for UC priorities that advance the state’s economic edge and expand opportunities for more Californians.  

Nurse educators are key to growing California’s nursing workforce

The future of California’s nursing workforce depends not only on training more nurses, but on supporting the educators who prepare them. By connecting classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, nurse educators help future nurses build the skills, judgment and patient-centered approach they’ll need to serve their communities. In celebration of Nurses’ Month, meet four UC-trained nurse educators who are providing patient care while teaching the next generation of nurses as clinical instructors and faculty.

Also in UC Health news: We recently partnered with the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems on a legislative and policy briefing featuring a panel discussion on how federal actions could disrupt California’s statewide health care ecosystem.

10 hidden treasures from UC special collections

Tucked away in quiet reading rooms and climate-controlled stacks across the University of California’s libraries are collections that rival those of the world’s greatest museums. From medieval manuscripts and early maps to artists’ books, political posters and one-of-a-kind ephemera, UC’s special collections offer rare encounters with extraordinary objects and ideas. 

Find your next great read: If your bookshelf or e-reader is looking bare, check out UC Berkeley’s summer reading list — 20 books for exploring mutuality this summer — titles that were chosen to inspire deeper conversations about how we connect with one another and the world.

Visiting your dentist twice a year pays off

Going to the dentist isn’t everyone’s favorite activity, but a simple checkup can help you avoid costly treatments, protect your overall health, and keep your smile strong. Plus, UC pays the full dental insurance premium for eligible employees. Learn why preventive dental care matters and explore UC dental benefits.

In other employment news: Scammers are targeting UC retirement savings; there is a new repayment method for UC 403(b) Plan loans; and we’ve updated the self-identification FAQs.

UC Spotlight: Meet the 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! Meet colleagues and teams who are making an impact.

UC research takes center stage — and several prizes: In April, UC researchers inspired people around California and the country with their groundbreaking discoveries. From Grad Slam to National Lab Research SLAM to Breakthrough Foundation prizes to new inductions into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, we’re leading the way.

17 songs to lift you up

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and members of the UC San Diego community — students, staff, faculty and alumni — shared the songs they turn to when they need a lift, along with reflections on why those tracks matter to them. The selections span genres and generations, connected by the moments people needed them most. Start listening here.

UC is here for you. If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, you’re not alone. All UC medical plans include behavioral health benefits, and California-based staff can access free confidential counseling through Faculty and Staff Assistance Programs.

Opportunities to connect and engage

Several UC teams and locations are offering upcoming virtual events that are open to all members of our university community — from the Systemwide Academic Congress to digital accessibility to AI and wildfire resources to procurement advancements. Learn more and sign up!

Apply for funding to support open dialogue, civic engagement and free speech: The UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement is accepting applications for its 2026-27 VOICE Initiative.

UC People

Mayté Frías, departing staff advisor

Mayté shares her experience as a staff leader, including the friendships she’s made along the way and a new philosophy to “embrace the messiness.”

Meet Mayté