UCnetwork is emailed monthly to University of California staff, but all members of the UC community are invited to subscribe. Sign up here to get UCnetwork delivered to your inbox. Read on for our October issue!
President Drake shares his priorities
In late September, UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., shared an update on his systemwide priorities. From expanding opportunity and excellence to leading on climate change, strengthening our community, and promoting health care access, here’s how UC is moving forward.
Cast your vote by November 5
Make a plan to cast your ballot: You have lots of options to choose from! Here’s what you need to know to make your voice heard, including a sample of your ballot.
Get inspired to vote this November: Read why your colleagues plan to vote.
Explore Latino voter engagement: Join the UC Washington Center for a livestreamed event on Oct. 23.
Learn about 2025 benefit plan changes
Open Enrollment for 2025 benefits begins on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 8 a.m., and ends on Friday, Nov. 22, at 5 p.m. (PT). With costs rising again and some significant changes, it’s important to review your options to find the benefits that are right for you and your family. Here’s what to expect for 2025.
For more context on this year’s Open Enrollment costs, read a letter from Cheryl Lloyd, vice president of Systemwide Human Resources.
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!
Celebrating all our abilities
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore the contributions and perspectives of colleagues with all levels of ability and to celebrate the diversity that makes UC great. Check out these four easy ways to participate.
Boost your cybersecurity savvy
During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, UC encourages all colleagues to be informed about cybersecurity — including cyberattacks you may be at risk for, at home or at work. Explore the benefits and risks of AI, connect with local resources and build your knowledge at virtual cybersecurity-focused events.
Have you activated Experian identity theft protection? Enrollment is free for UC employees. Get started here.
Feel-good UC stories
We could all use some good news, and it’s been plentiful throughout our university. Take a moment to meet the newest UC students, be inspired by this year’s Nobel laureates and MacArthur geniuses, read reflections from UC Olympians, join President Drake’s recognition of superstar basketball player and UCLA alum Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and learn how more babies in need will soon have access to life-saving nutrition.
UC People: Kristian Salgado, culture connector
Through her work in UC’s Master Gardener Program, Kristian is celebrating residents’ culture while building knowledge and connections. Meet Kristian.
From President Drake
Civic engagement is healthy and strong at UC
At the University of California, we are doing everything we can to encourage all members of the UC community to register and make a plan to vote in the Nov. 5 election.
I’m so proud of the efforts around the University to help empower all members of our community to exercise this privilege that’s critical to our democracy. Check out and share UC Votes — a hub of information and resources on everything you need to know to cast your ballot in November, from registering to finding your polling place and all your voting options. Thank you for doing your part to make the University of California a place where civic engagement is healthy and strong.
As always, I applaud the dedication UC staff and faculty have for our students, for world-changing research, and for lifting up communities across California. The impact you have through the University of California’s contribution to the public good never fails to amaze me. These latest rankings from The Wall Street Journal and Forbes as well as U.S. News & World Report only confirm what we already know about the quality of a UC education — congratulations to all of our campuses!
Fiat Lux!
Michael V. Drake, M.D.
UC President
UC voices
“I am thankful to be here amongst these nerds and future geniuses.”
— Pat McAfee, ESPN sports analyst and former NFL player, on hosting College GameDay at UC Berkeley for the first time.
More UC news
Mental health and supportive resources for a challenging time
University of California leaders call on Congress to support the BASIC Act
Expert advice for UC applicants
Reiss Climate Fellowship alumni share the program’s impacts on their careers
Chancellor Wilcox announces plans to retire in 2025
Deadline extended for UC Tech News reader survey
UC Travel vendor spotlight webinar series continues
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