UCnetwork: October 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 October issue!
5 Nobel Prizes in 3 days!
Last week was one for the record books when UC won five Nobel Prizes — marking the first time in Nobel history that four faculty at one institution have won the award in a single year. Omar Yaghi, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis join 70 other UC faculty Nobelists in a long legacy of UC excellence. Along with UC alum and 2025 Nobelist Frederick J. Ramsdell, their work demonstrates the power of research to improve health, save lives, drive the innovation economy and inspire us all.
Can’t-miss Open Enrollment plan changes
Vice President of Systemwide Human Resources Cheryl Lloyd recently sent a letter to all UC staff explaining upcoming benefits and plan changes for 2026 Open Enrollment. As VP Lloyd noted: If you never pay attention to Open Enrollment, this is the year to change that.
Bottom line: The medical plan you have this year may not be available, or your best choice, for next year. Here are five things to know — and one thing to do — to make sure you’re prepared.
Join CUCSA for an Open Enrollment event! On Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (PT), the Council of UC Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) will host an All-Staff Town Hall. Systemwide Human Resources colleagues will provide an overview of 2026 Open Enrollment, including important changes to this year’s benefits offerings. Learn more about the town hall and register here.
Giving $5.9 billion back
UC Health recently released its community engagement report for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and the results are incredible: UC academic health centers and faculty practice groups contributed $5.9 billion in community benefit and uncompensated care to support the health of the communities they serve. Explore how UC is giving back.
Also in UC Health news: Read the Center for Data-driven Insights and Innovation (CDI2)’s latest annual report to understand its impressive impact, and find out how we’re administering $3.75 million in Grow Grants to expand the physician workforce.
Meet the UC staff leaders who represent you
CUCSA’s Oct. 22 All-Staff Town Hall on Open Enrollment is just one of the many, many ways our staff leaders work to make a difference for colleagues throughout UC. Meet CUCSA’s 2025-2026 Executive Board, and learn about their priorities, workgroups and opportunities to get involved.
The latest CUCSA news. If you’re not yet subscribed to CUCSA’s mailing list, make sure to check out the latest news from our delegates — including helpful well-being guides for managers and staff.
UC Spotlight: Our impact this month
Our UC Spotlight column celebrates how we’re making a difference throughout California. Read the October Spotlight for stories and photos of staff who are bringing UC’s values to life.
Reaching communities throughout our state. Find out how UC helps 3 Central Valley farmers feed America.
6 must-read stories from the latest UC research
From mind-controlled robots to UC oceanographers who saved D-Day, America’s fascination with cults, incoming asteroids and oh-so-valuable elephants, check out our roundup of fascinating UC research news.
It’s our 75th issue!
We launched the UCnetwork newsletter in August of 2019, and this month marks our 75th issue. Whether this is your first or 75th time reading UCnetwork, we want to hear from you! Take our 2-minute reader survey to let us know what you love and what we could do better.
Missed a back issue of UCnetwork? Check out the archive.
Live from New York, it’s… the University of California
Though it’s a New York production, SNL owes plenty to the Golden State — from the freeway-obsessed Angelenos in “The Californians” to the UC alums who’ve joined SNL’s cast and writers room. For the 50th anniversary of SNL’s debut — and because we could all use a good laugh — we’re highlighting our favorite performances by UC alumni.
Looking for some feel-good TV? Check out the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center’s “Greater Goodies” awards — 11 TV series that highlight the best in humanity.
UC People
Juyung Yoo, preservationist
As a third-year student, Juyung learned about the UC Natural Reserve System and the concept of field research. It changed the trajectory of his life.
UC voices
“We read about Easter-egg culture and parasocial connection, and students presented songs to the class — tying lyrics to clues, to who songs might be about, to other eras. It’s fascinating how that web builds.” — Nancy Guy, UC San Diego professor, on her new course, “Reading and Writing Taylor Swift.”
More UC news
6 tips for voting in California’s Nov. 4 special election
UC Procurement releases an accomplishment-filled annual report
UC alumni launch more companies than graduates from anywhere else in the world
Working on your UC application? Find tips and inspiration here
UC Travel Supplier Town Hall series continues with Hertz, Delta Airlines, Marriott and more
Whole health recovery promotes healing from substance use disorder
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