UCnetwork: September 2025
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From President Milliken
Working together to protect UC
I know that many of you are closely following the federal administration’s actions against UCLA — including the suspension of critical research funding this summer and a demand that the university pay the federal government over $1 billion. The federal government is also pursuing investigations and actions in various stages against all 10 UC campuses.
This represents one of the gravest threats to the University of California in our 157-year history. Losses of significant research and other federal funding would devastate UC and inflict real, long-term harm on our students, our faculty and staff, our patients, and all Californians. It would also end life-saving research from which all Americans benefit.
The University of California has weathered many challenges since its founding. We will do so again — but it will undoubtedly be a difficult process for our community. The fact is that we are in uncharted waters. Our top priority now is protecting this institution — its resources, its mission and its values — for the sake of everyone we serve.
I ask all of you to come together as a community — in support of our students, our patients and one another — as we navigate what lies ahead. It will take all of us working together to protect UC, the greatest public university in the nation.
You can read my full message to the UC community on UCnet.
With deep gratitude,
James B. Milliken
UC President
UC is the best public university
When it comes to rankings, our university is on top! UC campuses have dominated recent listings, including Forbes’ 2026 America’s Top Colleges (which placed UC campuses in all three public university top spots!), Washington Monthly’s Best Colleges for Research and the 2025 Sustainable Campus Index. Keep up the good work: Your efforts are key to our overall success!
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with UC
From September 15 to October 15, UC is recognizing the significant accomplishments of the Latino community during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Join us in celebrating this cherished annual celebration with events and resources from throughout UC.
Preventive care is essential
Preventive care isn’t just about avoiding illness. It’s about investing in a stronger, healthier future for yourself, your family and your community. Learn how your UC benefits can support you.
Plan ahead for your preventive care visit. If you visit your doctor only a couple of times each year, it can be difficult to keep your questions top of mind. UCLA Health shares advice for how to have a productive doctor’s visit.
UC Spotlight: Our impact this month
Our UC Spotlight column celebrates how we’re making a difference throughout California. Read the September Spotlight for stories and photos of staff who are bringing UC’s values to life.
12 UC foods you couldn’t live without
When you think of UC, you may think of higher education or research, but you should also think of the grocery store. Across university farms, labs and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources locations, and in partnership with growers and ranchers around the state, UC research is at the (ahem) root of the state and nation’s abundance. Explore the deliciousness.
Tracking the UV? Ditching the SPF?
TikTok and Instagram are sharing a new ritual — “checking the UV” — not to avoid the sun, but to catch the best tan. And, some influencers are spreading claims that sunscreen is unnecessary or even harmful. The sun can feel good, but so does healthy skin! A UC dermatologist weighs in on how to enjoy the sun without paying for it later.
Speak Up for Science!
Congress is weighing a budget with deep cuts to the federal agencies that fund science at U.S. universities — including at UC, where federal funding provides half of all research support.
The University of California has launched Speak Up for Science, a growing movement of citizens and scientists who are mobilizing to send a resounding message to our elected leaders: Cutting federal science spending will hurt every American and critical research hangs in the balance.
Get involved. The Speak Up for Science landing page has lots of resources to help you spread the word — from an easy way to email your lawmaker to a social media graphic, Zoom background, and Giphy sticker.
Stay informed. Read UC science news, download a fact sheet on the impact of federal science funding and join the UC Advocacy Network to learn about and participate in upcoming campaigns.
UC People
Arturo Galvez, yoga legend
With 45 years and several continents under his belt, Arturo Galvez is the father (or grandfather) of yoga at UC San Diego — and likely on college campuses nationwide.
UC voices
“I wanted to eliminate that barrier of entry to pasta where people think it has to be a weekend project, or it is going to destroy the kitchen.” — Joe Sasto, Chef and UC Davis alum on his love for pasta and new cookbook
More UC news
Introducing 2025-26 Academic Senate Chair Ahmet Palazoglu
Annual Health Net Satisfaction Survey for 2025
ICYMI: New poll shows broad support for UC among California voters
ICYMI: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stands up for UCLA
University of California Annual Commitment to Address Discrimination and Harassment
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