Focus
UC fosters global collaborations.
Expanding UC’s global presence
One of the major initiatives under way at the University of California is an effort to build closer connections with partner universities in other nations – both to enhance collaborative research on issues of common concern and to enrich the experiences of UC students studying overseas.
Building on existing research collaborations and existing student exchange programs managed by campuses and by the systemwide Education Abroad Program, President Dynes and UC faculty have been working to establish these strategically focused relationships with institutions in Canada, China, India and Mexico. In each case, UC faculty are coming together with international counterparts to develop a joint research agenda with applications in both California and the partner region. Infectious diseases, energy consumption, transportation, and the digital arts are just a few of the areas of initial focus.
Leading these efforts is Professor Gretchen Kalonji, director of international strategy development at the Office of the President. Kalonji brings to the task a thoroughly international personal background. From age 7 to 23, she grew up outside the United States – in India, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Kenya – as both her parents were journalists.
As a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Washington, Kalonji spearheaded the development of a campuswide international initiative before leaving to join the UC system in 2005.
Kalonji sat down recently to discuss UC’s increasing connections with international partners, how those partnerships benefit California, and what UC students and faculty have to gain from the initiative.
Click here to read Kalonji's interview.
Gift to support nursing program
UC Davis has received a $100 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to launch the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing.
Pending successful completion of the approval processes, UC Davis anticipates admitting its first students in master's and doctorate programs in fall 2008. The bachelor’s of science in nursing program would open in 2010 or 2011.
To learn more, visit: www.ucdavis.edu/spotlight/0707/nursing_school.html
Global warming research advances
From biomass to 'bergs, UC continues to gain fame as a world leader in global warming research. The Department of Energy has awarded a $125 million grant to establish the Joint BioEnergy Institute in Berkeley. UC Berkeley, UC Davis, Lawrence Berkeley and Lawrence Livermore labs will collaborate. At the July meeting of the UC Board of Regents, researchers from Scripps gave a briefing on the world-class research going on at the facility.
Click here to read about the latest grants and discoveries.
Champs honored at White House
Five winning UC sports teams traveled to Washington to meet President Bush and participate in a celebration of NCAA championship teams from 21 universities.
In other sports milestones, the Aggies are now Division I players. The NCAA announced the move on July 17.
News in Brief
Systemwide News
UC investments show strong gains; no '07-08 UCRP contributions
Increased diversification and reduced risk delivered solid returns for UC investments in the last fiscal year, the Office of the Treasurer has announced. Preliminary results show UC investment returns of 19.1 percent comparing favorably with other large public employee pension funds.
UC officials confirmed that pension contributions, which were slated to begin again in July after a 17-year hiatus, have been postponed for the rest of the 2007-08 fiscal year.
UC presses budget priorities
Advocates have been working hard to ensure Sacramento lawmakers understand the value of state investment in UC and the importance of funding the university’s budget priorities.
The state Assembly had approved a budget containing most of UC’s budget priorities for 2007-08. However, that version of the budget has not received sufficient support in the state Senate.
Click here for a budget update.
Survey supplies undergrad insights
So you think you know the typical UC undergraduate student?
A recently released survey of more than 58,000 students showed what undergrads think about their academic and student life experiences plus details about their daily existence.
How much time do they spend online, doing homework and working? Check out the UCUES survey to see how close your assumptions are to the real world of UC students.
Dynes' Desk
Dynes’ Desk is a way for anyone to email a comment, idea, or suggestion to President Dynes.
Submit an email to Dynes' Desk
Comment:
Is there anything that you can do to help UC employees "watch dog" our UCRS pension fund to protect it from unethical management?
Read the president’s response…
Comment:
How often do you hear from employees who are happy?
Read the president’s response…
Profile
Robert O. Collins
Professor Emeritus
UC Santa Barbara Department of History
Renowned scholar of African history Robert O. Collins has worked at UC Santa Barbara for more than three decades. Collins joined the university’s faculty in 1965, and from 1970-80 served as dean of the Graduate Division, where he was responsible for fostering the thriving graduate programs UCSB now enjoys. Collins assumed the role of professor emeritus in 1994, and has continued to teach, research, write and publish extensively. In April, Collins was honored with the Constantine Panunzio Distinguished Emeriti Award in recognition of his outstanding scholarly work and educational service to the university.
Q
What drew you to teaching?
A
I went to Dartmouth College as an undergraduate, where I was enthralled by the lectures and instruction in which the college has long had a history of excellence. While my fellow students and friends were all preparing for professional schools in law, engineering, medicine, finance etc. I was captivated by the thought of transmitting knowledge in a congenial environment with a most agreeable lifestyle despite the fact that pay was poor and my instructors told me I would lead the rest of my life in "genteel poverty."
Q
What brought you to UC Santa Barbara?
A
I was hired specifically at UCSB to do research and publication, an offer I could not turn down. Not only did UCSB demand research and publication, but in 1965 it was transforming itself from a liberal arts college into an international research university of the front rank. There is nothing more exhilarating and personally gratifying than to be at the beginning of building a great institution.
Q
How did you find your position as administrator versus that of professor?
A
I had a unique career as an administrator, for as graduate dean at UCSB from 1970 to 1980 it was my job to transform UCSB from a liberal arts college into a research university that could only be accomplished by the introduction of a vast array of graduate programs. During my 10 years as dean, I personally guided 35 doctoral programs and 45 master's programs. That was not only a great challenge requiring academic political skills but an enormous personal satisfaction, for I was in fact able to make a difference. That is a great privilege.
Q
What do you enjoy most about working for the University of California?
A
The freedom to teach without any restraints but my own sense of what is appropriate. At UC I have had to answer only to myself, whether in the lecture hall or in research and publication.
To suggest someone to be profiled in Our University, e-mail donna.hemmila@ucop.edu
Did You Know...
Students are learning their lessons.
In the recently released UC Undergraduate Experience Survey, seniors reported significant gains in critical academic and life skills:
- 72 percent rated their critical thinking proficiency levels as good or excellent, compared to 6 percent when they first arrived at a UC campus.
- 67 percent reported proficiency in reading and comprehending academic material, compared to 21 percent when first enrolled.
- 52 percent reported a proficient understanding of international perspectives, compared to 10 percent when first enrolled.
To learn more about the undergraduate UC experience, visit the UCUES Web site.
Resources
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