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Announcing Staff Centeredness Day, Celebrating Veterans, Words of Welcome, Native American History Month, and more

November 1, 2024

It was such a treat to see so many of you earlier this week at the All-Staff and Partners Community Breakfast! I hope you enjoyed some well-deserved down-time, a bit of crafting, the chance to be in community with one another, and for a lucky few, win a coveted “high five” and froyo/coffee gift card.

Please continue reading below for important save-the-dates – including our Staff Centeredness Day on Dec. 17 – as well as an update on collaborative efforts to address student food insecurity, an opportunity for Tritons to publicly recognize the military-affiliated folks in our lives, Native American Heritage Month, and more.

Join us for an engaging conversation on Nov. 4 with renowned author, cultural critic and thought leader, Roxane Gay.

As part of the Words of Welcome - Common Read of American Like Me, this discussion will explore themes of identity, belonging and resilience. Roxane Gay, known for her powerful voice on issues of race, gender and social justice, will share her unique perspectives, making this a compelling and inspiring event for our campus community. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an important conversation on what it means to navigate identity and belonging in today’s world.

Reserve your spot for this FREE event.

UC San Diego is pleased to announce the 25th Annual Veterans Staff Association Veterans Recognition Ceremony. This special event honors our veterans and members of the Armed Forces for their service and sacrifice. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at UC San Diego’s Supercomputer Center Auditorium.

The event is open to the public, and light refreshments will be served immediately following the celebration. Learn more in the October 30 Campus Notice.

Stories and Thanks to the Veterans in our Lives
As Veterans Day approaches on Nov. 11, UC San Diego Today wants to hear from the campus community about the current or former U.S. service members in your life.

Whether it’s a parent or grandparent, sibling, friend, fellow student – or anyone else close to you – who has served in the military, take a minute to send them a shout-out via our online form by Nov. 5. Select submissions will be published in the Nov. 7 UC San Diego Today.

ArtPower fan favorite Las Cafeteras returns to San Diego with their Peoples Party Tour! Kick off Día de los Muertos Weekend at the Amphitheater as the East LA band performs from their third studio album, A Night In Nepantla tonight, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m.

From the infectious rhythms of “Cumbia de Mi Barrio” to the soulful melodies of “Esta Noche,” each song invites listeners into a sonic journey of joy, grief, struggle, and liberation. Join Las Cafeteras on their national tour and experience the transformative power of music that bridges worlds and narratives.

For more details and registration, visit: artpower.ucsd.edu

Join the Triton community in celebrating Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor Indigenous cultures, traditions, and histories, led by the Intertribal Resource Center. This month-long celebration features a variety of events to recognize the enduring contributions of Native American peoples and to strengthen connections with local tribal communities.

Kickoff Celebration
Mark your calendar for the Kickoff Celebration on November 13 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Price Center Ballroom, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Cutcha Risling Baldy, along with performances by the Kumeyaay Bird Singers, the Soaring Eagles dance group, and the Green River Singers.

For questions or more information, contact NAHM@ucsd.edu.

Explore the Full Calendar of Events
Visit the NAHM website to view the full calendar of activities on campus and throughout the San Diego community, including opportunities to connect, learn, and participate in this month of recognition.

As of October 21, Price Center now offers late-night study hours for students Monday through Thursday. Price Center East (Levels 1 and 2) will be open 24 hours, and Sun God Lounge and Open Desk will be open until 2 a.m.

There will be no changes to current building hours Friday through Sunday. Visit University Centers' website for a complete list of study spaces at Price Center and across campus.

Tritons of UC San Diego, answer the call! Homecoming 2024 is set to be a weekend full of discovery and excitement.

From DI Athletics to groundbreaking research, the event lineup celebrates the curious and courageous spirit of UC San Diego. Witness the growth of our campus, cheer on our DI scholar-athletes, reconnect with old friends and celebrate your UC San Diego pride. Together. Tritons. Always.

Please share with our students:

The UCDC program offers all UC San Diego students a unique chance to gain invaluable professional experience, build networks, and explore career paths in Washington D.C. This transformative, quarter-long opportunity allows students to live, take courses, and intern for academic credit in D.C., placing them at the center of national policymaking, advocacy, and cultural exchange.

Students can intern in prestigious organizations such as government agencies, nonprofits, and think tanks, gaining first-hand exposure to careers in public service and policy. Scholarships are available to ensure accessibility for students from diverse financial backgrounds.

The priority deadline for Spring and Summer Quarters is November 1, with rolling applications accepted until all spots are filled. For more information, encourage students to visit the UCDC Program Website.

The University of California has issued a Policy on Vaccination Programs requiring all students, faculty, other academic appointees, and staff who are living, learning, or working on premises at any University facility to (i) receive Vaccine Education concerning influenza and vaccination as a preventive measure; and (ii) receive or affirmatively decline influenza vaccination.

The compliance date for UC San Diego is Nov. 15, 2024.

Employee Flu Vaccination
Employees are encouraged to get the flu shot through their primary care provider or through a local pharmacy, many of which offer free flu shots. If you receive care through UC San Diego Health, you can receive a flu shot through their primary care, express care, and other locations. For more information, please see the October 29 Campus Notice.

By: Richard Garfein, Blanca Melendrez and Elle Mari

Imagine a challenge that affects nearly half of UC San Diego's student population, yet often remains hidden from view. Recent data reveal that 42% of UC San Diego students experience food insecurity, which increased 7% among undergraduate public health students between 2023 and 2024 according to a study conducted by UC San Diego Public Health Honors Practicum students. More troublingly, the students found that food insecurity was associated with academic performance, mental health, and students' sense of belonging. Based on their research, the students recommended increasing awareness of CalFresh and other available food assistance resources.

Aided by a $100,000 grant from the UCOP-funded Center for Economic Justice and Action (CEJA), partners from Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, the ACTRI Center for Community Health, and the Hub Basic Needs Center, are putting the students’ recommendations into action by launching a campus-wide CalFresh awareness campaign.

The campaign's reach will extend across campus through strategic partnerships with UC San Diego's Collective Impact team and the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor. Faculty members are integrating food security information into their syllabi, while digital displays, social media, and innovative communication channels ensure the message reaches every corner of campus. Surveys conducted by UC San Diego researchers and student interns in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 across multiple departments – including Public Health, Urban Studies and Planning, Engineering, and Cognitive Science – will help measure the initiative's effectiveness.

Be on the lookout for important CalFresh messages on digital screens around campus, social media, and faculty communications.

Find food security resources available at the Hub Basic Needs Center now.

December 17, 2024

Student Affairs and Campus Life staff are invited to participate in a day-long slate of recognition and award ceremonies, professional development opportunities, and our division's annual holiday gathering as part of Staff Centeredness Day on December 17.

You are welcome to join us for any and all of the day's programming, which consists of:

Please complete the Staff Centeredness Day Registration Form to indicate which events you will be attending.

All events will take place in-person on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 in the Price Center.

Thank you for all that you do to advance student centeredness at UC San Diego. Please let me know if you would like to take a walk on campus, grab a cup of coffee together, or hop on a Zoom to connect – just send me an email at VCSACL@ucsd.edu.

Be Well,

Alysson
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Alysson M. Satterlund
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life