Andrew Szeri named Operational Excellence program head at UC Berkeley
Andrew Szeri, professor of Mechanical Engineering and dean of the Graduate Division, has been named the faculty program head for Operational Excellence at UC Berkeley. He replaces Al Pisano, who recently resigned due to personal reasons.
(11 January)

Geoffrey Keppel, scholar of human memory, dies at 75
Geoffrey Keppel, a professor emeritus of psychology at UC Berkeley whose research expanded our understanding of what causes humans to forget, died on Dec. 31, 2010, after a long struggle with chronic lymphatic leukemia. He was 75.
(10 January)

New life for lifelong learning at Berkeley
It took two tries for Berkeley's lifelong learning center to achieve liftoff. Now, in its second incarnation, OLLI@Berkeley has become a vital resource for nearly 1,000 enthusiastic students over the age of 50 - and a bridge between the campus and the greater Bay Area community.
(07 January)

'Capturing the campus' or 'Campus captured'
Call it a visual form of academic introspection. This semester, a new Freshman Seminar, "Photographing History in the Making," used the campus itself as a source for, and subject of, scholarly inquiry.
(17 December)

December graduates to attend Convocation this Sunday
More than 2,800 students at the University of California, Berkeley, are graduating this fall, and at least 400 of them will walk across the stage in caps and gowns at the Walter A. Haas Jr., Pavilion this Sunday, Dec. 19, at the 2010 December Graduates Convocation.
(16 December)

Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund streamlines application process
The Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund has launched a streamlined application process for the 2011-2012 grant cycle. This year, the fund has approximately $225,000 to distribute to innovative campus-community partnerships that yield real-world results in the areas of arts and culture, community safety, economic development, environmental stewardship and education.
(15 December)

RRR week begins on campus
Reading/Review/Recitation week begins today, Dec. 6. The week replaces traditional "dead days" or "dead week” as a formalized time for students to prepare for exams, to work on final papers and projects, and to participate in optional review sessions and meetings with instructors.
(06 December)

UC Berkeley releases fall 2010 final enrollment data
Overall enrollment at the University of California, Berkeley, remains at approximately 35,800 undergraduate and graduate students, according to final fall 2010 enrollment data that campus officials released today (Thursday, Dec. 2).
(02 December)

Richard N. Goldman, philanthropist, adviser and friend of the university, passes away
UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau issued a statement today on the passing of Richard N. Goldman, who died Sunday, Nov. 28, at the age of 90. Birgeneau called Goldman "a visionary philanthropist, remarkable business leader and public citizen, and devoted friend and alumnus."
(30 November)

Janet Broughton named vice provost
Janet Broughton, a professor of philosophy and Berkeley's dean of arts and humanities, has been appointed vice provost for academic affairs and faculty welfare.
(23 November)

At the heart of campus, BicyCal opens its new 'hub'
The student cooperative BicyCal showcased its new, centrally located, if humble, "hub" on Friday. The grand opening took place in a long-shuttered stairway connecting upper and lower Sproul Plaza, cleverly repurposed as a "peer-to-peer" bike-maintenance education center. The group aims to grow the campus's cycling culture, and sees the new center as a keystone to that effort.
(23 November)

New Southside joint safety patrol already a success
After only a few months of operation, a pilot program on the city's south side that set up a joint safety patrol by the University of California, Berkeley, Police Department (UCPD) and the Berkeley Police Department (BPD) is showing successful results.
(22 November)

Pioneering UC Berkeley Wellness Letter celebrates its silver anniversary
For more than a generation, people looking for plain-spoken, science-based guidance on healthy living have turned to a short-on-frills, long-on-substance, monthly known as the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter. On Friday, Nov. 12 the principals behind the pioneering newsletter paused to mark its 25th anniversary.
(16 November)

UC Berkeley students help improve Wikipedia’s credibility
This semester, Wikipedia began collaborating with 10 public universities, including UC Berkeley, in a 17-month pilot program called the WikiProject Public Policy Initiative. The program aims to improve the quality and curriculum of Wikipedia pages about public policy issues by having students and professors create and update content as part of their course work. Brian Carver was one of the professors asked to participate in the program through his course "Intellectual Property Law for the Information Industries," who are facilitating a DeCal course.
(05 November)

Congresswoman Doris Matsui visits campus and its Matsui programs
On Oct. 29, Congresswoman Doris Matsui came to the campus for a first-hand look at the programs at Berkeley's Robert T. Matsui Center on Politics and Public Service, and to visit The Bancroft Library, which houses the collection of papers donated by her late husband, Congressman Robert Matsui of Sacramento.
(01 November)

Elizabeth Warren envisions launch of tough '21st-century' watchdog agency
Consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren, speaking Thursday evening at the Mario Savio Memorial Lecture, diverged from her "standard" speech — on the worsening financial straits of the U.S. middle class — to talk about what it means "to build a new agency in a new world where information travels at the speed of light." Warren said new technology can help make the agency responsive to consumers and less vulnerable to "capture" by the financial-services industry.
(29 October)

Town halls give staff, faculty a closer look at 'future of UC retirement benefits'
Proposed changes to UC pension plan get a hearing at two campus forums hosted by Chancellor Birgeneau.
(28 October)

Berkeley adds Math for America to help solve STEM education equation
Six outstanding math and science teachers from public schools in the Bay Area have just begun five-year fellowships on campus through the new Math for America Berkeley program. It's a new approach for Berkeley's mission to help fill a critical need for the nation: better math and science education.
(19 October)

"Mad Men" explored in new UC Berkeley course
This semester, a DeCal class discusses themes in the wildly popular series "Mad Men."
(13 October)

From 'corner stores' to an online data marketplace
Berkeley's data analysts and administrators have long kept their own sets of data, which makes finding the information to answer institutional questions challenging even in best-case situatons. With direction from Berkeley's leaders, a campuswide data initiative takes a multi-pronged approach to address the problem.
(11 October)

Campus to celebrate grand opening of Blum Hall today at 2 p.m.
Richard C. Blum Hall, a new headquarters at UC Berkeley for creating innovative solutions to global poverty, will open its doors to the public today (Friday, Oct. 8). Former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz will deliver the keynote address at the dedication ceremony, which starts at 2 p.m.
(08 October)

UC Berkeley administration responds to 'Day of Action' protesters
Responding to a list of demands from protesters, campus administrators issued a statement saying they "acknowledge the concerns that you have expressed to preserve public education in California and make the opportunity of education fairly available to every qualified student."
(07 October)

'Day of Action' protesters take over Doe Library reading room
At a mid-day rally on Sproul Plaza during Thursday's 'Day of Action,' student and faculty speakers addressed a crowd of about 800 protesting cuts to public education. Many of the protesters then moved to Doe Library, where they took over its main reading room.
(07 October)

Cal Dining joins the cupcake craze
New line of "Cub Cakes" from the Honey Bear Bakery will be sold Monday through Thursday beginning today, October 4, at various Cal Dining locations.
(04 October)

The Berkeley family — those Berkeleys — come to town
An Australian family of five, descendants of the Irish philosopher who gave Berkeley its name, spent a half-day touring campus on Thursday. They're the only family members known to have paid a visit. And they stay true to the name's original pronunciation, "Bar-klee."
(01 October)

On a sad day for Golden Bears, 4 teams are cut, while rugby survives as 'varsity club' squad
Chancellor Birgeneau and Athletic Director Barbour announce changes to Cal Athletics - including a reduction in the number of intercollegiate teams from 29 to 24 - in an effort to put the program on a financially sustainable footing.
(29 September)

Chancellor announces new plan for Cal Athletics' future
Cost reductions will reduce the number of varsity sports from 29 to 24 as part of a comprehensive plan to create an economically sustainable program.
(28 September)

National Research Council ranks UC Berkeley's Ph.D. programs among nation's best
The first detailed survey since 1995 of doctoral programs at the nation's research universities shows that UC Berkeley continues to have the largest number of highly ranked graduate programs in the country. The rankings, by the National Research Council, confirm "that UC Berkeley is the nation’s preeminent public university for doctoral studies in a huge number and wide variety of disciplines," said graduate dean Andrew Szeri.
(28 September)

Lost your stuff? Don't lose your head, just click here
The campus police department's newly renovated lost-and-found website — and Facebook — are helping reconnect misplaced sunglasses, wallets, cellphones and other valuables and their owners. In 2009, more than 1,600 items landed in the lost and found at 1 Sproul Hall.
(27 September)

Campus celebrates its postdocs, and postdocs honor a mentor
More than 200 UC Berkeley postdocs and their supporters gathered Thursday to celebrate these scholars' important contributions to the campus. Postdocs offered their own expression of appreciation — honoring Professor Rebecca Heald as the first recipient of the Faculty Award for Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring.
(24 September)

43 years after 'Titicut Follies,' it's Berkeley, the movie
With dozens of documentaries under his belt, Frederick Wiseman has found that "when you turn the camera off, the interesting thing will happen." That, in part, is why he plans to shoot some 250 hours of film for his exploration of life at Berkeley.
(14 September)

Chancellor: Universities play key role in strengthening science, math education in the U.S.
The nation's future competitiveness relies on the success of its universities, among others, in producing teachers for the next generation of scientists, tech whizzes and engineers, Chancellor Robert Birgeneau told a panel of experts at the Brookings Institution Monday, and Berkeley is doing its part.
(14 September)

Campus website gives old stuff a new life
Modeled after the Freecycle Network, the Exchange helps Berkeley community members do right by discards and go one eco-step beyond recycling.
(14 September)

Tempest in a spit cup
A decision by the deans of the College of Letters & Science to offer students the opportunity to find out about three of their genes ignited a nationwide discussion of genetic privacy issues - exactly the kind of discussion organizers hope will take place on campus.
(10 September)

Inspired by one small boy, a Berkeley father wins new UC parental-leave policy
It took more than five years from the time Jon Bain-Chekal and his husband adopted their son, Wesley, but the Berkeley controller's office employee persisted — and parents working for UC benefit: mother or father, gay or straight, they can use 30 days of sick leave to care for a new child.
(07 September)

Lunch Poems Series starts with rugby coach, French professor, among others
The fifteenth season of the popular Lunch Poems Series kicked-off on Thursday at Morrison Library. The series features faculty and staff from a wide range of disciplines reading some of their favorite poems.
(02 September)

Lunch Poems Series starts with rugby coach, French professor, among others
The fifteenth season of the popular Lunch Poems Series kicked-off on Thursday at Morrison Library. The series features faculty and staff from a wide range of disciplines reading some of their favorite poems.
(02 September)

For Operational Excellence, bottom line is $75 million in change
It took Al Pisano, recently named to head the program office for Operational Excellence, a week to agree to take the assignment. Now, the veteran mechanical engineering professor is "completely committed' to helping Berkeley achieve $75 million in annual savings by boosting the efficiency -- and effectiveness -- of campus operations.
(02 September)

Bancroft Library opens reading room to personal cameras
Patrons of the library can photograph any of the materials in the Bancroft's vast collection for personal use throughout the fall semester. The trial program, which aims to foster increased access to the library's materials, began in August.
(02 September)

Campus takes action to solve problems in financial system upgrade
With the school year already under way, Berkeley administrators are moving quickly to iron out the problems caused by the summer upgrade of the campus's central purchasing system.
(31 August)

In case of emergency: Sign up for WarnMe
Amid the hubbub of a new school year, it's easy to forget that an emergency could strike at any time — an earthquake, a fire, or someone with a gun. But it's a good time to remember to sign up for WarnMe, Berkeley's emergency notification system. It's easy; just go to warnme.berkeley.edu.
(31 August)

The BBC lands a helicopter at Memorial Stadium
The BBC was on campus Thursday to film a segment about seismic activity for the program "Naked Earth." As part of the shoot, they landed a helicopter in the middle of Memorial Stadium.
(27 August)

Chancellor 'cautiously optimistic' about the year ahead
At Chancellor Birgeneau's back-to-school press briefing Aug. 26, the mood was notably sunnier than a year ago, when the campus was reeling from severe cuts in state funding. Faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, donors — "everyone contributed" to meeting the crisis, he told reporters.
(27 August)

Hopeful outlook for new academic year
As fall classes begin this week at UC Berkeley, the 2010-11 academic year promises to be markedly more upbeat than the last, with ramped-up faculty hiring, dozens more lower-division courses to help students graduate on time, and major progress on key construction projects, including the renovation of Memorial Stadium.
(26 August)

Campus, city police form joint safety patrol
UC Berkeley and Berkeley city police have formed a new joint patrol to target improving public safety in Southside neighborhoods and after home games.
(24 August)

Incoming freshmen on the move – from here, there, everywhere
This past weekend, new freshmen students arrived at UC Berkeley and got settled into their campus housing. Among the many students were three individuals who provide a glimpse of the diversity and excellence of this year's freshmen class.
(23 August)

UC Berkeley alters DNA testing program
The California Department of Public Health has instructed the University of California, Berkeley, not to proceed with a portion of its ground-breaking program to educate students about genetic testing and personalized medicine.
(12 August)

Student Parent Center and Summer Bridge team up to help student parents
Three incoming freshmen, who are also young parents, will be among those who complete the UC Berkeley Summer Bridge program on Friday. The young women have received mentoring and student services from the Transfer, Re-Entry, and Student Parent Center to help with their transition.
(06 August)

Energy-efficiency expert Karl Brown named 2010 UC Sustainability Champion
On the UC Berkeley campus, which has an annual energy bill of about $35 million, new energy monitoring systems have been installed in 10 buildings, and annual savings of $650,000 have been recorded.
(27 July)

Philanthropist keeps memories of fallen youth alive through scholarships
The Phoebe Prince Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund marks the 24th scholarship Michael Mahoney has established at UC Berkeley. Each of his scholarships, collectively valued at more than $9 million, commemorates a young life cut short.
(21 July)

UC releases preliminary enrollment data for 2010-11 freshman class
Preliminary data released July 14 by UCOP show that more than 5,200 students have indicated plans to enroll in UC Berkeley's 2010-11 freshman class. This is a level within the general enrollment target set by campus admissions officials.
(14 July)

Chancellor welcomes report on Cal athletics
UC Berkeley faculty and alumni have joined forces to provide the chancellor with recommendations for the future of Intercollegiate Athletics.
(12 July)

I-House invites campus soccer fans to view Sunday's World Cup final
International House will host a free viewing of the World Cup final game and is encouraging fans from all backgrounds to come and cheer for their favorite team.
(09 July)

New Human Resources Center aims to streamline services, improve efficiency, and reduce costs
Berkeley's new Human Resources Center, located in 615 University Hall, brings together HR services duplicated across three units under one roof. It will serve more than 3,000 staff from campus administration, the Office of the Chancellor, Information Services and Technology, and the Office of the Chief Information Officer, part of IST.
(06 July)

BAM/PFA selects Diller Scofidio + Renfro to design new building
Following a national search, the world renowned New York City-based design firm of Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) has been chosen to design the new Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAM/PFA) at the University of California, Berkeley. The new museum complex is targeted for completion by late 2014.
(23 June)

Botanical Garden braces for blooming corpse plant
The UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, nestled in Strawberry Canyon just above the central campus, features a mind-boggling 12,000 kinds of plants and breathtaking views of the Bay Area. The term breathtaking soon will describe the rotten flesh-like stench of the garden’s about-to-blossom Titan Arum, aka the corpse plant
(18 June)

Volunteer victims add punch to simulated campus emergency
Members of the Berkeley campus community pitched in to make more realistic Thursday's campuswide emergency preparedness drill. In preparation for the exercise, experienced injury makeup artists attached pre-made "wounds" to volunteer victims of an (also simulated) earthquake.
(17 June)

Campus Police Review Board issues report on Nov. 20 demonstrations
UC Berkeley's civilian Police Review Board has issued its report on the Nov. 20, 2009, demonstration on campus that resulted in the occupation of Wheeler Hall and the arrest of nearly 50 demonstrators.
(16 June)

Campus panel issues report on November 2009 protest response
The independent Police Review Board has completed its report responding to the chancellor’s request for a review of how the November 20, 2009 Wheeler Hall demonstration was handled.
(16 June)

‘A very difficult time’ for the campus, but Birgeneau accentuates the positives as he looks toward the future
In his annual talk to staff, the chancellor moderates his optimism, but declares himself "confident we will be able to maintain Berkeley's excellence and public character" in the face of continuing financial challenges.
(28 May)

Earthquake simulation shows off the potential for safer bridges
With a series of computer-controlled earthquakes, simulating some of the most devastating in recent memory, engineers from Berkeley's Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER) showed off new technology designed to keep bridges not just from collapsing in a catastrophic temblor but open to traffic. A 30-foot scale-model bridge, set up on the shake table (earthquake simulator) at the Richmond Field Station, was the star of the show, put on by Berkeley’s Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER).
(27 May)

Enrollment in summer school projected to be the highest ever
Enrollment in summer school at UC Berkeley is shaping up to be a record-breaker. More than 13,800 UC Berkeley students, international scholars and independent adult learners are signing up for courses ranging from first-year reading and composition to "The Philosophy of Martin Luther King, Jr.," and thousands more are expected to enroll.
(24 May)

Oral histories of 'self advocates' with developmental disabilities added to UC Berkeley Library
The disability history program in the Bancroft Library's Regional Oral History Office (ROHO) has added a new collection of oral histories of leaders in the self-advocacy movement, led by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
(21 May)

Decades late, a diploma – and an ovation – for Cal Nisei
For 92-year-old Saburo Hori and 87-year-old Sachi Kajiwara, graduation day came on Thursday, May 20 — more than 60 years late. With pride and a dash of humility, the two survivors of Topaz internment camp in central Utah received honorary degrees at the Department of Ethnic Studies graduation ceremony.
(20 May)

Invoke a little moxie
This is the text of Tiffany Shlain's keynote address at UC Berkeley's Commencement Convocation on Sunday, May 16, 2010.
(17 May)

A call for "moxie" and compassion marks Commencement
From the traditional to the outrageous, a colorful procession of more than 1,200 graduating seniors – many clutching their smartphones and some even tweeting – marched into UC Berkeley's Walter A. Haas Jr., Pavilion on Sunday to celebrate a hard-earned rite of passage.
(17 May)

Hunger strikers call off fast; chancellor and group meet
Representatives from the Hunger for Justice group, who have been engaged in a 10-day hunger strike over a number of issues, called an end to the strike Wednesday afternoon. The chancellor and other administrators met with the group shortly thereafter.
(12 May)

At Berkeley, math major — and soon-to-be doctoral student — María Guadalupe Martínez swapped one dream of helping people for another
When María Guadalupe Martínez came to Berkeley four years ago, she planned to major in public health and go on to medical school. An experience in a pre-calculus course turned the reluctant math student into someone with a passion for proofs.
(12 May)

Hunger strike continues despite chancellor's offer to meet
A hunger strike by a small group of UC Berkeley Chicano/Latino students and their supporters went into its ninth day today (Tuesday, May 11), despite a plea yesterday by campus administrators that the protesters end it that evening in exchange for a meeting today with Chancellor Robert Birgeneau. This afternoon, about 60 people held a rally in front of California Hall in support of the strikers and their demands.
(12 May)

Array of speakers to address graduating students
Graduation season at UC Berkeley is under way, and is expected to draw dozens of erudite speakers to the campus through the end of May. Among those imparting wisdom to thousands of graduating students will be scholar and activist Angela Davis; Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas, the former mayor of Mexico City; Google chief economist Hal Varian and green jobs champion Cecilia Estolano.
(11 May)

University medal finalists learn lessons about leadership at Berkeley
Pamela Krayenbuhl, Erik Petigura, Pedro Spivakovsky-Gonzalez, and Reid Zimmerman, this year's finalists for the University Medal, respond to questions about what contributed to their success at Berkeley.
(11 May)

Top graduating senior's life trajectory is amazing
It's fitting that the life of Josh Biddle, UC Berkeley's top graduating senior, would read like the lyrics of "Amazing Grace." During high school in Marin County, Calif., and at a subsequent boarding program for troubled teens in Colorado, he was lost. But while driving a tractor in his Great-aunt Velma's farm, finding his niche in science at City College of San Francisco and transferring to UC Berkeley, he was found. This Sunday, he will share his story at Commencement Convocation.
(10 May)

Campus acts to remove hunger striker’s encampment
This morning, the campus removed an encampment of hunger strikers outside California Hall. No arrests were made and police provided vans to assist in transporting the group's personal belongings.
(10 May)

Chancellor Birgeneau denounces Arizona immigration bill
UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau has denounced Arizona Bill SB 1070, saying the immigration measure cannot be implemented without engaging in racial profiling.
(07 May)

Provost and vice chancellor meet with hunger strikers
A group of five students and one staff member met with senior administrators in California Hall today for almost two hours to discuss issues raised by the "Hunger for Justice Coalition."
(06 May)

Christopher Patti appointed as chief campus counsel at UC Berkeley
Christopher M. Patti has been appointed the chief campus counsel for the UC Berkeley campus.
(06 May)

Chancellor Robert Birgeneau’s statement to UC Berkeley students involved in the hunger strike
Chancellor Robert Birgeneau issued a statement in response to the demands of those on a hunger strike at UC Berkeley.
(05 May)

UC Berkeley launches new master’s program in sustainability, joining global campus network
Recognizing the proven leadership of campus faculty and students in addressing climate change, poverty and public health, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation today (Tuesday, May 4) selected the University of California, Berkeley, as one of 10 universities worldwide to launch a new master’s degree program in development practice.
(04 May)

Two UC Berkeley scholars elected to America's oldest learned society
Leslie Kurke, professor of classics and comparative literature, and John Searle, professor of philosophy, have been elected to the American Philosophical Society.
(30 April)

Chancellor Birgeneau reacts to ASUC divestment bill related to disputed territories in the Middle East
On April 28, the ASUC Senate upheld a veto of a bill that called for the UC Berkeley administration and the UC Regents to divest from any investment in companies with business interests which support "the occupation of the Palestinian territories" by Israel. UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau reacts to the debate.
(29 April)

At campus health center, Tangy Voce provides ‘emotional therapy’ and a chance to sing during the workday
For 10 years, Tangy Voce, a chorus made up of current and retired faculty and staff, has offered its members an opportunity to grow as musicians and gain confidence as singers.
(28 April)

Three UC Berkeley professors named to National Academy of Sciences
Two University of California, Berkeley, faculty members were elected members of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and a third professor was elected a foreign associate, according to an announcement today (Tuesday, April 27) from the academy.
(27 April)

Three architecture firms to submit proposals for new Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
The University of California, Berkeley, announced today (Tuesday, April 27) the selection of three architecture firms to submit design proposals for the new Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAM/PFA).
(27 April)

Judith Warren Little named dean of Graduate School of Education
Judith Warren Little, the Carol Liu Chair in Educational Policy at the University of California, Berkeley's Graduate School of Education, has been appointed the school's dean, effective July 1.
(26 April)

Honoring campus staff who have shown their dedication to Berkeley
The annual Chancellor's Outstanding Staff Awards ceremony, held Thursday, April 22, recognized campus staffers who go above and beyond.
(23 April)

Nine UC Berkeley faculty members elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences
Nine UC Berkeley faculty members have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, bringing to 234 the total number of faculty now members of one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honorary societies.
(23 April)

UC Printing Services to end its run after 136 years of business
Next month, the campus will lose a beloved Berkeley institution. UC Printing Services' employees and customers weigh in on its demise.
(20 April)

This year's Distinguished Teaching Award winners define excellence in the classroom, and dedication to their students
At a ceremony at Zellerbach Playhouse on Thursday, April 22, four Berkeley faculty members — acclaimed by their peers and students alike — will receive the campus's top honor for exceptional teaching.
(20 April)

More than 12,900 offered admission after competitive application period
More than 12,900 high school students who applied to the University of California, Berkeley, during a highly competitive application period, have been offered freshman admission for the 2010-2011 school year, campus officials announced today (Wednesday, April 14). A record number of student applicants, more than 50,000 of them, applied during a period when dwindling state funding for higher education forced the campus to limit enrollment for California residents.
(14 April)

Campus, neighborhood association settle stadium dispute
UC Berkeley and the Panoramic Hill Association have reached a legal settlement agreement that resolves issues related to recent litigation, and establishes parameters for the use and operation of California Memorial Stadium after extensive seismic retrofitting and renovation work is completed in 2012.
(08 April)

UC Berkeley opens its doors for annual Cal Day extravaganza
Cal Day, UC Berkeley's annual open house, is Saturday, April 17, and features student performances, faculty lectures, campus tours, free museums, Pac-10 competitions, kid-friendly activities and an afternoon concert by the band Cold War Kids. Free admission
(08 April)

For prospective undergrads, student-authored Golden Bears Blog could just be the X factor in choosing Cal
From student life and housing to academics to extracurricular activities, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions' student bloggers capture the nuances and richness of life at Berkeley.
(05 April)

Researchers develop a robot that folds towels
A team from Berkeley's Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences department has figured out how to get a robot to fold previously unseen towels of different sizes. Their approach solves a key problem in robotics — how to deal with flexible, or "deformable," objects.
(02 April)

Contributions to UC pension fund set to restart
At the University of California, April 15, 2010 marks a financial watershed: the restart of contributions to the UC Retirement Plan. On that day, the university will begin making regular contributions to the retirement fund. Then, on May 1, employees will follow suit.
(01 April)

Chancellor's new advisory group aims to help set Cal Athletics on path to financial sustainability
UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau has established a special committee to review the financial model for Intercollegiate Athletics. The group brings together eight leading members of the faculty and alumni community to analyze the department's current budgetary challenges and propose possible solutions that could be supported by their respective constituencies.
(31 March)

On a listening tour at Berkeley, UC Commission on the Future has its vision tested
Senate faculty respond to the sometimes controversial first round of recommendations to reshape the institution in both minor and dramatic ways.
(30 March)

Cal Day 2010 to be held Saturday, April 17
Cal Day, the University of California, Berkeley's annual open house and preview day – to be held this year on Saturday, April 17 – offers visitors of all ages an inside look at the world’s leading public research university. Admission is free to all, including children who want to see a giant T. rex, families who want to explore campus museums, and prospective students looking for information on academic programs.
(23 March)

Hazardous eucalyptus trees slated for removal
Work crews this week will begin removing seven trees from the large eucalyptus grove near the west entrance to campus, after arborists determined that the trees present a significant public safety hazard due to their failing health and weakened root structures.
(22 March)

Campus to expand reading and composition curriculum
UC Berkeley plans to significantly increase funding to support reading and composition courses, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost George Breslauer announced March 10. The intent is to ensure that all undergraduates can complete this important requirement before entering their junior year.
(11 March)

New collaborations sought for Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund
The Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund is seeking grant applications to fund neighborhood improvement projects and community service programs, run jointly by UC Berkeley and the community, that strive to improve the quality of life in Berkeley.
(08 March)

'Day of Action' starts quietly, peacefully at Berkeley
A statewide "day of action" for public education kicked off quietly Thursday morning at Berkeley, with small groups of protesters greeting students, staff and faculty at major campus entrances with chants and signs. Many Berkeley faculty canceled classes to participate in events in Sacramento, where the focus was on the state Legislature's long-term disinvestment in public higher education in California.
(04 March)

March 4 rallies to 'Defend Public Education' planned for Berkeley and around state
Major rallies to express concern about the future of public education in California are expected to take place throughout the state on Thursday, March 4, including here at UC Berkeley.
(03 March)

Campus ride-sharing goes online and interactive
Looking for someone to share your commute, or a cheap ride to LA for spring break? Now Berkeley staff,faculty and students have a new way to match up with people driving to and from campus: Zimride, an online ride-sharing service that went live Friday.
(02 March)

How Berkeley is finding its voice in Sacramento
Since the beginning of the spring semester, a team led by the Office of Government and Community Relations has been gathering stakeholders - from on campus and beyond - in a coordinated effort to boost the effectiveness of Berkeley's budget-advocacy activities.
(02 March)

Berkeley's budget: tradeoffs, choices, and challenges
As the state budget process gets under way — and students, staff, and faculty gear up to make the case for renewed investment in higher education — the point person on the campus's finances looks beyond the numbers.
(01 March)

Vandals strike campus building, trouble spills onto city streets
Two people, one a UC Berkeley student and the other a former student, were arrested Feb. 26 following the takeover and vandalism of a campus building and a riot nearby in the city of Berkeley, according to campus police.
(26 February)

Pioneering initiative launched on equity, diversity and inclusion, backed by Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund
A major effort was announced today (Feb. 18) to establish UC Berkeley as a national leader in research, teaching and public service related to equity and inclusion. Backed by the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, the new initiative will launch a sweeping array of research projects, faculty chairs, student scholarships, dozens of new courses, and programs across campus. The $16 million commitment from the Haas, Jr. Fund eventually could total $31 million, as parts of it are set up as challenge grants.
(18 February)

'Faculty need to participate directly in remaking the State of California,' says Academic Senate chair
Faced with an alarming budget crisis, the Academic Senate has recently become a hub for faculty deliberation and activity on an array of important decisions — some reversible, some not — concerning the character and structure of the campus and the UC system. Senate Chair Chris Kutz shares his perspective on the challenges of shared governance in a time of unprecedented change.
(18 February)

Summertime is camp time for Berkeley kids
Whether your kids' idea of a great summer tends toward Taekwondo, skateboarding and swimming, or science experiments, writing workshops and business school,Berkeley's summer camp programs have something to offer just about everyone in the community. Here's a rundown of all the camp opportunities, and information on where to find full details.
(12 February)

Operational Excellence homes in on potential savings
Now two-thirds of the way through a six-month fact-finding phase, the project has interviewed more than 500 staff, faculty, students, and alumni to determine smarter, cheaper, and more effective ways of conducting university business. Vice Chancellor Frank Yeary, the initiative's point person, says the efforts are starting to bear fruit.
(12 February)

Berkeley Art Museum's new installation puts the fun in functional art
Many modern museums now serve as gathering spots for the art-minded and (especially) the young. BAMscape, a commissioned installation in the museum's central atrium, supports the Berkeley Art Museum's new activities and direction.
(09 February)

New advisory group to help map campus's technological future
Berkeley students will offer up their IT expertise and insights on the Student Technology Council, an advisory group that will help develop new, scalable, and green IT projects.
(09 February)

Top quality graduate students flock to UC Berkeley despite budget woes
Despite a budget shortfall, hiring freeze and higher fees, the University of California, Berkeley, continues to attract more and higher quality graduate students, according to new data from the campus's Graduate Division.
(03 February)

Nathan Brostrom, Berkeley's budget guru, departs for Oakland – but won't leave campus behind
After four years, Berkeley's vice chancellor for administration begins a new role at the Office of the President. And Wall Street credentials notwithstanding, it's the human give-and-take of the campus he'll miss the most.
(02 February)

Chancelllor Birgeneau announces senior-management transition plans, as Brostrom accepts UCOP position
President Mark Yudof today announced the appointment of UC Berkeley Vice Chancellor Administration Nathan Brostrom as Executive Vice President Business Operations. Chancellor Birgeneau says that Frank Yeary will take on a substantial portion of Brostrom's responsibilities on an interim basis.
(21 January)

Berkeley undergrad takes action to help Haiti
Freshman Michael Bloch is using the far reach of Facebook to mobilize UC Berkeley students to aid earthquake-relief efforts in Haiti.
(19 January)

Fall 2010 applications up, officials use new outreach tools
More than 50,000 student applicants, a record number, have applied for admission to the University of California, Berkeley's fall 2010 freshman class, after campus admissions officials visited not only high schools but also chat rooms to connect with promising students.
(14 January)

For Berkeley alternative-energy project, big changes on the horizon
The Helios Energy Research Facility appears close to finding a new home west of the Berkeley campus — and to replacing a shuttered neighborhood eyesore with an eco-friendly building and public open space designed to spur downtown revitalization as it seeks solutions to global climate change.
(11 January)

Dining halls join the trayless trend
Trays in Berkeley's dining commons have gone the way of panty raids and letter sweaters — they're a thing of the past. As of the start of spring semester this week, Berkeley is joining the trend sweeping college campuses nationwide and eliminating most of the black plastic trays used in the Crossroads, Foothill, Clark Kerr, and Café 3 dining halls.
(11 January)

Chancellor comments on governor's State of the State address

(08 January)

Japanese Americans receive honorary degrees, 67 years after WWII internment cut short their studies at Berkeley
Forty-two former Berkeley students, now in their eighties and nineties, have finally received the campus degrees they had been working toward nearly seven decades ago, when Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps in the midst of World War II. For 78 additional Japanese Americans now deceased or too infirm to attend, family members accepted diplomas in their honor.
(16 December)

Protesters attack Berkeley chancellor’s home
At approximately 11 p.m. Friday, a group of about 40 to 70 protesters stormed Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau's home on the north side of the UC Berkeley campus, smashing planters, windows and lights while shouting, "No justice, no peace." They also threw incendiary objects at the house. Eight people were arrested on a variety of charges.
(12 December)

UC police arrest 66 at Wheeler Hall
UC Berkeley police arrested dozens of trespassing students and other protesters early Friday morning, the same day the group was set to hold an unauthorized concert inside a classroom building. The protesters were arrested without incident at 4:40 a.m. for misdemeanor trespassing inside Wheeler Hall and transported to Santa Rita jail.
(11 December)

Paper is out, digital is in, when it comes to dissertations
The move to online publishing of will make the research of Berkeley's Ph.D.'s easily accessible from any computer in the world. The campus will save paper, shelf space, and staff time; students will save money and headaches.
(10 December)

Student activists spend peaceful night in Wheeler Hall
Approximately 50 student activists and others spent Monday night in Wheeler Hall, kicking off what they describe as a week-long effort to establish an "open university."
(08 December)

Campus musicians receive gift from pianist Earl Hines' estate
The gift to the University of California, Berkeley, of the bulk of famous jazz pianist Earl "Fatha" Hines' estate will provide exceptionally gifted low-income students with free musical instruction and the campus's music library with his collection of papers, compositions and memorabilia. Hines' musical archive will become the cornerstone at the Jean Gray Hargrove Music Library of a new Archive of African American Music, which would be unique on the West Coast.
(08 December)

UC Commission on the Future gets feedback from the system's flagship campus
In the ninth of 10 campus forums around the state this fall, members of the University of California Commission on the Future, charged with fundamentally rethinking the institution in a time of financial crisis, came to Berkeley Thursday for an exchange with members of the campus community.
(07 December)

Chancellor's video message to campus community
Reflecting on last month's protest at Wheeler Hall, Chancellor Birgeneau says he regrets that it "escalated into police action," and understands and sympathizes with anger over budget cuts and fee hikes. He calls on students, staff, and faculty to work together — peacefully and constructively — to address the campus's challenges. "Further cuts," he declares, "are unacceptable."
(01 December)

Review of Wheeler Hall protest to be undertaken
Campus leaders have announced that a review is underway of the crowd control measures used by police on November 20, when 40 protesters occupied Wheeler Hall.
(23 November)

Chancellor's message to community: Wheeler Hall protest ended peacefully
In a message to the campus community on the peaceful conclusion of the Wheeler Hall occupation, Chancellor Birgeneau calls for unity in advancing the cause of public higher education.
(20 November)

Art museum project alternate plan due early next year
UC Berkeley’s plans for a new Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAM/PFA) are being modified due to lingering economic uncertainty, museum and university officials announced today (Wednesday, Nov. 18).
(18 November)

Changes are needed to keep post-employment benefits in the safe zone, a UC task force tells campus staff and retirees
The Presidential Task Force on Post-Employment Benefits brings mixed news to intensely interested current and retired campus staff.
(16 November)

Hunger gets a seat at Berkeley's table
To bring home the issue of world hunger, the dining commons in Berkeley's Unit 3 residence hall held a most unusual dinner Thursday night: Just rice and water on the floor for most attending. It was all part of Hunger Awareness Week at Cal.
(13 November)

UHS releases new update on H1N1 flu vaccine
University Health Services sent a CALmessage on Nov. 6 to keep the campus apprised about the status of its H1N1 flu vaccine supply.
(09 November)

At town hall on campus response to budget crisis, students raise concerns and questions
More than 300 students turned out Thursday evening for a town hall meeting with Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and other senior administrators. Their common concern: the state budget emergency and the campus's response to draconian budget cuts that the crisis has brought.
(06 November)

BAM/PFA's kicks off edgy Friday night series

(06 November)

By a 91-68 vote, Academic Senate tells Cal Athletics to pay its own way — starting now
Following a vote of the UC Berkeley Academic Senate recommending that Intercollegiate Athletics become financially self-sufficient, Chancellor Birgeneau said he would explore the best way to move forward on the issue.
(06 November)

Scholar of native textiles to head anthropology museum
Anthropologist Mari Lyn Salvador, a scholar of Panama’s native Kuna people and the textiles that they create and an experienced museum professional, has been named director of the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology at the UC Berkeley. Salvador is scheduled to take the new post in late November.
(05 November)

Graduate Council mines its past to make venerable lectures available online

(05 November)

Linda Finch Hicks, longtime campus staffer, has died
Linda Finch Hicks, administrative manager in the history department, died Sunday, Nov. 1 at Alta Bates Hospital of pancreatic cancer. She was 55.
(04 November)

Staff forum on future of UC post-employment benefits set for Nov. 10
The University of California President's Task Force on Post-Employment Benefits will hold a forum on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Sibley Auditorium in Bechtel Engineering Center, for staff to ask questions and weigh in on the future of the university's pension and retiree health programs.
(02 November)

Berkeley scholars' adventures in the blogosphere
A growing number of campus scholars are using Web 2.0 blogging tools to reach a larger audience, create intellectual community, and be more proactive in relation to the media.
(28 October)

Fall Academic Senate meeting to focus on Intercollegiate Athletics
The Berkeley division of the Academic Senate will focus next week on the contributions and costs of the campus's Intercollegiate Athletics program. The Senate's fall meeting will host a fact-based discussion, debate, and exchange among faculty, Athletics Director Sandy Barbour, and Nathan Brostrom, vice chancellor for Administration.
(28 October)

UC Berkeley amplifies national voice via The Berkeley Blog
UC Berkeley’s best and brightest are often asked to share their insights at the White House, on Wall Street and with the media worldwide. Now, they are furthering that conversation in a new format – The Berkeley Blog.
(26 October)

Goldman School to have greater impact, thanks to $5 million gift
Over the years, the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley has emerged as a leader in proposing solutions to major issues facing society, and now a new $5 million gift from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund will make it possible for the school to make a greater impact in the world.
(23 October)

UC benefits Open Enrollment begins soon
Open enrollment for UC's health-and-welfare benefits runs from Thursday, Oct. 29, through Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m.
(20 October)

It’s My Job: Karen Hughes helps put the brakes on college drinking
As coordinator of University Health Services’ PartySafe@Cal program, Karen Hughes works to curb students' use of booze by focusing on the factors that inform their drinking choices, rather than lecturing them about the dangers of alcohol.
(20 October)

Gifts from parents restore full library hours
Thanks to gifts from Berkeley parents, library hours across campus will return to normal, and weekend reductions forced by state funding cuts will end over the next month.
(14 October)

At Hearst Museum beer fair, brewing fanatics sample suds and ponder their ancient peers
The Hearst Museum's Beer Symposium and Fair was the third in a series of annual events on the anthropology of food.
(14 October)

A moving story
For more than 20 years, the Marchant Building on San Pablo Avenue has been a de facto warehouse for UC Berkeley. With the building's recent sale, however, the day of reckoning has come. All the stuff must go … somewhere.
(13 October)

UC Berkeley's Oliver Williamson shares Nobel Prize in economics
Williamson, the Edgar F. Kaiser Professor Emeritus of Business Economics, and Law at UC Berkeley, a pioneer of the multi-disciplinary field of transaction cost economics, and one of the world's most cited economists, is a winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Economics.
(12 October)

That's -30- for us
Berkeleyan bids adieu to print
(05 October)

Laurels
UC Berkeley researchers Ashok Gadgil amd Kirk Smith win Heinz Family Foundation awards for their environmental achievements; Professor Emeritus Christopher Alexander wins the Vince Scully Prize; Professor Ruzena Bajcsy is this years winner of the Anita Borg Technical Leadership Award; Human Rights Center director Eric Stover named for Open Society Institute fellowship.
(05 October)

Laurels
UC Berkeley researchers Ashok Gadgil amd Kirk Smith win Heinz Family Foundation awards for their environmental achievements; Professor Emeritus Christopher Alexander wins the Vince Scully Prize; Professor Ruzena Bajcsy is this years winner of the Anita Borg Technical Leadership Award; Human Rights Center director Eric Stover named for Open Society Institute fellowship.
(05 October)

What's new at the Library?
A guide to this semester’s exhibits and events – as well as a plethora of new online resources – from campus libraries.
(02 October)

Campus bids Lustig farewell
Retiring from Berkeley after 26 years, the associate vice chancellor for health and human services looks back on a career rich in service to campus and community
(02 October)

More than two dozen junior faculty receive Hellman Family awards
Twenty-six junior faculty receive grants of up to $50,000 to pursue work of exceptional promise.
(02 October)

More than two dozen junior faculty receive Hellman Family awards
Twenty-six junior faculty receive grants of up to $50,000 to pursue work of exceptional promise.
(02 October)

A ‘public option’ for scholarship
A new push to ease access to university research, in the form of a five-institution compact to finance open-access publishing, is supported by Berkeley as part of its ongoing commitment to this innovative scholarly-publishing model.
(02 October)

A ‘public option’ for scholarship
A new push to ease access to university research, in the form of a five-institution compact to finance open-access publishing, is supported by Berkeley as part of its ongoing commitment to this innovative scholarly-publishing model.
(02 October)

The concerned employee's guide to face time at California Hall
The Chancellor’s Staff Advisory Committee seeks new members to provide staff perspectives to top administrators.
(02 October)

Picture Yourself at Berkeley reaches out to connect with prospective students
A new online service offered by the campus's Office of Undergraduate Admissions helps prospective students envision themselves as a member of the UC Berkeley community.
(28 September)

Mass rally on Sproul denounces deep budget cuts
Thousands of students, staff, and faculty rallied on Sproul Plaza Thursday to protest more than $800 million in state funding cuts to the UC system and, in some cases, the system's response to those cuts.
(24 September)

Research restructuring leads to net reduction in jobs
Responding to the dire budget circumstances facing the Berkeley campus, Vice Chancellor for Research Graham Fleming on Monday announced a major restructuring of services and resources within his office, eliminating a number of administrative positions in research units while creating a smaller number of new jobs in a centralized business support unit.
(14 September)

Well Said
Quotes, bon mots, and noteworthy utterances from the campus and beyond.
(10 September)

Trusting Google with UC's books prompts searching questions
A recent campus conference focused on the proposed settlement of a lawsuit over Google's effort to digitize millions of books - academic and otherwise – and make them available online.
(10 September)

Research Roundup
This semester's On the Same Page program, aimed at focusing the attention of incoming L&S undergrads on a single work or creator, is built around Professor of Journalism Michael Pollan's game-changing take on industrial agriculture and America's food systems, The Omnivore's Dilemma.
(10 September)

New faces on Dwinelle Plaza
Portraits of students who are benefiting from privately funded scholarships and fellowships smile out at passersby, as the now-familiar "Thanks to Berkeley…" billboard gets a one-year facelift.
(10 September)

Fellowship lands recent grad in a real hotspot
Recent grad Sasha Pippenger’s taste for public service was not just satisfied but enhanced by her Gardner-funded experiences working on refugee-relief issues in Pakistan.
(10 September)

A peer in high places
Parking fees for the remainder of 2009-10 have been reduced, saving campus permit holders an average of 8 percent monthly.
(10 September)

It now costs less to park at Berkeley
Parking fees for the remainder of 2009-10 have been reduced, saving campus permit holders an average of 8 percent monthly.
(10 September)

H1N1: Intruder at the gates
Berkeley is preparing for an anticipated surge in flu cases this semester, with an interdepartmental effort aimed at limiting the disease's impact on students and campus operations.
(10 September)

Foreign scholars say 'yes' to American English pronunciation course
In a popular class organized by the Visiting Scholar and Postdoc Affairs program, international scholars at Berkeley hone their ability to hear and create sounds not found in their native languages. The goal is help them prepare for their professional careers and the job market.
(04 September)

Top marks for top values
UC Berkeley has been recognized as the top university in the country for its contributions to society as measured by Washington Monthly's annual college guide and rankings.
(03 September)

Starting today, it costs less to park at Berkeley
Amid this fall's steady rain of bad economic news, UC Berkeley's Parking and Transportation has announced a ray of sunshine for campus commuters: parking fees for the remainder of 2009-10 have been reduced, saving campus permit holders an average of 8 percent monthly
(01 September)

The Budget Squeeze
A look back at key events as the current crisis unfolded
(28 August)

Well Said
Quotes, bon mots, and noteworthy utterances from the campus and beyond
(28 August)

It's my job
Steve Seid began his career writing about film and video, and working for small, independent video-arts organizations and film festivals before coming to the Pacific Film Archive 21 years ago.
(28 August)

Neil Henry steers a new course at the J-School
The new dean of the Graduate School of Journalism aims to uphold ethics amid the chaos of information in American society now.
(27 August)

Pictures (and more) from two exhibitions
Celebrate Charles Darwin's 200 birthday amid rare Darwiniana at the Bancroft Library and eight other campus libraries and museums. Learn about City Beautiful’s tenet of bringing civic order through large-scale plans at the College of Environmental Design's Wurster Hall.
(27 August)

As students return to classes, media meet with the chancellor
Chancellor Robert Birgeneau met the press on Wednesday for a public glimpse of the view of campus from California Hall.He described Berkeley's new crop of 9,400 students as "an exciting and excited class," but the main focus of the hourlong session, inevitably, was the campus's bleak budget picture.
(27 August)

Why Berkeley can keep on building during the budget crisis
Long before a shovel hits the ground, a building project must be planned and designed, but the financing — often from multiple sources — must also be in place.
(27 August)

Brostrom to serve interim role at UCOP leading business operations
Vice Chancellor for Administration Nathan Brostrom will serve as interim executive vice president for business operations in the UC Office of the President through Dec. 31, UC President Mark Yudof and Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau announced.
(27 August)

Bringing you a better Berkeleyan
With this issue you will see a redesigned Berkeleyan, with a new look and some new editorial formats.
(27 August)

Chancellor Birgeneau speaks out on the budget crisis
By all accounts, the UC system is facing the most serious financial crisis in its history. With the campus gearing up for a fall semester unlike any since his arrival in 2004, Chancellor Robert Birgeneau discusses the challenges ahead
(26 August)

Fall classes begin amid budget challenges
Fall classes begin today (Wednesday, Aug. 26) for more than 35,000 students at UC Berkeley. While belt-tightening due to unprecedented state budget cuts will not go unnoticed here, UC Berkeley top officials say the campus is committed to weathering the financial storm and preserving a longstanding commitment to world-class teaching, research and public service.
(26 August)

Honoring our own
The Berkeley campus will gather on Thursday, Sept. 3, for its eighth annual memorial service to honor those of its own who have died during the past year, whose names and affiliations are listed on an online memorial site.
(24 August)

Welcome to UC Berkeley – 141 years and counting
In a back-to-school video message, Chancellor Robert Birgeneau welcomes new and returning Cal students and thanks faculty and staff for their dedication.
(24 August)

Latest U.S. News rankings place Berkeley, again, at the top of the publics
U.S. News & World Report's 2010 guide to "America's Best Colleges," released yesterday, ranked Berkeley 21st among 262 public and private "national universities" offering doctoral degrees.
(21 August)

Campus furlough plan and proposed closure dates
In a message to all UC Berkeley faculty and staff, Vice Chancellor Nathan Brostrom outlines the campus closure dates and other decisions that have been taken to implement the systemwide furlough and salary reduction program approved in July by the UC Regents.
(20 August)

Hacking incident on J-school Web server triggers notices to affected applicants
UC Berkeley will be notifying approximately 490 applicants to the Graduate School of Journalism of a potential personal data breach following a computer security incident in which a hacker gained access to the journalism school's primary Web server.
(11 August)

Campanile set to reopen, then close again for more repairs this fall
Summer visitors to campus will find the Campanile open once more beginning this Sunday (Aug. 9) at 10 a.m. But they should tour it soon, as the world's third largest bell and clock tower — shut down for repairs since mid-June — needs more fixes than first anticipated.
(07 August)

Tools for coping during tough times
As campus managers grapple with difficult decisions and staff await news about cuts and layoffs, employees can find themselves feeling helpless and unsettled. Here are some resources and suggestions on coping with the situation.
(05 August)

Mark Rosenzweig, pioneer in brain plasticity, learning and hearing, has died at 86
Mark R. Rosenzweig, a professor emeritus of psychology at UC Berkeley whose early studies paved the way for today's recognition of the brain's ability to grow and repair itself, died July 20 at his home in Berkeley from kidney failure. He was 86.
(03 August)

Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund Awards announced
Sixteen partnerships between the University of California, Berkeley, and community groups to improve the quality of life for Berkeley residents will share $232,315 in grants awarded by the UC Berkeley Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund. The fund was established in 2006 through an agreement between the campus and the city.
(29 July)

Campus environmental record earns top score in Princeton Review "Green Ratings"
UC Berkeley makes The Princeton Review's Green Honor Roll in recognition of the campus's environmentally friendly policies. UC Berkeley was one of only 15 colleges in the country to have earned the top score in a rating, announced July 27, by The Princeton Review, a provider of education services to help students get into college.
(27 July)

Lisa Bauer honored as UC's 2009 'sustainability champion'
Lisa Bauer has cast a long shadow as manager of Campus Recycling and Refuse Services at Berkeley for more than a decade. For her early vision — and for rolling up her sleeves for years to make it manifest — Bauer was recently named UC's 2009 Sustainability Champion.
(27 July)

Berkeley will remain great, but will it retain its public character?
In a July 22 blog post on the Atlantic website, correspondent Erik Tarloff decried the impending cuts at UC Berkeley, resulting from California's budget crisis, as a "great tragedy" whose damage is "likely to be irreversible." Chancellor Robert Birgeneau responds.
(24 July)

Mitchell Celaya chosen as new UC Berkeley chief of police
Effective Aug. 1, the campus's new chief of police will be Mitchell J. Celaya III, a member of the UC Berkeley Police Department since 1982. Today's announcement follows a nationwide search to replace Victoria Harrison, who is retiring as police chief.
(21 July)

Focus turns to long-term impacts of state funding cuts as regents approve one-year furlough plan
Union employees were louder, but it was the UC chancellors' dire warnings of severe, long-term institutional damage from ongoing budget cuts that packed the biggest wallop at this week's meeting of the Board of Regents, where the regents approved President Mark Yudof's plan for systemwide furloughs and pay cuts.
(16 July)

History's Carla Hesse is named L&S dean of social sciences
Professor of History Carla Hesse, a prize-winning scholar whose interests center on modern Europe, especially France, takes over Aug. 1 as dean of the social sciences division of the College of Letters and Science. Her appointment was approved July 16 by the UC Board of Regents.
(16 July)

Linguists attending international institute
Hundreds of linguists from around the world are gathering at the University of California, Berkeley, through Aug. 13 to weigh thorny issues such as where grammar comes from, what infants learn before they talk, what DNA says about how related languages spread, and the "linguistically modern man."
(13 July)

Furloughs, pay cuts announced for UC staff and faculty
UC President Mark Yudof revealed the shape of the future for many of the system's 120,000-plus employees Friday morning when he announced his proposal for "a graduated approach" to unpaid furlough days for faculty and staff that would reduce pay on a sliding scale.
(10 July)

UC president proposes plan to address fiscal crisis
University of California President Mark Yudof today released details of a proposed plan to offset an anticipated $813 million reduction in support from the state General Fund. The plan, which includes a graduated furlough and pay reduction for most staff and faculty, will be presented July 15 to the UC Board of Regents.
(10 July)

President Yudof's letter to the UC community on furlough proposal
In an open letter to the University of California community, UC President Mark Yudof spells out the details of the systemwide furlough plan he will propose to the Board of Regents next week, and thanks staff and faculty for their comments and recommendations that helped shape the final proposal.
(10 July)

New opportunity to apply for voluntary separation option
Employees who are considering separating or retiring from their jobs — and not returning to UC employment for at least three years — can apply for this option to leave with a severance payment. The new VSO-2 is open to full-time or part-time non-represented career staff, non-represented librarians, and represented employees in participating unions. The deadline to apply is Aug. 7, 2009.
(08 July)

Berkeley's GradLink-on-the-Web wins Sautter Award, UC's top technology honor
Last week the University of California recognized UC Berkeley’s GradLink-on-the-Web and its developers with the Larry L. Sautter Award for Innovation in Information Technology. The award honors top technology projects from the 10 UC campuses.
(22 June)

UC President Yudof proposes three systemwide furlough/salary reduction options
With the University of California facing a severe reduction in state funding, President Mark Yudof has offered three options for furloughs and/or salary reductions that would be applied systemwide.
(18 June)

Chancellor delivers grim budget news at BSA gathering
The news, mostly bad, for the annual meeting with staff: deeper budget cuts, more layoffs, and likely 8 percent wage reductions
(16 June)

Budget Message from Chancellor and Provost
In an urgent letter to the campus community about California's financial crisis, Chancellor Birgeneau and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Breslauer discuss actions to cut costs across the UC system, explain what they think may happen, and describe their leadership strategy for the Berkeley campus in these difficult times.
(16 June)

Life after Berkeley
New retirees from offices all over campus share their feelings about Cal, their reasons for bidding Berkeley adieu, and their plans for the future. From violin-building to travel abroad, they may be stepping down, but most aren't slowing down.
(11 June)

Good news for campus car commuters
A bit piece of good budget news: P&T holds the line on parking-permit fees.
(11 June)

Political scientist Chhibber named to head IIS
Teacher, scholar, and former chair of the political science department named to a five-year term as director of the Institute of International Studies.
(11 June)

Philip Brett Fund to support LGBT studies
A new fund to support research into LGBT topics in any discipline has been created to memorialize a professor who pioneered gay studies in music.
(11 June)

Additional campus, UC budget cuts pending
The state budget picture as it applies to UC remains unclear, though largely discouraging. A bright spot in the gloom: cuts to vital Cal Grant support for students in need of financial aid are off the table for now.
(11 June)

Vice Chancellor Nathan Brostrom wins a 2009 Bay Area CFO of the Year award
Nathan Brostrom, vice chancellor for administration, last week was named Bay Area CFO of the Year for a non-public company by the San Francisco Business Times and Larkin Street Youth Services. He was one of six winners honored because they "exemplify the professionalism, integrity, resilience and mastery of key skills that make a great CFO."
(01 June)

Ronald Takaki, pioneer and legend in ethnic studies, dies at age 70
Ronald Takaki, professor emeritus of ethnic studies at the UC Berkeley, and a preeminent scholar of U.S. race relations who taught the University of California's first black history course, died at his home in Berkeley on Tuesday, May 26, at age 70. He had struggled for years with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune condition that attacks the central nervous system. Although Takaki retired from UC Berkeley in 2003, he was frequently seen on campus, delivering guest lectures to standing-room-only audiences or joining marches about social justice, with his shock of silver hair, trim runner's body and professorial spectacles.
(28 May)

Campanile’s spire to be repaired
Sather Tower, better known as the Campanile, will be having a little work done this summer, necessitating occasional short-term closures. But what nonagenarian doesn't need a little cosmetic intervention every now and again?
(26 May)

Matías Tarnopolsky new director of Cal Performances
Robert Birgeneau, chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley, today (Wednesday, May 20) announced the appointment of Matías Tarnopolsky as director of Cal Performances. The announcement was made at a press conference in Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley campus.
(20 May)

As voters weigh state's budget options, UC Berkeley eyes severe options for addressing cuts
With a slate of critical ballot propositions facing voters on Tuesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday offered two revised scenarios for mending the state's worsening budget outlook. One is bad news for the University of California. The other, for some, is too grim to contemplate.
(15 May)

Graduation ceremony season starts tomorrow (Thursday)
Pixar Animation co-founder Alvy Ray Smith; Sir Andrew Duncan Crockett, president of JP Morgan International; State Treasurer Bill Lockyer and world-renowned sleep researcher Matt Walker will be among the speakers passing on acumen and inspiration to graduating students at UC Berkeley, at ceremonies starting tomorrow (Thursday, May 14).
(13 May)

Managers who embrace change to be honored
The 21st annual BSA Excellence in Management awards, presented by the Berkeley Staff Assembly, will be conferred on 22 campus managers.
(12 May)

Assistive Technology Center opens new lab
An expanded Assistive Technology Teaching and Learning Center, for use by students in the campus Disabled Students Program, was opened at UC Berkeley on Monday, May 11.
(12 May)

Top graduating senior is an intellectual superstar
Emma Shaw Crane spent her teens riding horses and making mischief at her Waldorf school in Santa Rosa, Calif. She filled out her application to UC Berkeley, while recovering from typhoid on a beach in southern Mexico. Growing up among activists and anarchists, Shaw Crane said she never expected to be admitted to a top research university.But like her thick, tawny hair, Shaw Crane's life is full of twists and turns. Today, she has landed a coveted prize as UC Berkeley's top graduating senior, selected to receive the University Medal and address thousands of her peers at Commencement Convocation on May 22. She also will receive a $2,500 scholarship.
(12 May)

School of Public Health launches $5 million Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholars Program
An ambitious initiative designed to meet the increasing need for highly educated public health workers launched today. The Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholars Program, funded by a $5 million grant to the School of Public Health, is expected to expand California’s public health workforce, with an emphasis on recruiting students from underserved communities and placing them in health departments and other organizations that serve vulnerable populations.
(12 May)

Neil Henry named dean of Graduate School of Journalism
Award-winning journalist, author and professor Neil Henry has been chosen as dean of the University of California, Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism, a post he has held on a transitional basis since 2007.
(08 May)

Hackers attack campus databases, steal Social Security numbers, other data
The University of California, Berkeley, today (Friday, May 8) began notifying students, alumni and others that their personal information may have been stolen after hackers attacked restricted computer databases in the campus's health services center.
(08 May)

Dishing diversity at the dinner table
All in the family: A mother and her adult daughter both have campus jobs dedicated to increasing diversity at Berkeley.
(07 May)

Mentoring is its own reward … but plaques are nice, too
A recent round of awards honor the campus's invaluable graduate-student instructors . . . and the faculty who mentor them.
(07 May)

Workforce- reduction measures are having an impact
A variety of workforce-reduction measures announced in March are contributing to the campus's bottom line.
(07 May)

UC president addresses Berkeley Senate
Mark Yudof addressed his good-news/bad-news budget message to faculty at last week's Senate meeting.
(01 May)

Jennifer Wolch named ninth dean of College of Environmental Design
Jennifer Wolch, a leading scholar of urban analysis and planning, will take the helm at UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design on July 1, 2009. Wolch will become the college's ninth dean and Berkeley's fourth current woman dean.
(29 April)

An impatient man, a hopeful moment
At the April 23 groundbreaking for the Richard C. Blum Center for Developing Economies' new campus home, Al Gore paid tribute to its founder and, especially, to the students whose engagement gives the center such promise to aid the world's poor.
(24 April)

Professors ace teaching test
Five University of California, Berkeley, professors have been chosen by their department colleagues and students to receive a 2009 Distinguished Teaching Award, the campus's most prestigious honor for superlative instruction.
(22 April)

Al Gore to speak at groundbreaking of new Blum poverty studies building
Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore will participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new home of the Richard C. Blum Center for Developing Economies at UC Berkeley, this Thursday, April 23. Gore shared the 2007 Noble Peace Prize for his efforts to bring worldwide understanding to the issue of global climate change.
(20 April)

Voluntary separation with severance pay is now an option
A newly approved program could offer an attractive option to staff considering retirement: a severance payment based on their job classification and length of service.
(16 April)

A truly distinguished lot
Five faculty members will be honored April 22 at this year's Distinguished Teaching Awards ceremony. Learn about them from our "Do-ers" profiles…
(16 April)

Campus staffers honored for 'going beyond' daily responsibilities
At last week's annual recognition event, three staff teams and 22 individuals were honored for their exceptional hard work on Berkeley's behalf.
(16 April)

Breyer: Faith in reason, or faith in force?
According to Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who spoke at Berkeley last week, the rule of law is a "subtle thing" that relies on citizens to follow it, and on governments to enforce it.
(16 April)

Career Compass maps out its next stage
The campus's multifaceted workforce initiative enters its next phase this month, with innovations that will make it possible to compare specific jobs (and their pay levels) to the external market.
(16 April)

Campus helps graduating students cope with bleak job market
With the Class of 2009 understandably worried about employment prospects after graduation next month, UC Berkeley is helping seniors prepare for a job market riddled with layoffs and hiring freezes.
(15 April)

UC Berkeley welcomes visitors April 18 for Cal Day 2009
The Year of Science, Charles Darwin's birthday, the Obama administration, and the economic crisis will be highlighted at this year's Cal Day, the annual open house at the University of California, Berkeley. On Saturday, April 18, at least 35,000 people again are expected to descend upon one of the world's most prestigious research universities, accessing museums, buildings and labs, many of which are typically closed to the public.
(09 April)

Berkeley moves toward climate neutrality
A new report outlines the steps Berkeley has taken over the past two years to attain its goal of cutting back its greenhouse-gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2014.
(09 April)

Cal Day: It's about the dazzle
The annual campus open house on April 18 will offer dance, music, theatre, lectures, hands-on activities, tours — a banquet of opportunities at which 35,000 are expected to nourish themselves.
(09 April)

"Pursuit of Happyness" hero to address 2009 graduates
Chris Gardner, the self-made entrepreneur and philanthropist whose homelessness-to-riches story inspired the 2006 autobiography and feature film, "The Pursuit of Happyness," will deliver the keynote address this spring at the UC Berkeley's Commencement Convocation, an annual event honoring all graduating seniors. Gardner's commitment to speak at the Greek Theatre on Friday, May 22, is a triumph for the Senior Class Council of the Californians, the student group that plans Commencement Convocation.
(08 April)

Almost 13,000 high school students offered admission to UC Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley, announced today (Tuesday, April 7) that it has offered freshman admission for the 2009-2010 school year to almost 13,000 high school students, including several nationally-ranked debaters, a world-champion figure skater, and a set of triplets.
(07 April)

Campus police chief will step down in July
Victoria Harrison will step down as chief of police at UC Berkeley in July, concluding a 36-year law-enforcement career that began as a student CSO at UC Santa Barbara. Over her 19 years as UCPD chief, Harrison successfully saw the campus through wide-ranging adversity.
(26 March)

Campus leaders tell Town Hall they hope to minimize layoffs, but must close a 'huge funding gap'
Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and his vice chancellor for administration, Nathan Brostrom, discussed the campus's budget challenges and answered questions from some of the hundreds of UC Berkeley staff attending a town hall forum in Wheeler Auditorium on March 24.
(24 March)

Oakland police Sgt. Daniel Sakai killed in line of duty was a '96 Cal grad
Oakland police Sgt. Daniel Sakai, who was killed March 21 along with three fellow officers, was a '96 Cal grad and husband of a UC Berkeley police officer.
(23 March)

A poet views the oak-grove standoff
Professor English Robert Hass, in his Faculty Research Lecture last week, said his subject would be “thinking about nature.” His thesis? That “we don’t do it very well.”
(19 March)

A free lunch, with filmmakers Ang Lee and James Schamus
Two celebrated moviemakers have spent the week at Berkeley as part of this year’s “On the Same Page” program for undergrads
(19 March)

Quench your thirst the Berkeley way
Drinking fountains for the 21st century: just one way Berkeley is overcoming its bottled-water habit.
(19 March)

A new garden grows at Berkeley
A group of students has been tilling and planting a conspicuous space in the heart of campus . . . to grow their own food, and to show others how it’s done.
(19 March)

Staff invited to March 24 town hall on the budget
Staff and non-senate academic employees are invited to a town-hall meeting to discuss Berkeley's budget situation and plans to address it.
(19 March)

New Mark Twain book offers fresh insights into author
Fans of another famous author, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, best known by his pen name, Mark Twain, will likely be lining up for "Who is Mark Twain?" – an intriguing collection of two dozen previously unpublished sketches and essays by Twain that will be in bookstores on April 21. The materials come from The Mark Twain Papers and Project at UC Berkeley.
(17 March)

From the Chancellor's Office: Followup on the budget and senior administrators' actions
With staff and faculty forums coming up to address actions UC Berkeley is taking to address the budget crisis, the chancellor's office also discusses questions about whether senior campus administrators should take cuts in their salaries.
(16 March)

One week, four key lectures
Pearls will spill from podiums all over campus this coming week, starting when our own Robert Hass, professor of English, delivers the first of this year's two Faculty Research Lectures on Thursday, March 12. Coming up next week: two Hitchcock Lectures from prominent University of Chicago biologist Neil Shubin, and an intriguing talk about the future of the Republican Party by the Iowa GOP congressman who made headlines when he endorsed Barack Obama.
(11 March)

Staffer a winner in campus essay contest
Linda Finch Hicks’ essay about an aspect of her childhood in Tokyo was submitted on the theme of “Rock, paper, scissors” in this year’s Fabilli-Hoffer Essay Contest . . . the only such campus competition open to staff and faculty.
(11 March)

Newspaper on a mission
Daily Cal editor Bryan Thomas is working hard to keep the campus’s student paper alive in the present while positioning it for the future.
(11 March)

Berkeley student body lines up and around and around to see the Dalai Lama
The line, the likes of which had been seen only once before, formed early for tickets to see the Dalai Lama at his April 25 appearance here at UC Berkeley.
(11 March)

Chancellor, campus leaders brief the media on Berkeley budget issues
Campus leaders spoke to the media on March 10 about the impacts of the state and global economic crisis on UC Berkeley and steps being taken to respond to the $60-70 million campus budget shortfall projected for 2009-10. Reporters from some 20 media outlets dialed in to the conference call.
(11 March)

New options for employees aim to reduce workforce and workload
Vice Chancellor for Administration Nathan Brostrom says some layoffs are likely, but campus planning focuses on ways to shrink the workforce through voluntary reductions and attrition. New ideas are also emerging to reduce workload and save money.
(09 March)

Birgeneau, Breslauer lay out budget situation, options to address shortfalls
With many challenges, much planning, and new programs, UC Berkeley intends to emerge from the recession with a stronger foundation for the future.
(08 March)

Stiles Hall: a 'living room' with a committed fan club
It's a student-services center, a cauldron of social causes, an incubator for campus and community initiatives, and an important contributor to Berkeley's diversity.
(04 March)

Campus turns out for opening of Sutardja Dai Hall
With 141,000 square feet of innovation-inspiring lab and classroom space, Berkeley's new CITRIS building is ready to host decades of discovery.
(04 March)

'Pockets of intimacy' for undergrads
"Teaching freshmen taught me," says a faculty member who has organized more than 20 seminars for lower-division students since 1997. He's part of a program that offers 'meaningful intellectual contact' to the campus's youngest scholars.
(26 February)

Sexual-harassment training for supervisors
The campus offers supervisors several options for completing the mandatory two-hour training in sexual-harassment prevention that by law must be conducted every two years.
(18 February)

Applicants sought for 2009-2010 grants from Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund
Non-profit and neighborhood groups based in the city of Berkeley may now apply for grants from the Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund for 2009-2010. Funds will go to select groups who partner with the campus to improve the quality of life for Berkeley residents.
(18 February)

What's cooking at the Library?
A tour through the most appetizing stacks on campus — the culinary collection in Berkeley's Koshland bioscience library.
(12 February)

Regents act on UCRP, eligibility
(12 February)

Plans to restore historic campus building and provide new Blum Center home move forward
Plans to renovate, expand and seismically upgrade the campus’s historic Naval Architecture Building took a major step forward last week, following UC Regents review of the plan. The building will create a home for the Richard C. Blum Center for Developing Economies and provide space for engineering faculty along with work space for students.
(09 February)

Library @ Berkeley
A roundup of spring-semester exhibits and events; a look at new electronic resources; schedules of training workshops, and more useful news for the campus community.
(28 January)

In case of emergency, get a warning
By phone, text message, or e-mail, WarnMe will have vital information for you
(28 January)

The state of Berkeley's budget
A Q&A with two top campus decisionmakers yields insights into how Cal will deal with the most difficult fiscal environment in decades.
(22 January)

Picture-perfect preservation
The Bancroft's Pictorial Collection is a repository for the visual resources on which so much historical research depends
(22 January)

The Mark Twain Project stretches out
New digs mean not just more room for researchers, but better conditions for archival storage
(22 January)

Retrofitted and revamped, Bancroft reopens to regular hours
The Bancroft Library is back - and it's better than ever. One of the University of California, Berkeley's premier special collections libraries, it reopened this week with regular hours following a three-year, $64 million seismic retrofit and upgrade.
(21 January)

Matthew Tirrell, UC Santa Barbara engineering dean, to join UC Berkeley as new chair of bioengineering
In a move that signals a major new direction for bioengineering research and teaching at the University of California, Berkeley, Matthew Tirrell, dean of the College of Engineering at UC Santa Barbara, has been appointed chair of the Department of Bioengineering in the College of Engineering at UC Berkeley. Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau announced the appointment today (Thursday, Jan. 15), following a nationwide search.
(15 January)

Archaeological study complete at athletic facility construction site
No evidence of prehistoric Native American artifacts or human remains were found beneath the construction site for UC Berkeley's new Student Athlete High Performance Center, according to a report on the geoarchaeological dig commissioned by the campus.
(08 January)

Weatherproofing the campus against financial storms
In his new role as a campus vice chancellor, Frank Yeary advises University Hall administrators on strategic financial planning. The former international investment banker, in this Q&A, discusses financial challenges facing UC and the Berkeley campus.
(05 January)