Blood drive Jan. 26-27

The next ASUCD Blood and Marrow Drive is set for Jan. 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days in Freeborn Hall. Organizers said all participants will receive coupons for a 25-percent discount for Davis’ GAP store and a free yogurt at Cultive Frozen Yogurt in Davis.

Prospective blood donors are advised to drink plenty of fluids before donating, and to bring photo identification.

54,521 applications

A 25-percent increase in transfer hopefuls contributed to a record high of 54,521 applications for fall enrollment, up 6.3 percent from last year’s 51,298. Here is the breakdown:

• 43,269 high school seniors are seeking freshman status, an increase of about 2.2 percent from last year’s 42,344.

• 11,252 students are seeking to transfer from other colleges and universities, a 25.7 percent increase from last fall’s 8,954.

“We’re really pleased to see that more students are taking the opportunity to come to UC Davis after they start their studies at community college,” said Frank Wada, executive director of undergraduate admissions and university registrar.

Read more.

TGFS volunteers needed

Mark your calendars for May 12, the date of the 30th annual Thank Goodness for Staff picnic, and think about volunteering to help with organizing the picnic and other TGFS activities. “Be part of the magic — we can’t do it without you,” reads a notice from Staff Assembly, which runs TGFS.

Staff Assembly is looking for coordinators for the following: TGFS Idol and other entertainment, decorations, Gunrock Bingo Contest, Guess the Weight Contest, Logo Contest, merchandise, signage, posters and other promotions.

Interested people are asked to notify Tiva Lasiter, Staff Assembly coordinator, by e-mail: tlasiter@ucdavis.edu.

Vanpool seats available

The Solano One to UC Davis vanpool is looking for more riders. The 12-passenger van comes in from Solano County, carrying people who work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The cost is $115 to $125 monthly, including the van lease, vehicle maintenance and gas.

“Switching from driving alone to taking the van, carpooling, or taking the bus can save you up to $2,500 a year on a full-time commute from Fairfield,” said Mary Maffly, transportation demand and marketing coordinator for Transportation and Parking Services, or TAPS.

Maffly can also provide information on UC Davis vanpools from El Cerrito and Placer County.

For more information, contact Maffly, (530) 752-6453 or mlmaffly@ucdavis.edu. TAPS' goClub Web site includes a Commute Calculator that will help you figure out much you can save by switching to a vanpool.

Personalized calendars

Repro Graphics is once again inviting orders for free, personalized 2009-10 wall calendars, for people who may have missed the original order period before the start of the academic year.

Repro Graphics Director Brian Wadell said the order link at reprographics.ucdavis.edu will be available from Jan. 25 to 29. The calendars feature UC Davis art of your choosing, plus your own reminders on whatever dates you choose.

Night with the Kings

Discounted tickets for UC Davis Night with the Sacramento Kings are being sold through Jan. 27. The Staff Assembly-sponsored event is set for Feb. 3 when the Kings are scheduled to play the San Antonio Spurs.

Tipoff for the National Basketball Association game is 7 p.m. at Arco Arena. Staff Assembly has arranged for a discounted price of $30.50 per ticket (does not include transportation). Five dollars from each ticket will help fund staff dependant scholarships.

Seating chart and mail-order form: staff.ucdavis.edu (look under Announcements). To order by telephone or e-mail, contact Nick Allred at (916) 928-6947 or nallred@arcoarena.com.