A strategic review of Human Resources began this week, with assessment surveys going out to 1,000 people who have regular interaction with central HR on the Davis campus and in the UC Davis Health System.

“We are looking at the overall HR organization with an eye on whether we are positioned appropriately to face new challenges,” said Susan Gilbert, associate vice chancellor for HR on the Davis campus.

The survey asks respondents to rate HR activities and functions according to their importance in achieving the university’s strategic goals, and how well central HR performs each activity and function.

The survey is in line with Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi’s commitment to provide the best possible support services for UC Davis employees to advance the university's mission and vision, in line with the Vision of Excellence and other initiatives.

The online survey went to everyone who works in central HR on the Davis and Sacramento campuses, and “power users” — those who are heavy users of HR services. In all, the survey went to 600 people in Davis and 400 people in Sacramento.

In addition, the survey consultant, Towers Watson, is conducting interviews with the chancellor, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter and other stakeholders, including representatives of the Staff Assembly, the Academic Senate and the Academic Federation, and the Council of Deans and Vice Chancellors.

The consultants plan to present their recommendations growing out of the survey to HR staff in late spring or early summer.

No raises for nonrepresented staff in 2012-13

Turning UC’s finances around is “a work in progress,” President Mark G. Yudof said this week in ruling out a systemwide salary increase this fiscal year, 2012-13, for nonrepresented staff, including chancellors and other senior leadership.

He made the announcement with regret in a letter posted Feb. 19 in UC’s online newsroom.

After nearly $1 billion in state funding cuts since 2008, UC appears to be headed on the path to financial stability — but is not there yet, Yudof said. Measures that helped UC survive the last few budget cycles will continue, he said.

“I remain committed to implementing a systemwide salary program for staff as soon as the UC budget can support one,” he said.

Last year, he said, UC provided a general salary increase for nonrepresented employees for the first time in many years, “and it is my hope that we will be able to offer a salary-merit program for the 2013-14 fiscal year.”

“I am dedicated to doing everything we can to achieve this,” he added.

Research funding workshop next week

A research funding workshop set for next week will be a brown bag affair, offering an introduction to a variety of campus services for research and support.

The program, sponsored by University Outreach and International Programs, and the Institute of Governmental Affairs, is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in the IGA Reading Room, 360 Shields Library.

The presenters and their topics:

• William B. Lacy, vice provost, UOIP; and Adrienne Martín, associate vice provost, International Programs — Funding opportunities available to faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars and students through UOIP’s Seed Grant program, among other fund sources.

• Shelley Maddex, executive director, Office of Foundation Relations — The foundation sector and how Foundation Relations can help faculty in working the philanthropic sector.

• Paul Dodd, associate vice chancellor, Office of Research — The Research Investments in the Sciences and Engineering (RISE) Program and the Interdisciplinary Frontiers in the Humanities and Arts (IFHA) Program, and the Global Research Council, among other topics.

• Kassie Obelleiro, funding opportunities coordinator — Tools that faculty can use to identify funding opportunities, and an outline of the services that her Interdisciplinary Research Support unit provides to faculty.

• Molly McCarthy, associate director, UC Davis Humanities Institute — The institute’s research and funding programs, as well as the funding opportunities available through the UC Humanities Network and the UC Humanities Research Institute.

The organizers are asking for RSVPs by Tuesday, Feb. 26, to Jennie Konsella-Norene, international funding analysts, jknorene@ucdavis.edu.

Online: Faculty Funding Resources

Showcase touts campus as wedding venue

UC Davis, the venue for 40 to 50 weddings a year, is hosting its second annual wedding fair: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3. The campus sponsor, Conference and Event Services, is offering complimentary registration to UC Davis affiliates.

“We had 10 wedding inquiries just last week,” said Lina Layiktez, director of Conference and Event Services, which handles campus rentals. The most popular venues are the arboretum gazebo for ceremonies and the Putah Creek Lodge for receptions.

The Weddings & More Special Events Showcase is for everyone, regardless of whether you plan to have your wedding or other special events at UC Davis.

Layiktez and her team have lined up 65 vendors for the showcase in Freeborn Hall. “Event planners and brides-to-be will have the chance to meet and greet with select caterers, bakeries, florists, hair stylists, event production companies and more, all the while getting new ideas and inspiration for the big day,” she wrote in an email invitation.

More information (including a list of the participating vendors) is available online. Here is the registration link (UC Davis affiliates should use the promo code “DATELINE”).

More links

Campus Rec's Youth Programs Guide for summer (PDF)