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Checking In With Chancellor May: Freedom of Expression

Gary S. May — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 22:10:56 +0000

Checking In With Chancellor May: Freedom of Expression Gary S. May September 15, 2023

To the UC Davis Community:

With the new academic year starting, I want to focus on a topic that is increasingly at the forefront of campus life: freedom of expression. It’s one of our university’s core values and vital to our higher education mission. The right to express our opinions and points of view is both an opportunity and a challenge.

The limits of free speech are being tested at college campuses and in communities across the country, with increasingly heated and divisive debates. UC Davis and our surrounding communities are no exception. We see it in almost all public spaces – online, on campus and in city meeting rooms. Yet, we cannot close off our campus to people and views we disagree with. We cannot isolate ourselves from words that are hurtful, mean-spirited or offensive.

As a reminder, the First Amendment prevents the restriction of speech with very few exceptions, including criminal threats and incitement to violence, and obscenity. Universities like ours must uphold the right of students, faculty, staff and others to express their views, even those many of us might find abhorrent or hateful. A public university cannot prohibit someone from speaking on campus based on that person’s viewpoint or the content of their message, and at UC Davis, we haven’t turned away any speaker from our campus based on their viewpoints.

Numerous benefits

Free speech is the cornerstone of a democratic society. It gives us the right to criticize our leaders and rally for change when we disagree with laws or policies. Free speech allows people from oppressed and marginalized communities to have a voice. Think about how freedom of expression has been used in recent critical moments in our country to bring change, including the Civil Rights Movement, the struggle for migrant farm workers, LGBTQ+ rights, equality for women, veterans’ rights, disability rights, Black Lives Matter and more. We still need voices heard in all of those areas.

Central to learning

College campuses, especially within the University of California, have played a central role in the evolution of freedom of expression. Students, faculty and staff have been central to debating and protesting some of our nation’s most hotly contested issues. By participating in this cornerstone democratic activity, we further develop critical thinking skills to identify disinformation and discern ideas that contribute to the advancement of truth.

Differing viewpoints

I know that for many in our community, it’s difficult to accept that free speech protections also extend to those with abhorrent views. The term “hate speech” is not defined by law, and no such category exists as an exception to the First Amendment. That means even hateful and offensive speech is protected by the First Amendment.

Let me be clear: Just because one has a right to say and do something, it doesn’t mean it’s right or that anyone has to agree with it. When freedom of expression turns hateful or encourages violence, it goes against our Principles of Community, which call for us to recognize different perspectives and commit ourselves to non-violent exchange and the highest standards of conduct.

I’ve heard from students, faculty, staff and others that not everyone feels comfortable or safe expressing their personal viewpoints in classrooms or public spaces on campus. That includes Jewish students, people of color and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. We can do better. The best learning environment is one that encourages us to listen to and examine different viewpoints, and respectfully disagree when we do. Our Principles of Community can help us find ways to express our opinions while still respecting diversity and inviting inclusion.

I ask each of you to think about how you might commit to supporting a meaningful and constructive exchange of ideas. We can start by actively listening to one another, even when we find ourselves disagreeing about contentious issues. Each of us plays a role in creating and pursuing a respectful learning environment. Each of us is responsible for embodying our Principles of Community.

Hate-Free Together initiative

We have endured some ugly incidents of hate speech on campus and in our community targeting those who are Black, Asian American, Jewish, Muslim, disabled, LGBTQIA+ and more. I have condemned each of these incidents, and I will continue to stand up for all members of our community. Hateful speech and incidents are distressing for everyone, especially for those of us who are personally targeted by racist, antisemitic or other hateful words and behaviors.

That’s why we partnered with the City of Davis and Yolo County on an initiative called Hate-Free Together. It’s based on our very successful Healthy Davis Together model, which we implemented jointly to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. This time, hate is the virus we’re trying to eradicate. The Hate-Free Together team is planning a series of community workshops for 2024, along with a new website with resources and information. The input from our community will help us consider how to prevent hate incidents and how to respond should an incident occur.

Resources

UC Davis has resources to help students, faculty and staff cope with the discomfort that the free and open exchange of ideas can bring:

Counseling Services provides student-centered mental health services, advocacy, outreach and consultation to promote psychological well-being and academic success.
The Academic and Staff Assistance Program provides high quality, confidential counseling services for all levels of the UC Davis and UC Davis Health System staff in a safe and supportive environment using highly skilled clinicians.
The Office of the Ombuds is a confidential, independent, impartial and informal problem-solving and conflict management resource for all members of the UC Davis, UC Davis Health and UC ANR communities.
The Harassment and Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program is available to help in instances where discrimination or harassment based on a protected category such as race, religion or gender identity creates a hostile learning or work environment.

For students interested in learning more about engaging in self-expression on campus, please visit the Student Expression website.

Learn more

Freedom of expression is an important topic and one that I’ve discussed before, in a video message and an op-ed in Higher Ed Dive. I encourage you to learn more about free speech and civic engagement. The University of California is a leader on these issues, and in 2017 created the National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement to consider how to restore trust in the value of free speech on college campuses. You can find additional information and resources on its website.

Freedom of expression is the very fabric that makes a university a unique place to grow and thrive. If we express our viewpoints in a manner that’s consistent with our Principles of Community and we allow ourselves to listen, we can learn from each other. Diversity of perspectives makes us stronger. Let’s keep this in mind as the year progresses.

We are all Aggies.

Sincerely,

Gary S. May
Chancellor

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Dean Selected for Continuing and Professional Education

Cindy Brown — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 21:34:30 +0000

Dean Selected for Continuing and Professional Education Cindy Brown August 31, 2023 Cindy Brown

Julie Greenwood, vice dean for Educational Initiatives at Arizona State University, will join UC Davis as its new dean of Continuing and Professional Education on October 16.

Julie Greenwood, vice dean for Educational Initiatives in EdPlus at Arizona State University (ASU), will join UC Davis as its next dean of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE). Greenwood will start on October 16.

Julie Greenwood, vice dean for Educational Initiatives in EdPlus at Arizona State University, will join UC Davis as its new dean of Continuing and Professional Education on October 16.

Susan Catron announced last year she would retire this fall after five years as dean of CPE and more than 20 years in leadership roles at UC Davis.

“Julie is a dynamic and experienced leader who has leveraged emerging education models to boost learning opportunities and outcomes,” said Mary Croughan, provost and executive vice chancellor. “She is a collaborator, an innovator, and a champion for expanding access to higher education for nontraditional and underrepresented student populations. We are fortunate that CPE is well-positioned thanks to Susan Catron’s leadership, and I am confident Julie will build on our past successes.”

Greenwood has served as vice dean for four years in EdPlus at ASU, its enterprise unit for digital teaching and learning that administers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs and has more than 85,000 students through ASU Online. She is also an associate professor in ASU’s School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences.

As dean of CPE, Greenwood will oversee more than 160 staff and 865 contract instructors, and a division that generates $41 million in self-supporting revenue. CPE has more than 56,000 enrollments annually—the third-largest UC extension as measured by enrollment—and serves learners in all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries. In addition to its thousands of enrollments in professional, academic and enrichment courses, CPE has millions of enrollments in Massive Open Online Courses.

“UC Davis CPE has built a diverse portfolio of exceptional programs supporting the access mission for pre-college and international learners and providing workforce development for human services and other professionals across the globe,” Greenwood said. “This is a rapidly evolving field, and I am excited to work with this outstanding division of educators to lead UC Davis in digital learning innovation and development of online courses, degree completion pathways, and graduate credentials and degrees.”

Prior to joining ASU, Greenwood held several leadership roles during nearly two decades at Oregon State University, including associate provost for Transformative Learning in the Division of Academic Programs and Learning Innovation. She was the associate dean for Undergraduate Studies, and the associate dean for Academic and Student Affairs in the College of Science. Greenwood also served for sixteen years as director of the Cell Imaging and Analysis Facility for the Environmental Health Sciences Center at Oregon State University, one of six environmental health sciences centers established by the National Institutes of Health.

Greenwood has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Siena College in New York and a Ph.D. in neuroscience/pharmacology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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In Memory of Gary Sandy

Gary S. May — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 17:25:08 +0000

In Memory of Gary Sandy Gary S. May August 21, 2023

Gary Sandy was truly one of a kind. During his years at UC Davis, no project was too small or too large — he took everything on with dauntless energy, limitless community spirit, and a profound sense of integrity. During his years in the chancellor’s office, he was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and the equanimity with which he approached everyone he encountered.

With his dedication to public service, Gary’s leadership, advocacy and skilled diplomacy have had a powerful and lasting impact on UC Davis and our region. He was a champion for Yolo County with sharp insight and a compassionate nature. We are grateful to have benefited so much from his wisdom and commitment over the years.

We offer Gary’s family our heartfelt condolences.

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Checking In With Chancellor May: Sustainability Making a Difference on Campus and Beyond

Gary S. May — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 21:56:22 +0000

Checking In With Chancellor May: Sustainability Making a Difference on Campus and Beyond Gary S. May August 18, 2023

To the UC Davis Community:

As a top-tier research institution, we know it is our duty to bring our expertise to bear on the world’s most serious problems. And there is no global issue more pressing than climate change. We are experiencing significant impacts in the form of extreme weather, such as extended periods of drought, sea level rise and species extinction.

At UC Davis, we’re doing our part to mitigate the growing climate emergency by finding innovative new ways to be sustainable, ensuring the world’s most vulnerable populations aren’t left behind, and practicing what we preach on our own campus.

UC Davis has been committed to climate research and sustainable practices for decades — it’s who we are. We’ve been recognized as No. 1 in the nation for higher education sustainability for seven years running and No. 5 in the world, according to the 2022 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.

The work has never been more urgent than it is now. News about the devastating human toll from wildfires, heat waves and hurricanes reminds us that urgent action is needed.

An ongoing commitment

Ours is a campus community that cares deeply about sustainability, climate action and environmental justice.

Across the university, students, faculty and staff are engaged, and in fact, 21% of all courses offered here include some educational content related to sustainability. Our Campus Advisory Committee on Sustainability is developing a Fossil Fuel-Free Pathway Plan, the first of its kind in the UC system. You can provide input on the plan through Friday, Oct. 27.

The Arboretum and Public Garden and Office of Campus Planning created the UC’s first Living Landscape Adaptation Plan, a flexible framework to guide the transition of our landscapes to be climate-ready including a large-scale effort focused on our trees. More than 100 students in the Learning by Leading program are at the center of our campus’s on-the-ground adaptation.

Within research, faculty and students across all disciplines are finding innovative ways to create sustainable solutions, like making compostable wind turbine blades from bamboo and fungus to growing crops with less groundwater, just to name a couple. Our students and faculty are coming together to research and understand how climate issues are impacting social justice efforts while building equity into climate solutions.

There are many ways to make a difference and I encourage our community to get involved on campus. L earn how through Sustainable UC Davis.

A model campus

There’s no better place than UC Davis to learn about climate science and campus sustainability — and we practice what we teach. Our West Village housing community, a mixed-use neighborhood integrating student, faculty and staff housing, research and educational facilities, is the largest planned zero-net energy community in the nation and serves as a prototype for future campus mixed-use hubs.

Unitrans has made advancements toward a green future, and is shifting from natural gas to a fully electric bus fleet.

We also invested about $60 million in the first phase of Big Shift, a large-scale infrastructure project that lays the foundation for our campus’s move away from fossil fuels powering our operations, while immediately decreasing our energy and water use. We’re busy making plans for phase two of the Big Shift and preparing grants for future phases, including grants from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Our efforts toward a more sustainable future are too numerous to list, and these major commitments are a testament to why UC Davis was recognized for the third time with a gold rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, or STARS.

Part of a bigger system of solutions

UC Davis and the UC system continue to advance climate action and sustainability goals. Last month, the University of California adopted new, stronger climate action goals. According to UC President Michael Drake: “It reflects the best current science and aligns the university’s ambitious new goals with those set by the state of California.”

California leads the world in developing the policies and technologies to both mitigate climate change and adapt to a changing environment. Over the years, many UC Davis scientists, economists and legal scholars helped usher in some of these landmark pieces of environmental legislation and regulation. That includes California’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 – the world’s most aggressive and comprehensive legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2007, California adopted the world’s first low-carbon fuel standard mandate. Our Institute of Transportation Studies helped pioneer that standard and shape the direction of other clean-fuel policies and technologies, informing policy at the local, state and national levels.

I’m grateful for everything being done to research and address the impacts of climate change, all while making UC Davis one of the most sustainable university campuses in the world. But the work doesn’t end here. The responsibility is on all of us to continue to push for creative new ways to contribute to a sustainable and equitable future.

Go Ags!

Sincerely,

Gary S. May
Chancellor

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Statement on Catastrophic Fires in Lahaina, Hawaii

Gary S. May — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 21:29:05 +0000

Statement on Catastrophic Fires in Lahaina, Hawaii Gary S. May August 14, 2023

As Californians, we are no strangers to the danger of wildfires and their impact on our communities. The recent wildfire destruction that ravaged the Lahaina community on Maui is incomprehensible. The loss of life is devastating, and we mourn for the people of Hawaii and the tragic loss of the historic town.

At UC Davis, we are reaching out to members of our community who are affected directly and indirectly by the fires to offer support and resources.

I encourage students who are impacted to contact the Office of Student Support at ossja@ucdavis.edu. Our case managers are available to help coordinate support efforts across campus and community systems to assist students facing crises, life traumas and more.

Employees can connect with our Academic and Staff Assistance Program, or ASAP, to receive support.

Additional campus resources:

Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center provides crisis resources, such as emergency shelter, immediate food and financial hardship support, as well as longer-term basic needs support.
The Aggie Mental Health website provides information to access urgent help and counseling resources.
Financial Aid Economic Crisis Support Team assists students who are experiencing a financial crisis. Financial aid may be adjusted. When there is a declared emergency, we re-evaluate each impacted student’s eligibility based on their individual circumstances in the form of an appeal.
Graduate Studies Emergency Grant Program provides support for graduate students experiencing unexpected challenges that impede their progress toward their degrees.
Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative provides community support, academic advising and resources for the Asian and Pacific Islander, or AandPI, diasporas at UC Davis.

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UC Center Sacramento Director to Step Down in 2024

Cindy Brown — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 16:22:22 +0000

UC Center Sacramento Director to Step Down in 2024 Cindy Brown August 09, 2023 Cindy Brown

Richard L. Kravitz, director of the UC Center Sacramento, or UCCS, has announced he will step down on June 30, 2024, after nearly 11 years leading the center. Kravitz will return full-time to the faculty in the UC Davis School of Medicine, where he is a distinguished professor of medicine. The University of California will launch a search for his successor this fall.

Richard L. Kravitz, Director of UC Center Sacramento, announced he will return to his full-time faculty role in the UC Davis School of Medicine in July 2024.

UCCS is a systemwide program managed by UC Davis, with the director dually reporting to the UC Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and to the UC Davis Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor.

“Dr. Kravitz has been an extraordinary leader and program innovator, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his contributions to UCCS and to the University of California,” said Katherine S. Newman, UC Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. “I offer my deepest gratitude to him for his unwavering dedication and commitment to the students who participate in the UCCS academic program, as well as to the knowledge-sharing function of the center, both of which have made UCCS a strong presence in the state capital.”

Kravitz was initially appointed interim director of UCCS in 2013 and became its permanent director two years later. He led a strategic and collaborative visioning process that resulted in a plan to grow the center’s enrollment, enhance the student experience, build a more active alumni network, and expand its research dissemination efforts in the service of evidence-based public policy.

“It has been a pleasure working with Dr. Kravitz and his team at UCCS, and to see the remarkable progress he and his team have made over the last decade,” said Mary Croughan, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor. “This center has helped to raise understanding and awareness of public policy and civic engagement, and it has instilled a passion in countless students to pursue fulfilling public service careers. UCCS is a tremendous asset to this state and the UC, and we have Dr. Kravitz to thank for his vision and leadership.”

In Kravitz’s first five years alone, UCCS successfully doubled its enrollment and welcomed a diverse student body representing all undergraduate campuses. About half of the students enrolled in the program were first generation college students and a majority were Pell Grant recipients. UCCS also expanded its course offerings and established several new scholarship opportunities, which has provided for more students with access to the program.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kravitz and his team worked to expand fundraising efforts to increase UCCS’ knowledge-sharing activities. He also established CalSPEC, the California State Policy Evidence Consortium, a two-year pilot that implements a rapid systematic review process to produce non-partisan, evidence-based reports on select policy topics for legislative committees.

“This has been the most thrilling job of my career,” Kravitz said. “It has been my great privilege to work with students, faculty, staff, university leaders, policymakers, community members and supporters in the service of our missions to prepare California’s future leaders, and to share knowledge that supports public policy. We have made so much progress and there is more to be done, and I am confident that the amazing staff and supporters will continue building on our collective success.”

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Provost Selects New Chief of Staff

Cindy Brown — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:41:34 +0000

Provost Selects New Chief of Staff Cindy Brown August 01, 2023 Cindy Brown

Jason Stewart, assistant director in the Office of Budget and Institutional Analysis, has been selected as the assistant executive vice chancellor and chief of staff to Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan. Stewart, who has served as interim in the role since November 2022, was selected through a competitive hiring process.

“Jason has been an incredible asset to the campus for more than a decade and we are very fortunate to have him join our team,” said Croughan. “He has worked hard to build collaborative relationships across the campus and with the UC Office of the President, and he has moved forward numerous high-impact initiatives. He will continue to inform and elevate the work we do so that our campus can best serve faculty, staff, students, and the public.”

During his 14 years at UC Davis, Stewart has served in a variety of roles, including nine years as assistant director in Budget and Institutional Analysis. Since joining the Office of the Provost as interim chief of staff, he has assisted with the campuswide annual budget process, enrollment planning, executive recruitments and several task forces and steering committees. Stewart is serving on the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation Steering Committee and supporting the Sustaining Teaching and Research Task Force (START), recently launched by the provost.

As assistant director of Institutional Support and Enrollment Management in UC Davis’s Office of Budget and Institutional Analysis, Stewart led a team gathering, analyzing, and reporting data to inform leadership. He was integral in standing up web-based dashboards that provide enrollment and employee data for a variety of decision-making needs, and he developed a model for classroom utilization that contributed to the configuration of the Teaching and Learning Complex. Stewart was a key advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing data that included vaccination rates for students and staff, and other vital information that was regularly reported to UCOP and the public. He and his team drafted updates for regular campuswide COVID-19 pandemic communications and also provided staff support for the executive work group managing campus operational needs.

While serving as interim university registrar in 2022, Stewart oversaw 25 staff and 22 student assistants who work in a variety of capacities, including classroom assignments, transcript and diploma distribution, and front-line student support. He also served part-time as a senior advisor to the vice chancellor of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from 2019 to 2022.

Stewart joined UC Davis as a principal budget analyst in 2009. He was the project manager for the team that created a campuswide budget model that continues to serve as a tool for allocating more than $600 million in campus resources. He also developed new revenue allocation and cost recovery models that continue to be used across campus.

Stewart holds a Master of Public Management degree from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Memphis.

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Chancellor May Selects Ryan Dickson as Director of Audit and Management Advisory Services

Gary S. May — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 19:46:00 +0000

Chancellor May Selects Ryan Dickson as Director of Audit and Management Advisory Services Gary S. May July 18, 2023

Following a nationwide search, University of California, Davis, Chancellor Gary S. May has selected Ryan Dickson to serve as director of Audit and Management Advisory Services, or AMAS, effective Monday (July 17).

Dickson has served as associate director of the unit since 2022 and has worked as an auditor and manager for AMAS since 2015.

“Ryan has already built trust and solid relationships across both campuses, and his leadership will further strengthen the complex projects that AMAS manages,” May said. “He comes to the position with great understanding of emerging challenges, responsible stewardship of public resources, and evolving regulations and policies.”

As part of his AMAS leadership, Dickson will oversee internal planning and strategic initiatives and will play a key role in campus and health sciences governance, compliance and risk management, and assessment. AMAS’ mission is to review and monitor how the university at large manages its operations, adheres to governance processes, manages systems of internal control and financial oversight, and complies with laws, regulations and university policies. The unit carries out these responsibilities for both the Davis and Sacramento campuses.

Prior to joining AMAS, Dickson was a lecturer in the Department of English for three years.

Dickson received Bachelor of Arts degrees in English literature and classics from San Francisco State University, as well as a Master of Arts in classics from that university. He went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from the UC Davis School of Law.

Dickson fills the position vacated by Leslyn Kraus, who retired in March. He will have dual reporting to Chancellor May and to the University of California Senior Vice President/Chief Compliance and Audit Officer.

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Sustaining Teaching and Research Task Force Launched

Cindy Brown — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 21:11:20 +0000

Sustaining Teaching and Research Task Force Launched Cindy Brown July 13, 2023 Cindy Brown

UC Davis Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan launched the Sustaining Teaching and Research Task Force, or START, in June to assess challenges, prioritize strategies, and recommend specific actions to bring about substantive and transformative improvements to our education, research and service models, thereby enhancing our ability to fulfill our mission at the highest levels of achievement.

Composed of academic, administrative and staff members from across campus, START will spend the next 18 to 24 months developing informed initiatives and action plans to reimagine how the campus can more effectively fulfill its education, research and service missions. Recommendations also will include new operating models that are financially sustainable and maintain or increase the campus’s commitment to excellence while attaining our goals.

Professor Emeritus Michael T. Brown, immediate past provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs for the University of California, will serve as convener for START.

Professor Emeritus Michael T. Brown, who served as provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs for the University of California from 2017 through 2022, will serve as convener for the task force. Prior to joining the UC Office of the President, he held several administrative positions during his 30 years at UC Santa Barbara and was a professor in the Department of Counseling, Clinical and School Psychology. Brown also served as vice chair and chair of the systemwide Academic Senate, vice chair and chair of the Academic Senate’s Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools and was a faculty representative to the Board of Regents.

“I would like to thank the Academic Senate for their partnership and support and express my gratitude to Michael and members of this task force for stepping up to take on this important work,” Croughan said. “UC Davis is steeped in excellence across our departments, divisions, schools and colleges. We are a leader in social mobility and discovery, yet we can always improve. This task force will develop action plans that will meet challenges head on, fulfill our mission and achieve our goals in a financially sustainable manner.”

START’s initial committees will focus on graduate education, undergraduate education, research, equitable faculty workloads, facilities use and support services. Details on the committees can be found on the START webpage.

START will complement the work of other campuswide groups, including the Revenue Generating and Institutional Savings Task Force and the Student Success and Equitable Outcomes Task Force. Members are serving as liaisons between the task forces, and all will support the group charged with preparing for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation visit in fall 2024.

Members of the UC Davis campus community are invited to submit specific issues of concern or topics you would like to see the task force address through an online form on the START webpage.

Updates on START’s progress will be shared with the campus on a monthly basis and quarterly town halls will be held for further input and insights.

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