UC issues green report

UC officials delivered their annual report on UC's progress in implementing its green building, clean energy and sustainable transportation policy to the UC regents on Jan. 16. The report highlights a number of UC accomplishments in 2006, including:

• Seven of UC's 10 campuses, including Davis, received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Best Workplaces for Commuters designation.
• UC saved nearly $5 million in annual operating costs as a result of its energy efficiency projects.
• Green building targets were included in 75 building projects.
• The Santa Barbara and Merced campuses were chosen by the U.S. Green Building Council to participate in a pilot program for leading green building organizations in the country.
• UC Santa Cruz now purchases 100 percent renewable energy.

For the report, see www.universityofcalifornia.edu/regents/regmeet/jan07/113.pdf.

Staff advisers permanent

The UC Board of Regents Jan. 18 approved permanent staff advisers in an effort to include employees' views in board decisions.

The regents also announced a call for nominations to serve as the next staff adviser designate from July 2007 to June 2009. The deadline is Feb. 28.

Under the program, two UC employees will be added as advisers to the board. The action comes in the wake of a two-year pilot program aimed at improving communications between UC employees — including non-Senate academic employees — and regents. The advisers are allowed to participate in open sessions held by certain committees.

Information on the program is available at http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/staffadvisors.

New UC Merced chancellor

The UC Board of Regents Jan. 17 appointed UC Santa Cruz engineering dean Sung-Mo (Steve) Kang as chancellor of UC Merced. Kang replaces Carol Tomlinson-Keasey, who stepped down last August after seven years as UC Merced chancellor to return to teaching and scholarship.

Kang is expected to take office on or about March 1.

Recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in his field, Kang, 61, was selected following a nationwide search that produced about 65 candidates. During the search, UC president Dynes was advised by a committee comprising regents, faculty, students and alumni.

Since 2001, Kang has served as dean of the Baskin School of Engineering and professor of electrical engineering at UC Santa Cruz. As UC Merced chancellor, Kang will receive an annual salary of $295,000.