Picnic Day applications

UC Davis will hold its 94th edition of Picnic Day on Saturday, April 19. This year's theme for the campus's annual open house is "A Kaleidescope of Voices."

Applications from staff, faculty and students are being accepted through March 5 for participation in the student-run event, which is expected to include more than 150 activities and exhibitions. People who want to participate in the parade, food sales, animal events, alumni activities or the fairs should download an application — visit picnicday.ucdavis.edu — or stop by the Picnic Day office at 349 Memorial Union. More information: (530) 752-6320.

International House

The International House will hold a fundraising auction from 6 to 9 p.m. March 1. This year's theme is "Egypt, Land of Civlization." Admission is $10; wine and appetizers will be provided. Also, the International House will hold a children's international storytelling event March 9 featuring the Irish stories of Laura Sandage, a Davis musician and songwriter. The event begins at 2 p.m. The International House is at 10 College Drive in Davis. More information: (530) 753-5007, internationalhousedavis.org.

UC Day at the Capitol

UC faculty, staff, students, alumni and other friends are invited to be advocates for the university during UC Day at the Capitol on March 4.

During this annual event, advocates make the rounds of legislators' offices, touting the UC system and urging support, especially in budget deliberations. Organizers said the theme of this year's lobbying effort is "UC Goes Green," showcasing the university's efforts toward sustaining the environment, both in research and in campus construction and operations.

Along that line, as part of UC Day, the university is hosting "Blue and Gold Makes Green" Alumni Day — featuring a giant tent on the north side of the Capitol. Inside the tent, students and researchers will highlight green research projects from across the university.

UC Day is set to begin at 9 a.m. at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento, 1230 J St., with a welcome by UC President Bob Dynes.

Delegate briefings are scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with lunch to follow, and legislative appointments from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. A workshop on "speed advocacy," for maximum outreach, is scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m.

A closing reception is planned at 5 p.m., and a dinner for the UC Davis delegation is scheduled at 6.

People wishing to participate as delegates, at no charge, should contact Pilar Rivera, program assistant in the Office of Government and Community Relations, (530) 752-9795 or privera@ucdavis.edu.

Commencement regalia

With graduation time just three months away, faculty members are being advised to put in their orders for commencement regalia.

Gowns (for bachelor's, master's, medical and Ph.D. degrees), caps, tassels and UC Ph.D. hoods are available at no cost, for pickup at the Central Storehouse or via delivery at a nominal charge.

Orders should be placed through departments, via the online form at capsandgowns.ucdavis.edu/index.cfm. For a hard-copy form, to arrange for delivery or to ask questions, contact Terry Chase at (530) 752-9184. Orders must be received at the Central Storehouse by April 18.

The campus bookstore rents hoods for degrees from universities other than UC, and for UC degrees other than Ph.D.s. Departments are advised to use the bookstore's online ordering system, bookstore.ucdavis.edu/ucd-access/facultyhoods.

The bookstore charges $20 per hood rental. A rush-handling charge of $10 per hood will be added to all orders received after April 18.

ARC's Free Guest Fridays

The Activities and Recreation Center announced Free Guest Fridays, the first Friday of every month, beginning March 7.

A news release states that guests will be welcome to enjoy abundant informal recreation opportunities available at the ARC at any time during the day. Guests must be accompanied by ARC members and must stop by the member services desk to fill out waivers.

More information: (530) 754-5306 or campusrecreation.ucdavis.edu.