High-performance computing support

The Campus Council for Information Technology announced that it will hold an open forum next week on proposals to bolster high-performance computing for research.

“From mathematics and physical sciences, to engineering, biological sciences, social sciences and humanities, intensive computational methods are advancing scholarship and generating new knowledge,” the organizers said.

“All members of the community, especially faculty engaged in computational research, are encouraged to participate in a discussion of high-performance computing support at UC Davis.”

The program includes a brief overview of high-performance computing strategies at peer institutions, background on the IT council’s Subcommittee on Research Computing and a group discussion of the subcommittee’s draft recommendations for UC Davis.

A spokeswoman for Information and Educational Technology said the subcommittee intends to propose a set of short-term and longer-term actions to provide server-room space and high-performance computing resources for researchers.

In many instances today, faculty members are negotiating their own arrangements for the required space, power, cooling and network connectivity — in addition to the significant demands pertaining to the acquisition and maintenance of hardware and software.

The subcommittee’s chair, Mark Rashid, a professor of civil and environmental engineering, is hosting the forum.

Organizers said feedback will help inform the subcommittee’s ultimate proposal.

The forum is scheduled from 9 to 10:30 a.m. June 2 in 1065 Kemper Hall.

More information on the CCFIT Subcommittee on Research Computing

Questions or comments? council-support@ucdavis.edu

Career Management courses

Career Management courses June 3 and 10 will address interviews and resumes and cover letters. Staff Development and Professional Services is offering the courses for free.

• June 3 — Interviewing With Confidence. Improve your strategy by knowing what to expect and how to answer difficult interview questions. Instructor: Andrea Weiss.

• June 10 — Resume and Cover Letter Writing. For people who are starting from scratch or revising their resumes and cover letters. Instructor: Constance Stevens.

Both courses are scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. in 130 Hoagland Hall. Enrollment can be arranged online, or contact Staff Development and Professional Services, (530) 752-1766 or sdps@ucdavis.edu.

Memorial Day holiday

Faculty and staff who will not be getting away for the three-day weekend, and who may be coming to campus, are reminded that Facilities Management will be adjusting thermostats to conserve energy. Therefore, you may find your workspace a bit cooler or warmer than usual, depending on the weather.

Facilities Management makes such adjustments during all three-day holiday periods and during campus closures.

Employees are asked to join the conservation effort, by turning off electronic devices and/or unplugging them (to keep them from drawing standby power).

Earlier coverage: "Everyone's help needed to cut energy use over holidays" (Dec. 18, 2009)

More energy-saving tips for the office, from the U.S. Department of Energy