Tentative labor agreement reached

This week UAW Local 2865 and UC reached a tentative agreement on a two-year labor contract affecting approximately 12,000 academic student employees. UAW Local 2865 represents UC academic student employees at nine UC campuses, including UC Davis. Contract highlights include improvements in wages, child care, parental leave, workload protections and health care.

Meditation offers a calming influence

Stress can easily become overwhelming but student Tyler Fyotek has found a way to cope with it — meditation. Last year, Fyotek started the Midday Meditation Group to provide a place for students, staff and faculty to get into the "here and now" on campus.

"Meditation helps to center and balance onself," said Fyotek, who meditates regularly. "It increases my focus for the entire day."

The Midday Meditation Group meets at "The House," or TB 16 off California Avenue on Regan Circle Drive. Sessions take place from 1:15-1:45 p.m. and 2:15-2:45 on Monday and Wednesday, and from 11:15-11:45 p.m. and 12:15-12:45 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

Fyotek cautions that he is not an instructor on meditation, only a facilitator. He rings a bell to start and finish each session, and ensures silence is maintained. No fee is required to attend, though bringing your own chair or mat is a good idea — a limited number of meditation cushions are available.

Fair highlights campus services

The UC Davis Service Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 23 in Freeborn Hall. This event showcases new programs, services and technologies available on campus. The theme for this year's fair is "Show Stopping Service." For more information, contact Lina Layiktez in Campus Events and Visitor Services at (530) 752-4552.

Annual UC payroll information

Consistent with its commitment to transparency and public accountability, the UC on Oct. 2 released its annual report on systemwide employee compensation for fiscal year 2006-07. The report is available online at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/compensation/payroll2006-07.

The payroll database on which the 2006-07 report is based is publicly available upon request through the UC Office of the President in Oakland and each of the UC campus libraries.

Experimental College classes

Tired of comparative literature, calculus, and biology? Then come by the Experimental College and sign up for fun courses in dance, music, yoga, and the martial arts.Registration for the Fall begins today, so drop on in anytime between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 260 South Silo, across from the Craft Center. For more information, visit asucd.ucdavis.edu/experimentalcollege.

Bargain Barn Web site goes live

The Bargain Barn has launched a new Web site at http://bargainbarn.ucdavis.edu. The new site has more interactive features, including an online service request form and an expanded inventory search capability. The Bargain Barn has also added a number of informational pages for departments, the general public, and for employees wanting to purchase items for personal use. The home page includes links to affiliated campus services.

Fall support groups to meet

New support groups will be meeting this fall on campus, thanks to the Academic and Staff Assistance Program. Topics include:

• Parent Empowerment, Oct. 11 first meeting, from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays, 112 A Street. Share concerns, experiences, coping strategies and tips with other parents. Facilitators: Alice Provost, Julie Hansen.
• Introduction to Meditation — Oct. 12 first meeting, noon to 1 p.m. on Fridays, 112 A Street. Learn basic meditation techniques to place your mind and body at ease. Facilitator: Beth Cohen.
• Caregiver Support Group — Oct. 23 first meeting, noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, 112 A Street. Discuss the challenges and receive coping advice on caregiving for dependant adults. Facilitators: Nancy Hodges, Renee Becnel.
• Support for New Faculty — Oct. 17 first meeting, noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, HR 182. Learn how to effectively deal with the pressures of being a new faculty member. Facilitators: Rory Osborne, Ruben Valencia.

To schedule a screening apppointment or for more details, call the Academic and Staff Assistance Program at (530) 752-2727 or visit www.hr.ucdavis.edu/ASAP.