Fall Convocation puts emphasis on optimism
Fall Convocation will offer a “glass-is-half-full” take on challenges facing UC and UC Davis. The ceremony is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Mondavi Center.
All faculty and staff members and students are invited. Dateline will publish talks from the event in a special Oct. 3 insert.
In his speech, “A Century Ago, Anything Was Possible. It Still Is,” Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef is set to present “An Optimist’s View of Troubling Times.”
Bob Chason, chief executive officer at the medical center, will emcee. Phyllis Wise, dean of the Division of Biological Sciences, will offer the keynote address.
Computer scans set as faculty, students return
Due to recent outbreaks of Internet computer viruses, new and returning faculty and students may be denied access to the campus network if their Windows computers haven’t been updated with the latest security patches.
Information and Educational Technology has developed a plan (http://security.ucdavis.edu/RPC_Vuln_F03.pdf) to minimize potential damages to the campus network. As part of that plan, from Sept. 19-30 all systems requesting access to the campus network will be automatically scanned for vulnerabilities and infections. The network will be scanned Sept. 20-25 to identify infected systems already connected.
If denied access, computing clients will be referred to a Web page with information about why they have been denied and what to do. Also, free CDs with new Windows patches and virus removal utilities can be obtained at the bookstore computer shop, MU information desk, the Arbor and IT Express in Shields Library.
Questions can be directed to security@ucdavis.edu.
UC, CSU applications go online
Beginning with the entering class of Fall 2005, the California State University and University of California systems will require all undergraduate applicants to submit their applications online.
Students applying for Fall 2004 can submit paper applications or apply online. Last year, more than 70 percent of those applying to both systems did so online.
“Overwhelmingly, the feedback we have received from students who have used the online application has been positive,” said Susan Wilbur, director of undergraduate admissions at UC’s Office of the President.
Those applying online to UC can walk through each step of the application before they start, using a virtual tour. When they start, they can see if the majors they are interested in are open or not, allowing them to choose another option if necessary.
Students unable to apply online, can print from the Web or request a printout. During the filing periods, students can apply around the clock at www.ucop.edu/pathways/appctr.html.
ET partners available
Proposals from faculty wishing to apply for an Educational Technology Partner for the Fall 2003 quarter will continue to be accepted until all one-to-one partnerships with student technology advisers have been established.
The ET Partners program helps faculty learn to use educational technology tools they may need to enhance instruction in the classroom. The program enlists a select group of students with technology training and “partners” them for one quarter in a one-to-one relationship with faculty members, allowing the instructors regular access to a technology tutor.
For details or to apply, go to http://etpartners.ucdavis.edu/app/faculty/index.htm.
Employee arrested on computer misuse
UC Davis detectives are continuing their investigation of an employee who was arrested Sept. 11 on campus for the alleged unlawful use of university computers as well as possession of child pornography.
Christopher Bowers, 48, a Davis resident and campus employee since 1991, was taken to Yolo County Jail following an investigation by law enforcement agencies from UC Davis, the Davis Police Department and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Hi-Tech Crimes Unit. He is employed as a senior planner and estimator for operations and maintenance and has been placed on an administrative leave. Computer equipment from his home and work site was collected by authorities.
The arrest warrant charged two felony counts of unlawful use of computer equipment and five misdemeanor counts of possession of child pornography. Bail was set at $25,000.
Campus kicks into gear for Heart Walk
Sacramento’s William Land Park will burst at the seams with UC Davis representatives Saturday as hundreds of employees and former patients and Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef take part as university team members in the 2003 American Heart Association Heart Walk.
The 12th annual 5K run/walk will start at 9 a.m. in Land Park, starting at the corner of Freeport Boulevard and Sutterville Road . Registration starts at 8 a.m.
Vanderhoef will serve as honorary chair of the event, the overal goal of which is to raise some $500,000 for research, education and public outreach.
The chancellor has set a goal of getting 500 walkers from UC Davis, and volunteer coordinators have set a goal of raising some $20,000-$25,000.
For details, call (530) 752-9795 or (916) 734-5055.