Updated 4:50 p.m. Aug. 24: The location of the class on well-being has been changed. See below.

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The application period has opened for UC Davis’ 2016-17 Administrative Officers for the Future Program, open to staff on the Davis campus and in the UC Davis Health System.

Administrative Officers for the Future, or AOFTF, starting its fourth annual session, cultivates a diverse pool of highly talented and motivated staff members interested in pursuing administrative officer positions (e.g., chief administrative officers, management services officers, department administrators, program managers). The program supports UC Davis’ commitment to develop and retain a distinguished and diverse staff and is intended to increase participants’ sense of community and commitment to UC Davis.

Thirty participants will be selected, with highest priority given to employees who meet the following criteria:

• At least one year at UC Davis, past probation, career status
• Employed in a PSS Grade 2-8 position (e.g., Analyst 2 – Analyst 8)

The program runs from November until May, and participants are expected to spend approximately one to two days per month in the classroom, 40 hours on a group project, and additional time on individual work.

AOFTF is based on a competency model developed specifically for UC Davis chief administrative officers. The program focuses on communication, results orientation, strategic problem analysis, talent management, team effectiveness and building strategic relationships.

More information and application materials are available online. Applications are due by Sept. 16, and participants are due to be selected and notified by Sept. 30.

Meditation series and well-being class

The new Staff and Faculty Health and Well-Being Program announced a four-week guided meditation series starting Aug. 25, and a well-being class to be held Aug. 30. Retirees and students also are welcome to attend. The programs are free.

• Mindfulness Meditation — This series, led by Beth Cohen, will meet one day a week for four consecutive weeks, each time from noon to 1 p.m. in the Vanderhoef Studio Theatre at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. The dates are Thursday, Aug. 25; Thursday, Sept. 1; Thursday, Sept. 8; and Friday, Sept. 16. Cohen covers meditation-
  mindfulness techniques; strategies to increase health, energy and focus; and methods to manage pain and reduce stress. The program also includes discussions about meditation-related topics.

• “If Well-Being Is a Skill, Why Not Learn It?” — This class, also with Cohen, will meet from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the Vanderhoef Studio Theatre at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. (Note: This is a different location than previously announced.) The class description states: “Cutting-edge research is finding that well-being can be learned in the same way we might learn to play the piano or golf.” Topics include the science of well-being, methods to assess and listen to our needs, and strategies to increase health and well-being.

Registration can be arranged online via the UC Learning Center. Search for “Mindfulness Meditation” (and register for all four sessions, even if you cannot make every class) and “OHSBB” (for the well-being class). Retirees and students need not register.

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