“Welcome (or welcome back) to our smoke- and tobacco-free campus!”

That’s the headline on the Breathe Free at UC Davis website as the campus begins its first new academic year as a smoke- and tobacco-free campus — a policy that took effect Jan. 1 at all UC campuses.

The Davis City Council last week noted the policy in a proclamation honoring UC Davis for its commitment to the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff and visitors. Mayor Dan Wolk made the presentation at the Oct. 7 council meeting.

Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi accepted the proclamation, joined by Michelle Famula, executive director, Student Health and Counseling Services; Roger Belcourt, medical director, Occupational Health Services; and Stacey Brezing, coordinator, WorkStrong, Occupational Health Services. All three serve on the steering committee for implementing the policy.

The committee welcomes feedback: observations of the policy in action, including general comments, litter related to tobacco use, and/or policy violations.

“The more people tell us, the better we’ll be able to address any issues that might arise and also continue to refine the implementation of the policy,” said Carol Shu, marketing and community outreach coordinator.

Good fortune in conflict resolution and cookies

The Office of the Ombuds has good fortune to share in conflict resolution trainings (and fortune cookies) this Thursday and Friday (Oct. 16 and 17). 

The interactive session “Conflict: Tools to Address It” will be presented three times: 9-10:30 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, and 2-3:30 p.m. Friday. All three sessions will be held in 409 Surge IV.

They are part of a series of trainings that the office organized in celebration of Conflict Resolution Day (Oct. 16) and Mediation Week (Oct. 13-17).

Now, for the fortune cookies: The ombuds staff will be passing them out on the 16th, in front of the Memorial Union. When you get to the fortunes, you’ll see conflict resolution-related quotes, such as “You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist” (Indira Gandhi) and “Assumptions are the termites of relationships” (Henry Winkler).

‘Lighting walk’ focuses on safety, look and feel

Campus officials have scheduled a “lighting walk” Wednesday (Oct. 15) to hear from the UC Davis community, especially students, about safety and the look and feel of the campus environment at night.

People interested in participating are asked to meet at 7 at the  flagpole at the north end of the Quad.

“We want to note any perceived gaps in lighting coverage to help prioritize future improvements,” said David Phillips, director of Utilities. “Additionally, we want to identify any areas that are perceived to be too bright currently, as we might be able to reduce lighting levels in those areas to help save energy.”

Utilities and the campus Police Department are organizing the tour-inspection. The evening program will start with an open forum, and a preplanned walk will follow to get feedback on specific issues and areas.

Phillips noted a typical cost of about $10,000 to install a new light pole on the campus — not including the cost of energy. “Adding more lights does not always lead to enhanced safety,” Phillips said. “Campus police will help provide guidance on that issue. These are fairly complex issues, so it's really important that we get a balanced perspective in planning future improvements.” 

Orders due for fall commencement regalia

Materiel Management and the bookstore are taking orders for caps, gowns, tassels and hoods, for use by faculty and administrators in fall commencement.

The Materiel Management unit provides caps, gowns (M.D., Ph.D., Master and Bachelor), tassels and UC doctoral hoods at no charge, with individual departments usually doing the ordering for their faculty members.

Loaner regalia can be picked up at the Central Storehouse. Departments can arrange for delivery at a nominal charge.

Orders can be placed online. If you require a hard-copy order form, need to arrange for delivery, or have questions, call Vern Nickell, (530) 752-9309. Orders are due at the Central Storehouse by Nov. 21.

The bookstore rents hoods for doctorates earned at non-UC schools. The rental fee is $30 for orders placed by Nov. 14, with $20 added on for rush orders after that date. Faculty members and administrators are advised to order through their departments.

The bookstore will provide customized order forms for non-UC Ph.D. hoods, sending the forms by email on Oct. 20 to department contacts who have ordered hoods in the past.  For a generic order form, or for questions about the bookstore’s rental program, contact Kelly Holt, commencement coordinator, at this email address: gradsupplies@ucdavis.edu.

Evening program on retirement income planning

Registration is advised by Thursday (Oct. 16) for a special evening seminar next week on “The Fundamentals of Retirement Income Planning,” presented by the UC Retirement Savings Program and Fidelity Retirement Services, which provides record keeping and account services for the program.

The free seminar, Tuesday, Oct. 21, will help you:

• Decide when you may be able to retire
• Estimate how long your money may last
• Prepare for challenges you might face in retirement

The event will be held in the ARC Ballroom. Registration and light buffet will be from 6 to 6:30 p.m., seminar from 6:30 to 7:15, and reception from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m.

Space is limited. Registration can be arranged by phone (800) 642-7131 or online. Spouses and partners are welcome to attend.

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