UC Davis' student body is second on The New York Times’ rankings of economic diversity at the nation’s top colleges and universities, and five other UC campuses are in the top seven, leading the newspaper  to label the UC system an “upward-mobility machine.”

The College Access Index, which came out last week, is based on:

• Share of students receiving Pell grants (which typically go to families making less than $70,000)
• The graduation rate of students on Pell grants
• The net cost, after financial aid, that a college or university charges low- and middle-income students

The Times said that while affluent students predominate at many liberal arts colleges, “the University of California, by contrast, enrolls large number of high-performing students of all economic backgrounds.”

UC President Janet Napolitano remarked: “It is encouraging to see The New York Times reaffirm what many of us already know: that the University of California, consistent with its public service mission, is an engine of social mobility for many low-income and first-generation college students. And we will continue to serve this important role for Californians.”

Read the UC news release.

‘One of a kind, like you’ website is live!

UC Davis’ new engagement campaign, “One of a kind, like you," has a “one of a kind” website — and it’s up and running, with profiles and videos, and a campaign video focusing on our go-getters, change makers and problem solvers. Take a look!

Learn more about the campaign.

Ombuds releases 2014-15 report

The Office of the Ombuds last week issued its second annual report, this one for the period July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015. It  It contains basic demographics of the 278 users of ombuds services during that time, as well as information concerning the nature of issues raised by users, along with recommendations to address systemic issues observed by the Office of the Ombuds.

According to a statement from the office, “The most frequent concerns of visitors to the ombuds office during the reporting period, consistent with last year, involved poor communication, disrespect (including bullying behaviors) and distrust with a person of higher institutional status.  Unit organizational issues, including concerns with unit leadership and management, and with organizational climate, trended upward. 

“The ombuds office found that the three areas identified as systemic concerns last year: (1) abrasive behaviors and hierarchical relationships, (2) hiring and reclassification issues, and (3) institutional change issues, remained as concerns this year.  The office identified the lack of options in situations involving the mistreatment of graduate students by their major professors/PIs as an additional systemic issue.”

The office provides recommendations for each of the identified systemic issues. The annual report is available on the ombuds office website.

'Gong,' but not forgotten

Former art faculty member William T. Wiley’s 4,000-pound Gong is gone from in front of the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts but not forgotten — it’s merely been put in storage after having been on display for more than a year and a half.

Gong is still on long-term loan to the university from Don Lippincott of Lippincott’s LLC, a Connecticut company that collaborates with artists on the fabrication of large sculptures; and Hosfelt Gallery, San Francisco.

The university unveiled Gong in March 2014 in conjunction with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art. The sculpture stood outside the Mondavi Center lobby until Sept. 15.

Read more and see a video in this UC Davis Today feature.

'Planning for Retirement' seminar Oct. 2

UC’s Retirement Administration Service Center will present a “Planning for Retirement” seminar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, in the Conference Center Ballroom.

The presentation is designed for employees planning to retire within the next five years. Reservations are not required; seating will be on a first-come, first-seated basis. 

If you’re unable to attend, this presentation has been previously recorded and is available online.

Quetions regarding the presentation should be addressed to the Retirement Administration Service Center by phone: (800) 888-8267, Option 4.   

University Farm Circle starts new year

A more-than-century-old UC Davis tradition continues this fall when the University Farm Circle welcomes newcomers to the campus and community. You need not be affiliated with the university to join.

The university’s oldest support organization raises money for UC Davis scholarships, while also providing educational and social programs for members.

Besides general programs and newcomers activities, the farm circle sponsors more than 50 interest sections on such subjects as antiquing and crafts, bird watching and hiking, and photography and writing, plus lunch, dinner and travel groups.

Here’s how the farm circle will start the new academic year:

• Newcomers Welcome — 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Bonnie Lam’s home, 1524 Arena Drive, Davis. For more information, contact the event chair, Elizabeth Lasensky, by phone, (530) 848-5436, or email.
• Fall Tea — For members and prospective members, this event includes sign-ups for general programs and interest sections, and the presentation of scholarships. 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, Buehler Alumni Center. For more information, contact Barbara Smith Vaughn, by phone, (530) 756-9620, or email; or Janet Collins, by phone, (530) 756-3127 or email.

Follow Dateline UC Davis on Twitter.