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 OFFICE OF THE CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

February 14, 2024

ALL STAFF AT UC SAN DIEGO (excluding UC San Diego Health and Health Sciences) 

People Leaders:  For staff without ready access to email, please print and post a copy of this email. 

With the commemoration of Black History Month in February, we have the opportunity to celebrate the rich contributions made by Black leaders, entrepreneurs, musicians, inventors, and more. 

Personally, I take this month to bring intentionality to how I pay respect to and acknowledge some of my favorite Black leaders; but it also makes me think of when I pay respect. And the answer for me is year-round, because Black history is American history. 

So with that, take a moment to bask in all the Black History Month events UC San Diego is holding throughout February, and allow that feeling to remain with you throughout the year. 

Speaking of events, UC San Diego hosted the UC Black Administrators’ Council’s annual conference last week, where I had the great honor of presenting on a panel about Black Women’s Health and Well-Being in Higher Education with Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Becky Petitt; Inaugural Executive Director of the The Preuss School, Helen Griffith; and Director of Diversity Initiatives at Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Keiara Auzenne . I also presented alongside our Senior Director of HR Strategy & Policy, Otis Crockett, on leveraging AI in the workplace, and day-to-day use. The sessions were filled with abundant love and support, and I felt immense joy participating in that shared experience. This conference not only brought about happiness, but also fostered a sense of excellence and community being poured into many cups—a much-needed source of positivity amidst current world events.

I’m also very excited to be in community with you all at the Inclusive Excellence Awards on Wed. Feb. 21, where we get to celebrate UC San Diego individuals and groups enabling equity, inclusion, care, growth and purpose. More details below. 

This message wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging those affected by the recent torrential downpours in San Diego. We hope you are safe, and that you were able to make use of the resources being offered to you.

Lastly, to those who celebrate the Lunar New Year, I’d like to wish you prosperity, abundance, and a happy year of the dragon. 

Lead with grace and courage,  

Terri S. Winbush 
Campus Chief Human Resources Officer 

If you couldn’t attend our virtual Staff Town Hall on Feb. 6, you can watch a recording of it onBlink . Presenters include Campus Chief Human Resources Officer, Terri S. Winbush (A.K.A., me); Campus Diversity Officer and Director, Black Resource Center, John W. Rawlins III; Director, Strategic Consulting, Assessments, and Analytics, Angela Song; Staff Association Chair, Desiree Hennon; Staff Association Treasurer, eeman agrama minert; and Wellness Program Manager, Teresa Guglielmo.

Targeted to launch later this month, the newly redesigned training will help transactors better understand UCPath concepts by providing a fresh overview, covering roles and responsibilities, and setting system expectations. The CORE training will replace our existing UCPath Bootcamp and UCPath Funding Fundamentals training courses, providing a bold and fresh take on core UCPath concepts. Learn more at UCPath.

The UC San Diego Staff Association Scholarship application period is now open for eligible UC San Diego career employees through March 15, 2024. The scholarship supports career advancement by reimbursing staff with up to a maximum of $500, to be used toward a professional development activity that involves a fee. To learn more and apply, visit the Staff Association website.

With the general election on March 5 around the corner, we encourage you to exercise your voting rights and register to vote by Feb. 20. We also ask you to be mindful of restrictions regarding using university resources for political activities. For guidelines, resources, and additional information, read this recent campus notice.

Help create a streamlined experience for those at UC San Diego searching for HR-related information online through the Knowledge Navigators series. With five workshops to choose from beginning Feb. 20 – March 5* , the series will feature fun and interactive activities that will gather your perspectives as People Leaders and staff members. *The March 5 session is for UC San Diego HR Practitioners only. Learn more and register here..

Stop by the Black Resource Center on Thurs., Feb.  29, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. to learn how to leverage your transferable skills through this workshop led by Principal Human Resources Analyst, Sally Morgan, and sponsored by the Black Resource Center & Black Staff Association. Learn more and register on Blink.

Are you new to people leadership at UC San Diego, want to sharpen your People Leader toolkit, or are looking to connect with colleagues leading teams? The 2024 People Leader Development Program offers that and more. View the sessions on this Blink calendar , and click on the program titles to access registration links for each offering. Stay tuned for updates on other programs in our subway stop model, including those for more experienced leaders, as well as staff considering people leadership roles.

These free, 60-minute workshops led by an experienced recreation trainer will provide participants with knowledge, hands-on skills, and tools to improve and relieve low back pain. The next session is on Wed., Feb. 21 from 12 – 1 p.m.  Registration through the Recreation Center website is required to participate. Space is limited.

Coffee and Community events offer a space for connection, socialization, and relaxation while also providing perks to staff and faculty, including free coffee and tea, snacks, music, swag, and a positive, welcoming environment. The next event is on Wed. Feb. 28 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Warren Mall. 

The University of California Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a free, one-year lifestyle change program available to all UC San Diego employees and their family members 18+ who have pre-diabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Sessions are led by a certified DPP coach, with the program cutting the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half. The next cohort is Spanish-speaking, and begins Thurs., Feb. 29, 12 – 1 p.m. Fill out this qualtrics interest form in Spanish to learn more.

Mark your calendars for Monday, March 25 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for the Employee WellFest, featuring biometric assessments, drinks and snacks, activities from UC San Diego recreation trainers, and tables from many of our campus partners. More information and location to be announced soon. Contact Employee Wellness Manager Teresa Guglielmo with questions.

Numerous events featuring the theme “Celebrating Black Culture Through Artistic Expression” are being held in February through early March. Whether you’re interested in attending a drumming workshop, celebrating scholarship recipients at the 22nd Annual Black History Month Scholarship Brunch (for those with tickets), or want to participate in discussion around world events - every week offers incredible opportunities for engagement at UC San Diego. For a complete list of events and more information, please visit UC San Diego’s Black History Month website.

Celebrate awardees and their remarkable contributions in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion at UC San Diego on Wed., Feb. 21, 2024, from 2 – 3 p.m. at the Price Center East Ballroom, with a reception immediately following until 3:30 p.m. For guests who are unable to attend in person, watch the ceremony online via Zoom . To attend the ceremony in-person, please register on Eventbrite.

Intended for HR practitioners on campus at UC San Diego, the next HR Forum takes place Mon., March 4 from 1 – 3:30 p.m., and features HR-centric news and updates; a real-time Q&A; and more. Campus HR practitioners at UC San Diego can register and ask questions in advance on Blink.

Join us at Cecil’s Lounge in the Faculty Club on Thurs., March 14 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. for apple cobbler, ice cream, and cold brew. Held once a month, Triton Treats is a great opportunity to network with fellow UC San Diego staff while enjoying free, tasty provisions. Learn more on the Staff Association website.

This free webinar (featuring yours truly), takes place Tues., Mar. 26 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., and will host an engaging panel discussion around the intersection of process improvement and Artificial Intelligence. This event is open to all, stimulating minds and generating conversations that will carry into Process Palooza 2024 in August! Learn more and register for the Process PaloozAI webinar by visiting the Process Palooza website.