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 OFFICE OF THE CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

April 28, 2026 

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

Most days, I love what I get to do for a living. Other days, I carry the weight of the more difficult parts of what I am faced to deal with. And lately, the weight has felt especially heavy.  

As Chief Human Resources Officer, I am sometimes faced with decisions shaped by circumstances well beyond my control. Realities like severe budget reductions, difficult staffing impacts, and the need to scale back valued programs and services that have supported so many members of our Triton community. These are not decisions I take lightly, nor are they decisions any leader ever wants to face.  

Choices like these are deeply painful. They weigh on me personally and professionally. The human impact is never lost on me - I am well-aware that behind every budget line or organizational decision there are people, teams, and livelihoods that matter deeply. 

At the same time, leadership carries a responsibility to steward the institution through challenging moments with care, integrity, and a focus on long-term sustainability. That means making difficult calls within a landscape of significant complexity, while doing everything we can to minimize harm and preserve the services most critical to our mission. 

I wish I could tell you that funding models were clear, and that if there is funding over there, there could be funding here, but as you’ve heard on Staff Town Halls discussing the budget, where and how funding can be allocated, and for what is a complex process in the Higher Ed landscape. In addition, many legal, compliance, and risk services that (I hope) most employees never directly see, must be managed to ensure the services and benefits you do see operate successfully.  

Reductions affecting valued resources such as the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program are particularly painful, especially when the news directly precedes Mental Health Awareness Month. I have personally benefitted from the support they provide through my own experiences of loss, and remain deeply appreciative of the tremendous value they’ve brought and will continue to bring to our Triton community. 

We always strive to lead with transparency and with proper support columns in place. At times, however, the sensitive nature of personnel matters and rapidly changing circumstances limit what can be shared in advance. I understand how difficult that can feel, especially when changes are experienced without enough context. 

What I can share is that we are working closely with leaders across campus, within HR and beyond, to evaluate every option available, align priorities thoughtfully, and reduce impact whenever possible. We are carefully considering every scenario, asking tough questions, and making decisions with people at the center. 

As a university, we are experiencing significant change. And while some may assume leadership is untouched by that reality, I want you to know that as an employee, colleague, and a member of this community, I feel the weight of these moments alongside you. 

My commitment to you is to continue being as transparent as possible. I will do my level best to continue to advocate for the core anchors of the People Proposition. The leadership team in Campus HR and I will continue to keep our door open for your questions and concerns. We may not always have every answer, but will always meet uncertainty with honesty, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to work through change together. 

Lead with grace and courage, 

Terri S. Winbush   

Campus Chief Human Resources Officer  

UC launched its 6th Systemwide Policy-Covered Career Staff Engagement Survey on April 27. A selection of eligible campus-based policy-covered career staff received an email on April 27 with a link to the survey from Deloitte, the global professional services firm conducting the survey on UC’s behalf. If you received an invitation to participate, please take the time to share your perspective. The survey closes on Friday, May 8. For more information and FAQs, read this article on UCnet. 

UC San Diego Career employees can apply now for up to $500 in reimbursement for professional development - courses, workshops, or conferences that support your career growth. Submit your application, resume, and program details by April 30, 2026. Selected recipients will be notified May 18. Apply and learn more on the Staff Association’s website.

If you’re planning to retire this summer, now’s the time to prepare. UC offers many resources for a smooth transition, including personalized retirement counseling by appointment. Visit UCnet to learn about your options, and make sure to submit your signed retirement election form and any required documents through UC Retirement At Your Service 45 - 60 days before your planned retirement date. 

The Performance Appraisal process for policy-covered (non-represented) employees for the 2025–2026 cycle spans from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026. Appraisals must be completed by close of business on Monday, June 15, 2026. For general guidance, visit the annual performance appraisals page, or reach out to your People Leader or departmental HR contact for support. 

Volunteers are needed to help make All Campus Commencement 2026 a memorable celebration for our graduating class and their guests. Join us in supporting this historic milestone and helping ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for all attendees. All Campus Commencement will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Participating volunteers will receive a Commencement Staff t-shirt, food, and a special appreciation gift. Complete this form to sign up for one or more shifts. Deadline to register is Sunday, May 17, 2026. For questions, please email abuenviaje@ucsd.edu. 

The Council of University of California Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2026 CUCSA Annual Awards, honoring staff and leaders across UC who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting colleagues, strengthening communities and advancing the staff experience. Several UC San Diego peers were nominated across three different categories. Learn more about the nominations in UCnet. 

Read the latest edition of UCnet's UC Spotlight – a monthly feature celebrating the people and teams who help make UC a great place to work. Do you know a UC San Diego staff member whose story should be shared? Submit a nomination on UCnet. UCnetwork is emailed monthly to University of California staff, and all members of the UC community are invited to subscribe. Get UCnetwork delivered to your inbox.

Whether you are new to supervising at UC San Diego, looking to refresh your leadership toolkit, or hoping to connect with fellow People Leaders/Supervisors, our 2026 People Leader Development Program is for you. These courses are designed to help build essential skills, foster inclusive teams, and grow your leadership capabilities. Previous participants are always welcome to return for a refresher!   

Registration is available. Here is a preview of our upcoming courses: 

You can register and view our full calendar of upcoming courses. Looking for immediate support? Check out all our on-demand resources on the People Leader Network Blink page. 

With the academic year winding down, now is a great time for People Leaders to prepare for their role in validating student employment experiences on the Co-Curricular Record (CCR). The Teaching and Learning Commons is offering virtual CCR Validator Trainings this spring to support People Leaders in this process. These sessions will help ensure departments are ready to accurately review and validate their student positions. For more information and to register, visit the Experiential Learning website. 

Join your colleagues systemwide in recognizing May Movement Month by participating in UC Moves. Represent your UC San Diego in this systemwide 4-week movement and activity challenge. You can start logging activity May 4. Want to create or join a team? Don’t forget: Teams of 4 - 40 can be formed anytime up until May 24. This friendly competition will end May 31, but you can continue to record activity until the team scores freeze on June 7. Prizes will be raffled for those who participate. You can also use Bright Breaks, a free and voluntary wellness program brought to you by Employee Wellness, to get additional steps in during the challenge. Register and learn more on Blink. 

The next University of California Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) cohort launches in June 2026, with both English- and Spanish-language cohorts available. The DPP is a free, one-year lifestyle change program available to all UC San Diego staff and faculty ages 18+ who have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Led by a certified DPP coach, the program helps cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half while building a supportive community through education and support. Most sessions will be virtual, with the option for some in-person sessions. To register your interest, fill out this Qualtrics interest form. 

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Heritage Month in May, UC San Diego invites faculty, staff, and students to join a month-long series of events honoring APIA identities, cultures, and contributions. This year’s theme, “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together,” highlights collective strength, resilience, and belonging across Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities. All are invited to the kickoff luncheon and awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Price Center Ballroom West, featuring keynote speaker Gene Luen Yang, cultural performances, and recognition of outstanding UC San Diego students, faculty, and staff. To view the full month-long calendar of events, visit Blink.  

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 12 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. for our upcoming Staff Town Hall, focusing on staff performance appraisal, as well as critical and relevant topics that matter the most to UC San Diego staff. Can’t make it the day of the event? A recording will be available on Blink a few days following the meeting. Register in advance and ask questions through Zoom.