University News

Support for SB 895 and UC Davis Research

Cody Kitaura — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:30:00 PDT

To the UC Davis Community:

I’m writing to ask for your support for SB 895, a critical piece of legislation under consideration by the California Legislature. If placed on the November ballot and approved by voters, it would directly benefit research efforts at UC Davis, strengthening our impact across the region and state. I urge you to learn more about how this bill supports research at the UC and UC Davis, as well as in the communities we serve, and actions you can take to support it.

Loneliness Drives Cognitive Impairment, Can Lead to Shorter Life, Study Suggests

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:03:18 PDT

Some people might not mind spending time alone, but new research with data from 18 countries suggests that older people who struggle with loneliness — rather than strictly being alone — may experience a faster mental and physical decline.

Media Experts on New World Screwworm

Amy M Quinton — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:44:36 PDT

The U.S Department of Agriculture has now confirmed cases of New World screwworm in calves and a goat in Texas and in a dog in New Mexico. New World screwworm is a serious parasitic fly that can affect livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. Adult screwworm flies are about the size of a common housefly or slightly larger. Their larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals.

Summer ’26: What’s Open, What’s Closed

Jose Antonio Vadi — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:26:19 PDT

For those sticking around Davis this summer, here’s your guide to what’s open and closed.

Several locations across campus will offer weekday food and coffee services, with adjusted seasonal hours. Make sure to check each specific location’s website for the most updated hours and menus.

Manetti Shrem Museum’s 10th Year Will Focus on Expanding Access to World-Class Art

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:22:14 PDT

The Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at University of California, Davis, will celebrate its 10th anniversary through a yearlong series of special exhibitions featuring new works, events and initiatives that look to the museum’s future and engage both visitors and the university community.

Smoke From Landfill Fire Visible

James Michael Nash — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:19:11 PDT

People in the West Campus area may see and smell smoke today (June 12) and over the weekend from a small fire at the UC Davis Landfill.

The fire is contained and does not pose a danger to people, animals or property.

It was reported at 11:50 a.m. today at the landfill south of the Primate Center and adjacent to Putah Creek on County Road 98. Crews from the UC Davis Fire Department and the West Plainfield Fire Department responded.

UC Davis Uncorks Second Annual Wine Sale

Amy M Quinton — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:48:54 PDT

Student-made wines from UC Davis go on sale June 16. Six student labels plus three UC Davis wines, grown in Davis and Napa Valley. Proceeds fund scholarships.

Checking in With Chancellor May: 10 Ways UC Davis is Changing the World

Cody Kitaura — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:45:00 PDT

To the UC Davis community:

UC Davis Statement on US Department of Justice Findings

Cody Kitaura — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:29:03 PDT

We are disappointed by the report and its conclusions. UC Davis School of Medicine strongly disagrees with any characterization of its admissions practices as discriminatory or inconsistent with applicable law. The report's findings do not accurately reflect the school's rigorous, individualized, and merit-based admissions process and our firm commitment to complying with applicable federal and state antidiscrimination laws. UC Davis is fully committed to meeting the critical healthcare needs of California, particularly those in underserved and under-resourced areas.

UC Davis Retirees Reflect on Careers of Service and Impact

Anila Mary Lijo — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:48:54 PDT

As the academic year comes to a close, UC Davis is preparing to say goodbye to another group of faculty and staff members whose careers helped shape the university in countless ways. While this is not a complete list of retirees, we extend our congratulations and gratitude to all those concluding their service this year. Thank you for your dedication to UC Davis.

More than a workplace

After nearly 40 years, retirement is not easy to talk about for Felicia Smith.

CoHo South Café To Close This Week

Cody Kitaura — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:20:00 PDT

After nearly 15 years of coffee, Chili Stacks and more, the CoHo South Café in the Student Community Center will close permanently Thursday (June 11), officials with the Associated Students of UC Davis said.

Recognizing Champions of Student Well-Being

Cody Kitaura — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:00:00 PDT

Four faculty members and five teaching assistants have been named Aggie Well-Being Champions in recognition of their efforts to integrate the health and wellness of their students into their teaching practices.

Vintage Buses, Dance, Farmworkers' Rights Inspire Student Commencement Speakers

Julia Ann Easley — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:52:00 PDT

Five student speakers will share their hearts and journeys with thousands of fellow graduates and guests at the UC Davis undergraduate commencements June 12-14.

2025 Lake Tahoe Clarity Report Released

Katherine E Kerlin — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:30:00 PDT

Staring into the depths of Lake Tahoe, you might think the view goes on forever. But researchers at the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center have been tracking precisely how far a person can see through the famed lake’s waters for nearly 60 years and sharing the results in the annual Lake Tahoe Clarity Report.

Misdiagnosis Led This UC Davis Researcher to Study Ovarian Cancer

Jocelyn C Anderson — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:02:46 PDT

Elizabeth Neumann wears a blue coat, gloves and safety glasses as she stands next to Bruce, a matrix-assisted desorption/ionization mass spectrometer, or MALDI-MS.

A Guide to Personal Branding

Jocelyn C Anderson — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:50:07 PDT

Vanessa Errecarte ’04, M.B.A. ’14, said she was inspired by her students at UC Davis to write her book, Valuable and Visible: Redefining Personal Branding by Leading with Impact Over Image (Wiley, 2026).

A lecturer at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management, Errecarte teaches personal branding and uses the lessons from her courses to write the book. Several students act as case studies, showcasing their success starting a podcast and marketing their photography, among others.

From Eras Tour to Classroom: Teaching Taylor Swift as Literature

Jocelyn C Anderson — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:45:58 PDT

UC Davis students are examining the folklore and mythology of Taylor Swift lyrics, and all in the name of modern literature.

“Folklore and Fairytales: the Literary Words of Taylor Swift” is a one-unit first-year seminar that treats Swift’s songwriting as a serious object of literary study, incorporating readings, discussions, creative analysis, and, of course, listening sessions. The course is open to all undergraduates, with preference given to first-years, and is offered through the Office of Undergraduate Education.

UC Davis Experts on Cases Pending Before the U.S. Supreme Court 2026

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:38:26 PDT

Cases pending before the U.S. Supreme Court range from those about citizenship, to transgender issues, to the Second Amendment. In the following cases, professors from UC Davis School of Law are prepared to answer questions for the media. Their biographies (hyperlinked) and contact information are below. For any of our experts on various issues, media may wish to go to www.ucdavis.edu/news/experts.

This list is for media use only.

CHANCELL-ING: A Century of Undergrad Commencement

Cody Kitaura — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:00:00 PDT

In less than a week, I’ll have the privilege of shaking thousands of students’ hands as they cross the stage to graduate.

We’ve nearly reached the peak of commencement season with about 12,000 students earning their diplomas from UC Davis this spring. This is a celebration of dreams fulfilled and bright futures for our newest alumni.

To Be or Not To Be ... in Virtual Reality

Jocelyn C Anderson — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:57:19 PDT

How can virtual reality help people learn tough topics? This UC Davis class explores immersive, experiential learning with Shakespeare.