DFA colleagues,
As we wind down fall semester and move toward a well-earned holiday break, I wanted to thank you for the incredible work you do in support of this dynamic institution. UC Merced is a campus unlike any in the UC system – or in higher education, for that matter – and your ideas, dedication and teamwork are a driving force in our mission of teaching, research and public service.
We got a lot done this semester to lay the groundwork for months and years to come. Business and Financial Services appointed two directors to lead a streamlined realignment of functional teams. Hospitality Services and TAPS helped stage an incredible event at the Lakireddy Grand Ballroom for UC Merced’s philanthropical partners, underscoring the potential of our new meeting spaces.
ECEC continued its inspirational efforts to nurture and educate our Bobcat Kittens. The Financial Planning & Analysis team strengthened the university’s budgeting protocols with input from campus partners. And teams from across the DFA spectrum, including Supply Chain, CBS2 and Financial Systems Support, were proactive in improving procurement and financial services (hats off, especially, to those behind the Oracle Reboot Camps and Oracle Guided Learning tools).
And that’s only scratching the surface, my friends – as you well know. So, on behalf of the campus community … thank you.
What’s Next?
To kickstart the holiday season, staff are welcome to join the DCC Holiday Gathering , 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. It will feature various food spreads on the second and third floors. Departments will host treats throughout the afternoon.
Starting Monday, Jan. 9 – the first full week after we return from holiday break – DFA’s hybrid work plan will be in effect . You can read more details here but, in essence, division staff will be expected to work at the DCC or other campus locations at least two days a week – Tuesday and either Wednesday or Thursday .
As of now, face coverings are not required indoors, but please check the Campus Ready site for the latest guidance. Colder weather means more people inside, raising the risk not just of COVID-19, but flu and other ailments. Ultimately, the best guidance is “take care of yourselves and others.”
If you have questions about the DFA work plan, please reach out to me or your supervisor.
Later that month, from 8-10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 , we will hold a DFA Welcome Back Breakfast at the Lakireddy Grand Ballroom. All division staff are invited to enjoy the spirit of camaraderie and the promise of a new year (along with the start of spring semester).
But First …
I hope you are having a good holiday season. Please enjoy your time off during the university’s holiday break – rest, recharge and reflect. It’s been quite a 2022. I look forward to another productive year working with you all in 2023.
Best,
Kurt Schnier | Interim Vice Chancellor/Chief Financial Officer
