Announcing the dates that UCOP offices will be closed this year for Thanksgiving and winter break.

All UCOP staff is encouraged to take the time to vote in the Nov. 8 election.

This month, there are two BRC Blasts: One about ServiceNow and the other about a pilot of Hotel Direct Billing for UC business travelers.

Beginning Nov. 1, an IT Orientation session will be offered every Tuesday morning for new hires and any other staff who want help navigating UCOP's technology.

At 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, UCOP will join more than 10 million Californians in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. Are you prepared for the next big quake?

In California, Monday, Oct. 24 is the deadline to register to vote in the November election. We encourage all staff to exercise their right to vote and will grant time off to do so if needed.

If you work in the Kaiser, Broadway or 20th St. buildings, your desktop phone will soon sport a new red and white sticker.

Enjoy a professional development opportunity by serving on this OPSA subcommittee to strengthen and facilitate communications at UCOP.

If you work in the Franklin building, you can donate office supplies that your department isn't using during the week of Oct. 17.

The deadline for applications and nominations has been extended to Tuesday, Oct. 18.

These events are on hiatus until next spring while they undergo a fresh look to assess their effectiveness in facilitating engagement and community building among OP staff.