CUCSA has developed a survey on Staff Morale, and is seeking your suggestions, ideas and concerns in order to inform its upcoming discussion with UC leadership. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by January 15.

Last Wednesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed a bold proposal to amend California’s constitution to shift money from prisons to higher education. We've rounded up budget news and information concerning this topic.

The new Retirement Administration Service Center (RASC) has appointed the following to the leadership team: Stephanie Rosh, Manager – Retiree Insurance Program; Richard Townsend, Manager – Operational Compliance and Calculations; Robert Pettit, Director – Retirement Operations; Mary DeShaw will transition from her dual role of Director – Retirement Operations and Service Center Implementation Manager to a full time role of providing project management, implementation support and other consultative functions for the Service Center; Ellen E. Lorenz, Director – Business Controls and Customer Service. Please join us in congratulating Stephanie, Richard, Robert, Mary and Ellen.

10-Second Bios have been a popular feature in Link. Over time, we'd like to have a bio for all UCOP staff so we can get to know each other a little bit better. If you haven't already submitted a 10-Second Bio, please take a couple minutes to fill one out here. We also encourage you to nominate your colleagues to be featured in a 10-Second Bio. To nominate someone, simply send an email with their name to Link and we'll take care of the rest.

I used to sing with the Oakland Symphony Chorus

In a recent article on the UC Health website, Dr. John D. Stobo, SVP of UC Health Sciences and Services, discusses the physician shortage, alternative ways to solve the shortage and some examples of how UC Health is contributing to the solution. Read the full article on the UC Health website.

For almost 13 years, UCOP’s Larissa Branin has served as a major artery between the public and UC researchers.

UCOP employees using Outlook can manage junk e-mail two ways: through the Tumbleweed server-based filter and the Outlook desktop-based filter.

For the University of California, 2009 was filled with the trials of state funding slashes resulting in layoffs, furloughs and fee increases that brought about campus protests reminiscent of the 1960s. In spite of those challenges, UC continued to achieve marks of distinction. Visit the UC Newsroom to read a few of the highlights of 2009 that demonstrate the role UC plays in serving the people of California and advancing the world's knowledge of science and health. Click here to view our achievements in the UC Newsroom.

About half of all American adults say they are at least somewhat likely to make a New Year's resolution this year. Their top vows: to lose weight (19%), quit smoking (12%) and exercise more (10%). Sound familiar? We want to know, what is your New Year's resolution?

Please note, due to the holidays, December paychecks will arrive on Monday, January 4. View UCLA's paychart for more information.

December's Holiday Dessert Faire was filled with music, merriment and plenty of sweets. Find out who won the floor decorating contest and view pictures of the festivities.