The online newsletter for University of California faculty includes this month an interview with UC Vice President for Budget Patrick Lenz, who offers his take on some of the most critical issues facing the University.

Don't forget that UCOP offices will be closed for a furlough day Friday, April 16. Employees who have already used all their furlough time, and those employees who are exempt from the program, should make arrangements with their managers or supervisors to use vacation time, leave without pay, or comp time, during the closure.

The Office of Risk Services is looking at ways to expand the program so that more employees can participate.

UC is a key player in the fight against invasive species, developing solutions that save Californians millions of dollars a year. Read more.

UC has reached a five-year agreement with the University Professional and Technical Employees union for UC's approximately 9,000 research and technical employees, which include staff research associates, museum scientists, health and safety technicians, and laboratory assistants.

Employees may have to pay more and work longer to retain the current level of retirement benefits, under options presented by the Post-Employment Benefits Task Force.

Since 1970, UC's MESA program has helped educationally disadvantaged students make it to college, while also addressing California's shortage of math and science professionals.

After a holiday of nearly 20 years, UC and employee members of the UC Retirement Plan (UCRP) will begin contributing to the plan in mid-April in order to sustain and preserve faculty and staff pension benefits. Get the facts here.

Join this informal, lunch-time session on April 29 to learn successful approaches to attendance management and to hear up-to-date information from Michael Lum of Labor/Employee Relations.

All 2009 FSA claims must be submitted to Conexis by April 15. Mailed claims must be postmarked by the deadline to be processed. This is earlier than in previous years. April 15 is also the deadline for completing a StayWell Health Assessment and receiving a gift card. Get the details about both programs here.

The Board of Regents has appointed UC professor emeritus Lawrence H. Pitts, M.D. as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs of the UC system. Pitts has been serving as interim provost since February 2009.

With signing of the new healthcare legislation into law last week and the regulatory process expected to start in the near future, UC Human Resources will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the employer-related provisions. UC employees will be given notice of any changes, as well as information about how to take necessary actions, once additional details are available.