Unlock the Power of Zoom AI Companion at UCOP
2026-02-25 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Topics include:

How AI Companion summarizes meetings in 36 languages
Using smart recordings with automatic chaptering
Generating tasks and action items instantly
Privacy, security & Zoom Models Only (ZMO) for regulated environments
Best practices and live demos of real‑world workflows

Registration is required:

Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11 AM. Please register here:

https://UCOP.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FcWmVw3ARuujTvmgwfhlnw

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11 am. Please register here:

https://UCOP.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pZVVesimSu2pYzglD23tgA

Connections in a Hybrid World
2026-02-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Today more than ever it is important to be strategic about connecting with others, building relationships, and expanding your network. Join us for this interactive workshop to explore the current realities of working in a hybrid environment and discuss tangible actions you can take to build authentic relationships in the workplace. The session will highlight the importance of emotional intelligence in building your social capital to leverage connections and accomplish more at work.

OPSA meeting
2026-02-25 15:00 - 15:50
Every 4th Wednesday of the month from 3:00pm to 3:50 pm we will have our staff meetings open to all staff.

Lakeside Speakeasy Toastmasters (Virtual)
2026-02-26 12:05 - 12:55, 2026-03-12 12:05 - 12:55
Lakeside Speakeasy Toastmasters Club No. 2967 meets virtually on Thursdays from 12:05p-12:55p with the exception of one hybrid monthly meeting, which occurs the first Wednesday of the month. Join us virtually or in person to build communication skills including speaking, leadership, listening, and feedback. If you’d like to excel at presentations, meeting interactions, elevator-speech “sound bites” and/or performance feedback, this is the group for you! For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact lakesidespeakeasy@gmail.com.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87953980417?pwd=[REDACTED]
Zoom Meeting ID: 879 5398 0417 – Passcode: [REDACTED]

Procuring with Confidence: What's New in BUS-43
2026-02-27 10:00 - 23:00 | Zoom
UC issued a new interim version of BUS-43 (Purchases of Goods and Services; Supply Chain Management policy), effective Jan. 26, 2026. During this webinar, we’ll walk UC staff through the most important changes—what’s new, what’s clarified and what actions departments should take now. Procurement policy experts and legal counsel will translate policy language into practical guidance and answer questions live. Register here to attend.

Cultivating Mindful Self-Compassion with Loving-Kindness
2026-02-27 12:00 - 13:00
Join the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program for a Mindful Moment Webinar focused on cultivating a mindful self-compassion practice. Through a brief overview of mindful self-compassion research and an extended guided loving-kindness meditation, attendees will learn to redirect caregiving skills back towards themselves. Those new to mindfulness and experienced practitioners are welcome to attend. This session will be led by FSAP Licensed Clinical Psychologist Jessica Allanson, Ph,D, director of the FSAP Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program. Register here to attend.

ME@UCOP Compensation
2026-03-03 09:00 - 12:30 | Online
This is a live, virtual, instructor-led session where we will discuss UCOP Compensation policies and procedures. Topics include: – Promotion & Equity – Salary Range Offers, Hiring, and Bargaining Units – Career Tracks, Job Builder by JDX and Position Description This is part of the Manager Essentials at UCOP (ME@UCOP). This course is required for all people new to a management or supervisory positions at UCOP since 2020 (internal promotions and external hires). All experienced managers are welcome to attend.

Red Cross Blood Drive
2026-03-03 09:00 - 15:00
UCOP will once again host a blood drive for the American Red Cross in Lobby 1 of the Oakland Franklin building. All employees are welcome to participate.
The U.S. is experiencing a blood shortage emergency and blood donors are urgently needed now to help ensure patients at hospitals across the country continue to receive critical medical care. It only takes about an hour to participate — and your donation could save three lives!
How to join us

Contact UCOP retiree Jan Kehoe to make an appointment that works with your schedule
Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions.
Bring your photo ID

Frequently asked questions
Get answers to the questions below on the Red Cross donation site.

Am I eligible to donate blood?
What is the blood donation process?
How can I prepare for my donation?
What COVID-19 safety precautions are in place at the blood drive?

Read a complete list of FAQs here.

Excel Intermediate/Advanced - Session 1 of 2
2026-03-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
Microsoft Excel has hundreds of features and hundreds of functions. Getting the right feature, at the right time, used in the right way, in the right sequence is very often a problem. In this three-hour session you will become aware of a few core Excel features that you can use right away and that other capabilities do exist that you can build on later as your Excel knowledge increases. We start with these features, and if time permits, cover other interesting features.

SumIFs, AveregeIFs, CountIFs : Get what you need from your data with minimal effort
Tables (with structured referencing): Look good and be organized
Pivot Tables: The easiest, best method to get unexpected and expected answers from you giant, messy data set

You must attend both sessions. Second session is Wednesday, March 11, 9 AM- 12PM

Book Talk: “Racial Exhaustion: How to Move Through Racism in the Wake of DEI”
2026-03-04 10:00 - 10:50 | Oakland Franklin Building, Lobby 2
Join Graduate, Undergraduate, and Equity Affairs in conversation with author Ralina Joseph, vice provost of inclusive excellence and professor of African American Studies at UCLA. Dr. Joseph’s book, “Racial Exhaustion: How to Move Through Racism in the Wake of DEI,” challenges us to recognize and address the fatigue that racial discourse brings while offering practical strategies to foster more equitable and productive conversations. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
This event is full. Registration has closed.

BRC - Procure to Pay Office Hours
2026-03-04 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-03-11 10:30 - 11:30

Lakeside Speakeasy Toastmasters (Hybrid)
2026-03-04 12:05 - 12:55

Smartsheet Essentials: Project Planning Made Simple
2026-03-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
This foundational session is designed for new users and project managers seeking to understand how to leverage Smartsheet for project planning and execution. Through practical demonstrations and hands-on activities, participants will gain the knowledge to set up and manage projects confidently, using features such as Gantt charts, task assignments, and resource allocation. Key Takeaways:

Understand Smartsheet’s project management basics, including workspaces and sheet creation.
Build and manage Gantt charts with dependencies and critical paths.
Assign tasks and manage resources effectively.
Explore Smartsheet templates for efficient project planning.
Learn best practices for reporting project progress.

This is part of the | UCOP Project Management Collection

Change Essentials (1 of 3 sessions)
2026-03-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Change Essentials is based on the best-selling book, Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions, by Dr. John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber. Dr. Kotter’s research revealed eight key steps and four critical leadership principles that, when applied effectively, help to ensure successful change. This three-part workshop will provide you with a foundational level of knowledge and skill to help you identify strategies to apply those steps and principles to a current or anticipated change within a department, or as part of a broader organizational change initiative. Attendance is required for all three sessions, March 5, 12, and 26: 10 am- 12 pm

Accessibility/Cascade Office Hours
2026-03-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Do you have a question about using Cascade CMS to manage content on your website? Have a tricky PDF that won’t pass accessibility requirements? Drop in and visit our semi-monthly Accessibility/Cascade Office Hours. We have experts to help you live with any issues you’re encountering.

Difficult Conversations
2026-03-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Ever had a disagreement with someone where the conversation didn’t go quite the way you wanted it to? As conflict is inevitable, join us in exploring strategies for navigating difficult conversations in both your personal and professional life. In this highly interactive course, you will learn Core Principles to successfully navigate disagreements and apply them through practice role-playing. By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel more confident in approaching difficult conversations with anyone in your life.

Practical Accessibility: Documents and PDFs
2026-03-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Online via Zoom
Changes to federal accessibility regulations are taking effect soon. To help colleagues prepare, the UCOP Digital Innovation & Technology team is hosting a multi-session webinar series, Practical Accessibility: Basics You Can Apply Today. Brian McNeilly, web accessibility specialist, UCOP, will lead this hands-on session. Register to attend Practical Accessibility: Documents and PDFs.

UCOP Wellbeing Lunch and Chat: From Snap Judgments to Self-Awareness
2026-03-06 12:10 - 12:55 | Online
We all judge sometimes; it’s a very human thing to do. This lesson will help us understand why we judge and how it affects both ourselves and others. Our goal isn’t to stop judging completely, but to become more aware and compassionate. Through thoughtful reflection, open discussion, and hands-on exercises, we’ll gently change how we view judgment, helping us create a more understanding and kinder world for everyone.

People Leader Forum: STEP Tips and Support
2026-03-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
The People Leader Forum is a monthly opportunity for people managers to connect with one another to develop leadership skills, build community, share best practices, swap strategies for navigating current challenges and learn to better support themselves and their teams. The 2026 PLF schedule is up.

RESCHEDULED 3/6 : STEP Tips and Support
3/20: Managing Representing Employees (Extended session 1-2:30 pm)
4/24: Talent Insight process – Uncovering potential, planning for the future!
5/29: Employee Relations 101
6/ 26: Supporting Employees Navigate Change & Transition

UC Systemwide Academic Congress — Where Do We Go from Here? Mathematics Preparation and STEM Pathways at a Crossroads
2026-03-09 12:30 - 17:00, 2026-03-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom. Register to receive link.
On March 9 and 10, 2026, you’re invited to attend the next UC Systemwide Academic Congress — Where Do We Go from Here? Mathematics Preparation and STEM Pathways at a Crossroads. Register here to join us.
This free event, open to all UC community members via Zoom, will bring together distinguished public figures, leading researchers and educators from UC and beyond to discuss innovative and inclusive approaches to support student success and strengthen STEM pathways across the system. Check out all speakers and event information at the registration page.

ME@UCOP: Recruitment and Onboarding
2026-03-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
This is a live, virtual session led by Kelly Howard, Director of UCOP Talent Acquisition. We will discuss UCOP Talent Acquisition and On Boarding, including: – UCOP Hiring steps and process – Inclusive Recruitment – UC, State, and Federal policies and laws – On Boarding process, tools, and best practices This is part of the Manager Essentials at UCOP (ME@UCOP), required for all people new to a management or supervisory positions at UCOP since 2020 (internal promotions and external hires). All experienced managers are welcome to attend,

Travel Talk Tuesday
2026-03-10 10:00 - 10:30
Travel Talk Tuesdays, held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, provide helpful resources for UCOP business travellers. For questions or upcoming topics, contact the BRC T&E Team at: brctravelandent@ucop.edu.

Pre-registration is not required: Attend by Zoom.

Explore the Staff Advisor to the UC Regents role
2026-03-10 10:00 - 10:45
Join UC staff leaders via Zoom for an inside look into their critical role and have an opportunity to ask your questions. Dennis McIver will moderate a conversation with Past Staff Advisor Andenet Emiru and Staff Advisor Designate Matt Hanson. Whether you’re considering applying to be the next staff advisor or are simply curious about this unique leadership opportunity, don’t miss this chance to connect with those who’ve been at the table.

BRC Community of Practice Meeting
2026-03-10 11:10 - 12:00
The Business Resource Center (BRC) invites all users to attend monthly community of practice meetings. Each session will begin with 20 minutes of announcements, updates and deadlines (anything that’s arisen since the prior meeting). The second 20-30 minutes will be a topic-themed discussion and Q&A session. Colleagues will have an opportunity to troubleshoot, share and learn best practices and solutions from the BRC and power users. To find out the current topic, or to suggest one, please contact Blaze.Farrar@ucop.edu.

Women's History Month Donation Drive Celebration
2026-03-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Broadway Conference Center
Join a community celebration of Women’s History Month, cohosted by PACSW and BSFO. Stop by anytime between 2 – 4 p.m. to drop off a donation, enjoy coffee and sweets, and connect with colleagues.

Monthly Digital Accessibility Office Hours
2026-03-12 13:00 - 14:00
Join Ethics, Compliance, and Audit Services; the Systemwide Office for Civil Rights; and UC Legal for monthly office hours focused on digital accessibility. These sessions are an opportunity to engage with subject matter experts in technical, legal and compliance roles to exchange best practices and discuss shared challenges.
If possible, submit questions in advance to help ensure relevant subject-matter experts are available. Register here.
This event will be captioned; if you need another disability-related accommodation, please note that in your registration.

GROW Plus: Accountability Conversations for Managers
2026-03-13 09:30 - 12:00 | Online
GROW Plus: Accountability Conversations for Managers is the second part in the required live training series on manager and employee performance conversations. This training answers the question: What do I do when my coaching is not improving performance? In this virtual, live, and highly interactive workshop, we will cover: providing productive critical feedback, managing emotions, creating efficient documentation, and holding effective accountability conversations. Managers will also practice having role Accountability Conversations using the UCOP GROW Plus framework. This training is part of the STEP training plan developed by the STEP workgroup made up of people from all divisions. The previous STEP trainings are all prerequisites to this training.
