Repro Graphics advises: The earlier the better

Repro Graphics Director Brian Wadell is advising faculty that, despite the Dec. 24-Jan. 3 campus closure, his unit “will be able to produce all your course materials in time for the start of winter quarter, including those sold through the UC Davis Bookstore.”

He added: “While we have no strict deadlines for submitting work, we would ask that you allow as much time as possible to produce the quality work you expect.”

The normal, suggested “deadline” for winter quarter work is Dec. 15 — and that still holds true for “fair use” materials. For material that may need copyright clearance, Wadell asks for submission as soon as possible.

Starting with winter quarter, Repro Graphics will provide one desk copy per order at no extra charge. And, as an early submission incentive, two desk copies will be provided for all materials submitted before Nov. 30.

Open enrollment wanes

Open enrollment lasts just a few more days — until Nov. 24. The deadline is 5 p.m., not midnight as in past years.

If you are making no changes or additions, or not re-enrolling in tax-saving flexible spending accounts for dependant care and-or health care, then relax — you need not do anything.

Otherwise, get to a computer, because everything you need to do for open enrollment is explained at atyourservice.ucop.edu. Employees without computer access should contact their unit offices or Human Resources, (530) 752-0530 on the Davis campus, or the HR benefits department, (916) 734-8099, on the Sacramento campus.

Senate awards

The Davis Division of the Academic Senate has called upon its members to nominate their colleagues for the 2009-10 Distinguished Scholarly Public Service awards and the Faculty Research Lecture Award.

The nomination deadlines are 5 p.m. Nov. 30 for the Distinguished Public Service awards and 5 p.m. Dec. 4 for the Faculty Research Lecture Award.

More information is available online: academicsenate.ucdavis.edu (look under Awards in the left-hand menu).

State tax withholding increases

State income tax withholding is going up by 10 percent as of Nov. 1—to be reflected on your Nov. 25 paycheck, if you are paid biweekly, or your Dec. 1 check, if you are paid monthly.

This is not a tax increase, campus officials advise, but the state’s way of bringing in cash more quickly to address the budget shortage.

Your state income tax bill will not increase, and the amount that you owe or the amount that will be refunded will be adjusted accordingly at the time you file your 2009 tax return.

Santa Paws benefit

Ever wonder if Santa Claus is a dog person or a cat person? Well, he is both—and he would love for you to bring your pet for a visit and a photo.

Your opportunity comes during the annual Santa Paws event, a benefit for UC Davis’ Mercer Veterinary Clinic for the Homeless. The nonprofit clinic, run by veterinary students, provides services for pets belonging to homeless people in Sacramento.

This year’s Santa Paws event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Arden Animal Hospital, 1823 Fulton Ave., Sacramento. You can arrange an appointment by calling (916) 485-5412; walk-ins also are welcome.

Suggested donations: $20 for a photo or CD of your pet with Santa; $5 more for both photo and CD.