UC Davis’ IT security coordinator is urging all Windows-equipped computer users in the campus community to immediately apply the Microsoft MS12-020 security patch, released in mid-March.

In a message to the campus, Robert Ono wrote:

"The Microsoft MS12-020 security patch for Windows operating systems corrects a vulnerability that permits remote code execution — without authentication — on a computer that has Windows remote desktop protocol (RDP) services enabled. Exploit code for this vulnerability has been leaked to the Internet. This RDP vulnerability affects current versions of the Windows operating system.

"If you have questions regarding whether MS12-020 has been applied to your university computer, please consult your unit technical support staff. For your home computer, you can run Windows update to apply this security patch.

Read more from IET’s TechNews.

Shared services and disability centers on the move

The Shared Services Center is on the move to its permanent location, and the Student Disability Center is preparing for a move the last week of March.

• Shared Services Center — The move to 260 Cousteau Place, Suite 150, began yesterday and was expected to wrap up today (March 16). “While we are making every attempt to provide uninterrupted service delivery during the move, there may be slight interruptions in service as the staff relocate,” a spokeswoman said.

The center had been in temporary quarters at 202 Cousteau Place since the center started its pilot run in January. The telephone number remains the same: (530) 754-4SSC (4772).

• Student Disability Center — It is moving from the South Silo to the old Cowell Student Health Center, now known as the Cowell Building.

The closure will be during spring break: Monday through Friday, March 26 to 30. (March 30 is a university holiday: Cesar E. Chavez Day.)

Then, come 9 a.m. Monday, April 2, the first day of spring instruction, the Student Disability Center will be in its new home, in the midsection of the Cowell Building, west side (facing California Avenue).

The telephone numbers will remain the same:

• Voice — (530) 752-3184
• TTY — (530) 752-6833
• Fax — (530) 752-0161

The Cowell Building near the north edge of the campus already houses Occupational Health Services (in the midsection of the building, east side); and UC Davis Extension classrooms (in the building's south section).

Intercollegiate Athletics has already moved some offices into the Student Affairs Annex, behind the Cowell Building, and soon will move other offices into the two-story, north section of the main building.

Training and development survey

UC Davis employees are being asked to indicate, via an online survey, their training and development needs.

Staff Development and Professional Services last conducted a survey like this two years ago, drawing some 800 responses. “The survey results were extremely useful in shaping our program,” a spokeswoman said. “We were very pleased to hear comments and ideas for improvement.”

The new survey should take no more than five minutes of your time, “to help us provide you with programs and resources that support your professional and personal development.”
The survey is open until April 6.

500 ticket limit for Soaring to New Heights

Five-hundred tickets — that's all there are for Soaring to New Heights, the Davis campus’s annual staff and faculty celebration of diversity. They are on sale now, at the Freeborn Hall ticket office, first-come, first-serve, through March 30 or until they are gone.

This year’s event, the 22nd annual, is scheduled from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, in Freeborn Hall. The event features an international buffet lunch, plus an information fair and entertainment, and the presentation of the Diversity and Principles of Community Achievement Recognition Awards, and the Calvin E. Handy Leadership Award.

Ticket are $5 each, available from the campus ticket office at Freeborn Hall, in person or by telephone, (530) 752-1915.

Complete ticket information.

Partners for Research

The Office of Research is inviting the campus research community to an event called Partners for Research, showcasing how the office is "transforming the way we support you."

The organizers said information will be presented on streamlined processes, and quick and easy ways to find funding sources and collaborators. At the same time, researchers will have the opportunity to meet staff members who deal with proposals, grants and regulations.

Partners for Research is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday (March 22) in the Conference Center Ballroom. Refreshments will be served. More information, including the program, exhibitors and a link for RSVPs.

Giovanni Peri on UCTV Prime

The new UCTV Prime has posted a video of UC Davis’ Giovanni Peri, associate professor of economics, offering a commentary titled “The Case for Immigration,” challenging critics who see immigration as “a problem rather than an opportunity.”

UCTV launched UCTV Prime on March 1 as a YouTube original channel, the first university-run channel to be included among YouTube's new production partnerships with recognizable brands like The Wall Street Journal, Madonna and TED. Read more.