91¿´Æ¬

Davis rises in National Science Foundation rankings

New figures released last week by the National Science Foundation show that 91¿´Æ¬ Davis continues to grow as a major research university. Total research and development expenditures for fiscal year 2002-03 show 91¿´Æ¬ Davis now ranking 14th in the nation with $456,653,000, overtaking the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In specific subject areas, 91¿´Æ¬ Davis ranked first in expenditures on agricultural research ($25,683,000); seventh in spending on biology research ($45,283,000); and 13th in life sciences, which includes medicine, biology and agricultural sciences ($336,796,000).

91¿´Æ¬ Davis spent $280,009,000 in 2002-03 from non-federal sources, which could include the state of California, other institutions, campus funds, private gifts and business sources, ranking third in the nation.

The report, Academic Research and Development Expenditures: Fiscal Year 2002 was prepared by the NSF Division of Science Resources Statistics and is available on the Web at .

91¿´Æ¬ Davis expects to host upcoming CPR hearing

"Government Reorganization" is the theme of the California Performance Review Commission hearing expected to be held at 91¿´Æ¬ Davis on Sept. 27 as part of a public input process under way throughout the state.

In February 2004, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger charged a commission of leaders from the business and labor communities, local government and public policy arenas to examine methods to increase efficiency while reducing costs -- "to create the first 21st century government in the United States." The commission's report on reforming and revitalizing government was released Aug. 3 and is available at .

Public hearings started last week and will be held throughout the state to gather testimony regarding the report's recommendations.

Regents delay talk on eligibility standards

Last week 91¿´Æ¬ regents decided to postpone discussion regarding adjustments to 91¿´Æ¬'s minimum GPA requirement, instead of convening a special August meeting that would need to be conducted via teleconference from numerous locations throughout the state.

Regents are expected to instead take up the matter, along with approval of a final 91¿´Æ¬ 2004-05 operating budget, at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 22-23 at 91¿´Æ¬ San Francisco-Laurel Heights. For more details,see .

Commute incentives offered to employees

The Yolo Transportation Management Association is providing campus employees with incentives to help nudge them out of single-occupant vehicles into more environmentally sound, often less expensive commute options.

Employees can qualify by participating as little as 10 days per month. Incentives include $50 in pre-paid fuel cards, $100 a month for two months toward new vanpools, $30 a month for two months for new public transit riders and more. New this year are incentives for employees who commit to walking to work -- $10 a month for three months. For details, see or call (530) 669-1446.