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STATE BUDGET FORUM

The University of California Office of the President, UCLA and the UC California Policy Research Center will convene a forum on the state budget Dec. 1 that will bring together leading UC specialists, policy makers and community leaders to provide an analysis of the state budget crisis and identify options for addressing this challenge. Participants will provide an overview of the historical context for the current budget deficit and explain the factors contributing to the current shortfall, as well as review challenges in financing California’s higher education system. Among the participants will be UC President Robert C. Dynes; State of California Legislative Analyst Elizabeth G. Hill; Edward Leamer of the UCLA Anderson Forecast; Chancellor Thomas J. Nussbaum, California Community Colleges; and Chancellor Charles B. Reed, California State University. The event, set for 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Covel Commons, is open to the public, but seating is limited. Register by calling (510) 987-0508 or visiting www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/budgetforum/agenda.html. Scroll to the bottom.

NEW POLICY PROPOSED

A new policy is being proposed by the UC Office of the President that would require, among other things, the elimination of any potential conflict of interest in situations where an individual covered by the policy enters into a consensual relationship with someone over whom he or she has supervisory or equivalent responsibilities. Because of the university’s special responsibility toward students, the policy also prohibits consensual relationships between students and certain campus community members, such as senior managers, coaches and professional counselors. Currently the draft policy is being reviewed by managers, staff and faculty. Employees can see the proposed policy at: http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/employees/policies/policies/proposed_policies/index.html. Staff have until Dec. 5 to comment by e-mailing Campus Human Resources at hbloch@be.ucla.edu or mgardner@mednet.ucla.edu for the medical center and health-care facilities.

NEW STEM CELL SOURCE?

A UCLA study demonstrates for the first time that specific cells found in the adult artery wall have stem cell-like potential. Researchers found artery cells that change into cartilage, bone, muscle and marrow stromal cells. The study, which was reported in the journal Circulation, may lead to a new source of adult stem cells, which may increase potential treatment options and avoid the controversial use of fetal stem cells. “This is the first study to show that cells in the artery wall have the potential to develop into a number of other cell types,” said Linda Demer, principal investigator and Guthman Professor of Medicine and Physiology.