In conjunction with its centennial this year, the Institute for International Education established the Senior International Officer Award — and last week presented it to Joanna Regulska, vice provost and associate chancellor of Global Affairs.

On behalf of Global Affairs, I would like to congratulate and welcome Nancy Erbstein, associate professor in residence in the School of Education, as our new Associate Vice Provost of Global Education for All in Global Affairs, effective June 1, 2019.

Joanna Regulska, vice provost and associate chancellor of Global Affairs at the University of California, Davis, has been honored as the first-ever recipient of the Senior International Officer (SIO) Award from the Institute of International Education (IIE). The award, which was presented to Regulska in Washington, D.C. on May 29 by IIE President and CEO Allan E. Goodman, is reserved for SIOs showing leadership across the spectrum of international education, while developing cohesive strategies, driving innovation, advancing impact, and fostering relationships.

Chancellor Gary S. May traveled to France, leading a university delegation to establish and enhance UC Davis partnerships with French institutions.

UC Davis’ 10-year strategic plan, “To Boldly Go,” is the guiding document for taking the university to new heights of distinction. The plan’s five ambitious goals include global elements that require further articulation, action steps, and concrete measurements of success. The planning effort to develop this roadmap in the form of the first comprehensive UC Davis Global Strategic Plan is now underway, spearheaded by a committee of faculty, students, and staff from all corners of campus.

The University of California, Davis, has recently been accepted to join two United Nations (UN) networks: the UN Academic Impact (UNAI) and the U.S. Chapter of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN USA).

The Davis campus is urging students and employees to check their immunity to measles and consider vaccination after cases led to the recent quarantine of hundreds at UCLA and California State University, Los Angeles. Student Health and Counseling Services, or SHCS, has posted measles information on its website, and has vaccination appointments available for students. Employees are encouraged to check with their health care provider.

Let there be no doubt: At UC Davis, we highly value our international researchers, scholars and students. Indeed, our international relationships and collaborations form an essential part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. All members of our community have contributed to our excellence in research, teaching and service.

Our hearts are heavy as we join the world in mourning those who lost their lives this past weekend in Sri Lanka. We struggle to find words of comfort in situations like these, but please know that Global Affairs is here to support our international community. You can contact Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) within Global Affairs if you have concerns or need assistance by emailing siss@ucdavis.edu or finding staff contact information on the SISS website.

UC Davis is launching its first Campus Global Theme: “Food for Thought: Feeding Ourselves, Feeding the Planet.” This complex topic for the inaugural series of programs was chosen by the Global Education for All Steering Committee to advance global learning and UC Davis efforts towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by connecting the entire campus community to programming that is personally, academically and professionally significant.