Last week, the UC Davis released results from the Washington Advisory Group (WAG), analyzing its research portfolio and its strengths and weaknesses.  The university spent over a quarter million on this report, which, while hopeful, was quite critical of the university, calling to task the culture of the university as "risk-averse, modest, and insular."

We know from local discussions in city politics that the city has looked to forge partnerships with the university to bring in high-tech spinoffs, but the report hit on this as a university problem, as well.  According to the report, "relationships with industry on research or joint programs were frowned upon by former administrations as counter to what a university is all about. As a consequence, collaborative programs with industry are new to Davis and are in response to government agency requirements or suggestions."

Senator Dean Florez chaired a meeting on Monday in which he questioned Chancellor Linda Katehi about her decision to eliminate four sports teams including the women's rowing team along with three of men's teams.

Senator Florez expressed skepticism about the university's commentment to gender equity in its college sports program.  Senator Florez, who chairs the Senate Select Committee on Gender Discrimination and Title IX Implementation plans to question the Chancellor in order that she will outline her rationale for the elimination of these programs.

Around 100 UC Davis athletes have filed a "grievance" with the Student Judicial Affairs alleging that the university has engaged in "arbitrary treatment in elmination of teams."  According to a five page release, the University, "announced their plans without sufficient advance notice for us to make alternate plans or to seek redress within the normal academic calendar, we seek not only a permanent reversal of their plans but also interim reinstatement of our teams before the effective date of their elimination."

The grievance asks the university to reinstate the Men’s Swimming and Diving Team, Wrestling Team, Varsity Crew Team, Novice Crew Team, and the Men’s Indoor Track Team.  It asks the university to reinstate the teams for at least one year while the decision is reviewed.