The Vice Chancellor-Chief Financial Officer and Staff Assembly announced that they are co-hosting an All-Staff Town Hall, 9:30-11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7. Employees can attend in two ways: in person, at the Conference Center; or online, via this link.

Important topics on the agenda include:

• Results of the CUCSA (Council of UC Staff Assemblies) 2015 Engagement Survey
• Career Tracks
• Pay for performance

Shared Services Center offers ‘SSC 101’

The Shared Services Center is taking sign-ups for “SSC 101,” a new quarterly program, one hour long, to acquaint people with shared services in general, and the UC Davis center and its operations.

The UC Davis SSC provides services in human resources, payroll, purchasing and accounts payable.

Sara Reed, the center's director, will lead SSC 101. She said she wants to help people understand what a shared services center is, how the UC Davis Shared Services Center is structured and how it supports the campus.

Here are the details on the first three sessions (all in the Hamilton Room at the Heitman Staff Learning Center):

• Wednesday, Dec. 16 — 9-10 a.m.
• Tuesday, March 1 — 9-10 a.m.
• Thursday, May 12 — 1-2 p.m.

More information is available online; look for the registration link on that page.

Staff Assembly Cookie Bake-Off

Like to bake cookies? Like to taste cookies? Then this contest is for you: the Staff Assembly Cookie Bake-Off.

“The holidays are upon us and what better way to get in the spirit of the season than by sharing your favorite cookie recipe and perhaps winning first place,” organizers said.

Staff Assembly announced this first-time event in last week’s Staff Voice, putting out the official call for bakers and tasters.

The contest is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, in the multipurpose room at the Student Community Center. The judges’ top pick will net the baker a $50 Target gift card, and there will also be prizes for second and third place. The people's choice prize is a $50 Nordstrom’s gift card.

Bakers will check in at 11 a.m., bringing 27 cookies (three for judging and 24 for tasting. Staff Assembly is looking for up to 40 bakers to showcase their cookies: homemade with flour (any type), baked (no-bake cookies not allowed), any style (drop, rolled, etc.).

Now, for the tasters among us: “If you love cookies and would like to help select the people’s choice winner, please join us,” organizers said. You must be registered to participate as space is limited.

Bakers register here, tasters register here. Deadline for both: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. More information (including the all-important rules). Questions? Send an email to Lina Layiktez, Staff Assembly events chair.

Drivers in the core campus: STOP for class breaks!

Temporary electronic sign boards have been set up within the core campus — inside the gates — to remind drivers that they must pull over and stop during class break periods.

These lockdown periods are meant to prevent accidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians and bicyclists, when foot and bike traffic is heaviest. The reminder signs will be up at least through next week.

Lockdowns are 10 minutes long, except for a 20-minute period at 11:50 a.m.

The campus restricts motor vehicle operation inside the gates. But, if you’re a driver who’s been granted access, you must adhere to the rules, such as speed limit (15 mph maximum) and driving during class breaks. Fines for central campus violations may exceed $74.

Emergency response vehicles are allowed in the campus core at any time, of course. The same goes for authorized buses and mobility assistance shuttles.

More information, including the lockdown schedule, is available online.

Follow Dateline UC Davis on Twitter.