University of California Council of Postdoctoral Scholars Meeting
October 6, 2007
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA

Attendance: Michelle Juarez, Chair (UCSD), Alberto Roca (UCI), Kapil Krishan (UCI), Saran Karumbayaram (UCLA), Markus Kaufmann (UCLA), Ajay Gopal (UCLA), Selva Sukumar (UCB), Niranjana Nagarajan (UCB), Joe Cerny, Faculty Advisor (UCB), Sam Casteneda (UCB), Lucia Mokres (Stanford), Alison McGuigan (Stanford), Dan Cao (Stanford), Chequeta Allen (Stanford), Scott Moorefield (UCSF), Christine Des Jarlais (UCSF), Jason Triplett (UCSC), Abhinav Bhusan (UCD), Steve Johnson (Garnett-Powers).

Following introductions, Chequeta Allen, Assistant Dean of Postdoctoral Affairs at Stanford, explained the workings of her office and the successes of postdocs in relation to access to administrative support. Several questions concerning the handling of postdocs relative to UC institutions were addressed, specifically highlighting the difference of postdocs viewed as students rather than employees. Following this discussion, a brief tour of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs was taken by all.

Steve Johnson of Garnett-Powers gave a brief review of the status of the Postdoctoral Scholars Benefit Plan (PSBP), highlighting that few if any changes have been made. Open enrollment will be occurring in November, and a powerpoint presentation will be sent to UC institutions at which a formal presentation is not made. In addition, Garnett-Powers is currently working on a group retirement savings plan and a legal support plan for postdocs, but the final details have not been worked out.

Christine Des Jarlais gave a brief review of the Office of the President’s current thinking on postdocs, revealing that now is likely a good time to make some inroads. Additionally, Chris mentioned the possibility of the creation of a CPS staff position housed in her office in conjunction with monies form UCOP.

Joe Cerny gave a detailed history of his involvement in the growing recognition of postdoctoral scholars by UCOP, culminating in the passage of APM-390. He also outlined keys to a successful postdoctoral scholars association, e.g. UCCPS, including buy-in from senior administration and faculty, a small bureaucratic staff, and a vibrant postdoc community.

Sam Casteneda reported that the Berkeley campus is sponsoring the annual UC-wide postdoc administrator retreat, although time and place have not been settled.

Following lunch, a lengthy discussion concerning the state of the CPS, where it is going, and who will take it there commenced. A strategic plan was outlined, and several action items (attached below) for the next meeting were identified and staffed. Key items in the strategic plan include: requesting staff support from UCOP, establishing a listserv to enhance communication of CPS, increase/standardize postdoc access to career centers at all UC campuses.

Jason Triplett was named Chair for the next two meetings at currently undecided locations. Ideally, the next meeting would be held in conjuction with the postdoc administrators retreat, potentially in January.

So attests,
Jason Triplett, Chair
UC Council of Postdoctoral Scholars