Greetings from Jeff Elman, Dean

Is California in crisis? Find out May 25 when a distinguished panel of UCSD social sciences professors will discuss California's current budget crisis and its effects on the state's economy and public education. 6 p.m. at the San Diego Natural History Museum.

Psychology professor Keith Rayner takes home a Chancellor's Associates Faculty Excellence Award for his outstanding research.

Are you a woman caught up in "The Rug Rat Race"? New research by economists Valerie and Garey Ramey explores this phenomenon.

The department of ethnic studies offers an innovative class to examine the state budget crisis in public education.

'Pay it forward' pays off: New research by UC San Diego and Harvard finds cooperation spreads in social networks.

Does happiness make novelty attractive? Yes, according to new research led by psychologist Piotr Winkielman.

Social Sciences Supper Club, May 19, 2010 — Clark Gibson, chair of the department of political science, speaks about fighting for democracy in Africa, with stories of intrigue, fraudulent elections, and how his research led him to testify before a truth and reconciliation commission and provoked a front page story in The New York Times. UC San Diego Faculty Club; 5:30 p.m. To register or for more information, please contact Marcie Marsh at (858) 246-0372 or mmarsh@ucsd.edu. The next Supper Club is on October 20, 2010.

Communication Department Celebration, June 3, 2010 — As part of Alumni Weekend (June 3-6, 2010), the communication department will host a celebration for alumni that includes a presentation from Dan Hallin, the department chair. Students will host tours of the Media Center and present other notable campus changes. A reception will conclude the evening. UCSD Media Center/Communication Building, 5:30-8:00 p.m. To request an invitation, contact Ryan Purdy at rrpurdy@ucsd.edu.

Political Science Department Celebration, June 5, 2010 — Political science celebrates its 35th anniversary during Alumni Weekend (June 3-6, 2010). Opening remarks will be provided by Chair Clark Gibson, who will offer an update on the department. Other highlights include a keynote address, networking with fellow alumni and political science faculty, and recognition of faculty member Sam Popkin who was recently named the recipient of the UCSD Alumni Association's 2010 Distinguished Teaching Award. Institute of the Americas, 2:00-4:30 p.m. To request an invitation, contact Ryan Purdy at rrpurdy@ucsd.edu.