| Issue Date: December 19, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
Message from the Director of Core Bio Services
|
|
|
|
|
Tim Wheeler
Director, Core Bio Services
|
Core Bio Services’ integration into IPPS over the past year has allowed us to align resources, strengthen partnerships, and bring meaningful value to UC San Diego’s research supply chain. This alignment has helped us rethink how Core can better support the campus community, both in the day-to-day demands of research and the longer-term sustainability of our shared mission.
|
|
|
One early success has been our Sustainable Cold Chain initiative, which has already improved reliability, reduced waste, and demonstrated how thoughtful supply chain design can enhance the research experience. Building on this foundation, we are preparing to expand sustainable approaches to additional items and cold-chain vendors to deliver even greater impact.
Looking ahead, Core is undertaking deeper, more intentional data analysis to understand what truly belongs in a modern research supply center. These insights will guide how we refine product selections, support teaching and research labs, and ensure rapid, dependable fulfillment across campus. We are also committed to transparent pricing - eliminating hidden shipping or tariff charges - so that labs can plan their budgets with confidence in an increasingly unpredictable funding environment.
In these unusual times for research budgets and grant stability, we remain focused on being a true partner to the UC San Diego research community. By strengthening sustainability, speed, and transparency, Core is well-positioned to support the innovation happening across campus and help our researchers navigate today’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
- Tim Wheeler, Director, Core Bio Services
|
|
|
Stepping Into Safety
Boot World Mobile Fitting Event Supports Staff and Local Business
|
|
|
In September, the Facilities Management Procurement team partnered with Boot World, a certified small and local business, to bring its mobile footwear truck to campus. The four-hour pop-up made it easy for facility staff to get fitted with safety-toe boots through their voucher program and generated over $3,200 in sales, underscoring our commitment to supporting small businesses. The event was so successful that a second visit is planned for spring 2026.
All UC San Diego employees can enjoy a 10% discount on personal purchases at Boot World's retail locations.
|
|
|
|
Navigate Technology Purchases Like a Pro
New IT Procurement Security & Privacy Resources
|
The IT Procurement team developed new resources to help campus buyers navigate technology purchases, including an updated Blink page and a new Knowledge Base Article (KBA). Built with user experience in mind, the enhanced resources will guide faculty and staff in selecting products and services that meet UC San Diego's security and privacy requirements.
What's New
- Streamlined steps for evaluating vendor and product compliance
- Data security and privacy checklist to help quickly identify potential risks early in the process
- Support team resources - access to IT security and privacy experts for consultation
|
|
|
Explore all of the new guidelines, checklists, and support options on the Software License Acquisition and IT Procurement Process Blink page, and the How To Purchase Software KBA in Services & Support.
Protecting university data and maintaining compliance with UC and regulatory requirements is critical. These resources will help safeguard sensitive information and reduce risk when introducing new technologies.
|
|
|
Exploring Sustainability Solutions
Sustainability Team Tours Petco Park
|
The IPPS Sustainability Team, joined by the newly incorporated EcoNauts, participated in a unique Sustainability Tour of Petco Park alongside members from UC San Diego's Zero Waste Department and EH&S. The visit marks the start of a growing collaboration between UC San Diego and other sustainability-driven institutions across the region, creating opportunities to share technologies, operational strategies, and best practices.
|
|
|
|
The tour highlighted Petco Park’s sustainability efforts from start to finish, beginning and ending aboard the trolley. Participants explored the stadium’s transportation and energy systems, waste-management and processing operations, concession stands, native garden, field and dugout, clubhouse, and even the park’s “command center.”
Beyond the behind-the-scenes access, the group gained insight into how Petco Park operates on 100% renewable energy and maintains an impressive near-zero-waste program with a notable 96% waste diversion rate.
UC San Diego staff are now reviewing the insights gathered to identify processes and innovations that could be adapted for campus operations.
This tour represents the beginning of a promising partnership. In the near future, the Petco Park Sustainability Team will visit UC San Diego to explore its own sustainability initiatives. We look forward to welcoming them and continuing to foster collaboration, shared learning, and innovation in sustainable practices across San Diego.
|
|
|
Student Mail
New ERC Locker Implementation Enhances Convenience for Students
|
The fall quarter marked the successful launch of the newly implemented ERC package lockers. The upgraded system features rear-loading lockers, an enhancement from last year’s Revelle locker implementation that streamlines staff workflows while improving overall distribution efficiency. The inclusion of a back storage room further supports smoother operations by accounting for oversized and expired locker packages.
|
|
|
|
This project was made possible through strong cross-departmental collaboration. Our Logistics team partnered closely with IT, Construction, and ResLife, with each playing a key role in delivering a system that not only meets student needs but also elevates the standard for campus service.
The new lockers went live right on schedule, and early feedback from students has been positive. With expanded pickup hours and a seamless user experience, students are enjoying greater flexibility and convenience throughout their day.
As we continue to refine and innovate our package services, the ERC locker upgrade stands as a strong example of what effective collaboration and thoughtful design can achieve.
|
|
|
Passport Office
Best-k ept Secret
Did you know that the UC San Diego Passport Office is open to the public and is located a short walk from the Central Trolley Stop on campus? The Campus Services Complex location offers Passport services to both Triton affiliates and the general public.
We're tired of being the best-kept secret.
|
|
|
|
Help spread the word!
Our proximity to public transit, the ability to book appointments up to 30 days in advance, a full team of certified passport agents, reserved parking near the entrance, and on-site passport photo services have been kept a secret for too long.
Don't let your friends and family wait in long lines to renew or apply for a passport book or passport ID, or waste additional time finding a passport photo service. Let the secret out - tell them about the UC San Diego Passport Office, so our team can do what we do best - provide fast, convenient, all-inclusive, and seamless passport services to the entire community.
Interested in a Saturday appointment? We post Saturday hours to the appointment schedule on a limited basis, and they fill up fast. Pro Tip: Subscribe to Passport Office News to get notified of the Saturday schedule in advance.
Are you a Passport Office client? Share your experience - review our services on Yelp.
|
|
|
See What's "New" at Surplus
Music Spotlight
|
Ready to set up that music room or piano lounge you've been dreaming of? Surplus has a variety of pianos in stock and great deals on lounge furniture.
|
|
|
|
|
Vintage Baby Grand Piano
1947 Baldwin - Model R
Baldwin has a long history of producing high-quality pianos, with its "Artist Series" grands, such as the Model R, being among the finest American-made pianos. A 1947 model is considered a prime example of Baldwin's peak manufacturing quality. The Model R is renowned for its "big American" sound, particularly in the bass, which is often more powerful than other baby grands of its size. Stop by Surplus Sales to test it out and assess the condition.
|
|
|
|
|
Set of Club Chairs
Worn Black Pleather
This cozy set is perfect for your den or new piano lounge. Club chairs are a style of armchair known for their comfort and classic design, originating in early 20th-century French clubs. Traditionally, they feature generous, plush proportions, often with a low seat and wide armrests, and are frequently upholstered in leather (or pleather in modern times).
|
|
|
Campus Partnership Program
|
|
|
Partnerships With Purpose
Beyond the Traditional Supplier Relationship
UC San Diego’s partnership with Pepsi extends far beyond pouring rights; it fuels opportunities that enrich student life and strengthen campus connections. This year, that work continues with the addition of William Maggin, the new Pepsi Campus Ambassador.
William works closely with Campus Partnership Program Manager Trisha Almado to help bring the Pepsi partnership to life through on-campus activations, marketing initiatives, and student-focused programming.
|
|
|
|
A San Diego native and fourth-year student at Sixth College, William brings creativity and passion to the role. He enjoys photography, videography, reading, and film, and is currently developing a short movie project. His eye for storytelling helps translate the partnership’s impact into experiences that resonate with his fellow Tritons.
|
|
|
|
|
Kristen Lam
Master of Science in Operations Management
Congratulations to Kristen Lam on earning her Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas! This milestone reflects her tireless work, perseverance, and dedication to developing as a leader both on campus and beyond.
Balancing demanding graduate classes with the responsibilities of a busy job is no small feat, and Kristen did it with resilience and optimism every step of the way.
|
|
|
Her dedication inspires those around her, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved achievement with her.
Please join us in congratulating Kristen and wishing her all the best as she moves forward with new skills, a fresh perspective, and even more enthusiasm for making a positive impact here at UC San Diego.
|
|
|
|
|
Toys for Tots
Donate New, Unwrapped Toys at an IPPS Collection Center
Stop by an IPPS collection center listed below through December 17th to drop off your Toys for Tots donations this holiday season.
|
|
|
Passport Office
1 Greenhouse Lane, CSC Building A
M-F 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
|
|
The Trove
Library Walk, across from Geisel Library
M-F 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
