Lily Barger

The meeting focused on the launch of the first-of-its-kind AAPI report for the Inland Empire region, developed in partnership with AAPI Data. Key discussion points included the significance of disaggregated data to reflect the lives, stories, and impact of Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the region, which is experiencing rapid population growth (AAPI population grew over 200% in the last decade). The report highlights that AAPI communities are essential to key sectors like healthcare, logistics, and small business, yet face systemic issues such as underpayment in caregiving roles, economic invisibility masked by multi-generational household incomes, and low civic engagement and political representation. The discussions emphasized the need for increased investment, equity, and representation from funders and decision-makers to support the community's diverse needs. Announcements were also made regarding the upcoming Anafi Fund launch event.

This presentation, delivered at UCR World Water Day, addresses the vital need to secure water for both human populations and natural ecosystems in California. It details how The Nature Conservancy supports water agencies in integrating groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) into their sustainability plans, as mandated by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The outlined guidance includes a five-step process covering GDE mapping, condition characterization, identification of hydrological tipping points, establishment of quantifiable metrics, ongoing monitoring, and the implementation of projects such as conservation restoration and groundwater recharge. Furthermore, the presentation highlights University of California, Riverside's interdisciplinary research efforts in developing advanced modeling frameworks to better understand vegetation responses to groundwater changes and emphasizes the importance of collaborative approaches in water resource management.

This Annual Report for University Honors reflects on the 2023-2024 academic year, highlighting its mission to engage a diverse community in creating global citizens through high-impact experiences focused on original scholarship, contribution, creativity, and innovation. The report emphasizes three pillars of excellence: Promoting Creativity and Innovation, Cultivating a Culture of Contribution, and Celebrating Diversity & Global Citizenship. It reinforces the vision of becoming a nationally recognized model college that produces graduates as lifelong learners, engaged citizens, and future leaders.

The 2021 Long Range Development Plan for the University of California, Riverside outlines a framework for the future physical development of the campus. The plan aims to accommodate enrollment growth, projecting up to 35,000 students by 2035, and advance knowledge through teaching and research. Key objectives include expanding student housing to support 40% of the student population, enhancing academic excellence through modernized facilities, conserving land resources by concentrating development on the East Campus and preserving the West Campus for agricultural research, fostering dynamic partnerships with the city and industry, and enhancing environmental sustainability and resilience. This comprehensive plan seeks to create a dynamic and resilient 21st-century campus environment.

The 2021 Long Range Development Plan for the University of California, Riverside provides a framework to guide future growth and meet academic goals through 2035/2036. It aims to accommodate a projected enrollment of 35,000 students and 7,545 faculty and staff by Fall 2035, necessitating the development of approximately 5.5 million gross square feet of new building space for academic, research, and student housing facilities. Key objectives include maintaining land-based research on West Campus, activating East Campus with mixed-use development and improved public spaces, and providing on-campus housing for 40% of eligible students. The plan also emphasizes efficient planning and design for sustainability and climate change mitigation, guiding land use, open space preservation, multi-modal mobility, and infrastructure development.