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bureau briefs

CAMPUS HUMAN RESOURCES

A program started last year by the University of California through Campus Human Resources that lets eligible employees voluntarily reduce their appointment time (and thus earnings) without losing regular benefits has so far saved UCLA’s departments an estimated annual savings of $4 million. As of March 31, 328 employees have chosen to participate, with their department’s concurrence, in the Staff and Academic Reduction in Time (START) program to reduce their work hours 10% to 50% without losing benefits. Among those participating, the average reduction in time is 25%. The temporary salary savings are helping departments meet their budget targets, thereby minimizing the need for layoffs, according to Assistant Vice Chancellor Lubbe Levin of Campus Human Resources. To find out more, go to www.chr.ucla.edu.

UCLA HOSPITAL SYSTEMS

David L. Callender will become the new associate vice chancellor of UCLA Hospital Systems and director of UCLA Medical Center beginning July 1, although he has already started his transition into this key leadership role. Callender most recently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “We are excited that Dr. Callender has accepted the opportunity to take the helm of our hospital systems and bring his passion for clinical excellence and dedication to health care service to this demanding position,” said Gerald S. Levey, vice chancellor, UCLA Medical Sciences, and dean, David Geffen School of Medicine. Callender received his medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine and his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston.

MATTEL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Smarty Jones wasn’t the only winner at the Kentucky Derby May 1. Mattel Children’s Hospital ended up a victor after Los Angeles Times sports columnist T.J. Simers and the Times agreed to donate $100 to the hospital for every horse that beat Castledale, winner of the Santa Anita Derby. Others, including Castledale’s part-owner Frank Lyons, joined in on the friendly wager. Lyons said he would donate $100 to the hospital for every horse that beat his horse as well. When the dust settled, Castledale finished 14th out of a field of 18. In the spirit of the race, Simers, the horse’s jockey Jose Valdivia Jr., owner Lyons and the Times chipped in donations totaling $4,700 for the hospital.