New ANR Employee Guide
Welcome to UC ANR from Vice President Glenda Humiston. (video)
You are now part of a large UC ANR community (General Guide to Understanding ANR) which stretches across the state of California. Our unique community of employees, stakeholders, partners, volunteers, community groups and clientele, engage in work that often has national and international implications. As you embark on your new journey working for this great organization, refer to this webpage to learn about topics such as: ANR Accomplishments, the ANR Vision, Personal Responsibility, Principles of Community and Personal development.
Find administrative links below for time reporting, travel policies, benefits, and other important employee resources. You have 31 days from your start date to sign up for benefits. Explore the ANR Orientation page to find out when the next Administrative (all employees) and Programmatic Orientations (academic employees) take place. If you are a new people manager check out the Onboarding New ANR Employees: Supervisor's Guide.
Begin exploring your new organization by watching "We are UC ANR" (video).
Table of Contents
ANR Administration and Funding
Composition of ANR:
Working at ANR:
Getting Support to Help You Thrive
Professional Development and Learning
Technology, Communication, and Access
Compensation and Benefits (What to do if you’re a new employee)
University of California System
ANR Mission and Strategic Vision (webpage)
ANR 2020-2025 Strategic Plan (webpage)
We are UC ANR (video)
ANR Core Messages (webpage)- share them with stakeholders or people in your life!
UC Cooperative Extension: 100 years and Counting Centennial (webpage/video)
Brief History of UC Cooperative Extension (webpage)
What does Abe Lincoln have to do with your academic career? (video)
ANR Administration and Funding
Our Administration (webpage)
UC Delivers showcases how ANR is making a difference for Californians (video, web page)
ANR has its own YouTube channel. Check it out! (web page)
ANR News (ANR web page)
Top of page
Composition of ANR: Programmatic units
Master Food Preserver Program
The University of California Master Food Preserver Program extends UC research-based information about home food safety and preservation to the public. The UC Master Food Preserver Program is a public service and outreach program under the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) administered locally by participating UC Cooperative Extension county offices. Video | Read more
Master Gardener Program
Extends UC research based information about home horticulture and pest management to the public and is administered locally by participating UC Cooperative Extension county offices. Video | Read more
Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI)
Brings together a wide range of experts who develop and conduct research on nutrition, food insecurity, physical activity, wellness, and the prevention of obesity, diabetes and other related health problems. Video | Read more
Organic Institute
Broadly, the goal of the OAI is to serve California organic farmers and those in transition to organic with technical assistance, applied research, and new information networks that will improve their long-term success in organic production systems. Video | Read more
Research & Extension
UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) is a vast network of UC researchers and educators who work together to develop and provide science-based information to solve locally-relevant economic, agricultural, natural resource, youth development and nutrition issues.
The Research and Extension (REC) system is a strong, vibrant organization of research and education academics supported by extraordinary research management capacity to conduct agriculture, natural resource and human resource programs that enable the delivery of the highest quality science to promote healthy citizens and thriving communities.
Video | Research and Extension Centers Read more | UC Cooperative Extension Read more
Strategic Initiatives and Statewide Programs
Our Statewide Programs and Institutes build our State economy, protect our natural resources, build our people, workforce and communities and ensure that we have safe food Our Programs work through and with our County offices and community partners; providing key support for our UC ANR Strategic Initiatives.
Video | Read more (Strategic Initiatives) | Read more (Statewide Programs)
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Extension
UC SAREP works to support farmers and ranchers working to develop more sustainable agricultural practices and assist communities in building strong and healthy regional food systems. Video | Read more
Community Nutrition and Health at UC ANR
Is a statewide network of researchers and educators promoting healthy and equitable communities for all Californians. Our shared goal is to co-create public education and partner training programming to advance community health across California. Read more.
ANR Budget - Resource Planning and Management
The Resource Planning and Management Office (RPM) is responsible for the administration, analysis and reporting of the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources' budget. As a key resource adviser to leadership, Resource Planning & Management is responsible for three functional areas: Budget Operations; Reporting & Analysis; and Capital Planning. ANR receives and generates over $200 million per year in budgeted funds. These fund sources include state general, federal formula, endowment, capital, indirect and other cost recovery funds. Video | Read more
Policies, Compliance, and Programmatic Agreements (formerly Administrative Policies and Business Contracts)
Located in UC ANR’s Controller’s office, Policies, Compliance, and Programmatic Agreements (PCPA) can help you with a variety of issues related to UC or ANR policy, compliance, and programmatic agreements. They have responsibility for administrative policy and procedure interpretation and development; programmatic agreements, real property agreements and memoranda of understandings; volunteer management; delegations of authority; information practices (records requests/records management/subpoena/privacy); Liaison to the Office of General Counsel; and ethics and compliance of legal and statutory requirements. Video | Read more
Business Operations Center (BOC Davis/Kearney)
BOC Davis provides financial services to Statewide Programs, Research & Extension Centers, and ANR service units located in Davis. BOC Kearney provides comprehensive consolidated financial and payroll-related services in support of county Cooperative Extension offices statewide. Video | Read more
Communication Services & Information Technology
Information Technology
ANR’s IT employees provides the technology that supports UC ANR in delivering globally-recognized, innovative programs and extension for California. Video | Read more
Publishing and Production
ANR’s Publishing and Production group turn the Division’s research and information into professional communications materials, including peer-reviewed books, online publications, California Agriculture journal and materials promoting ANR’s mission, programs and departments. Video | Read more (Publishing, California Agriculture)
Strategic Communication
Strategic Communication’s mission is to promote the great work of UC ANR to Californians and various external audiences. They conduct outreach to news media, pitch stories to influential journalists, develop promotional material, keep active social media platforms, develop web content, and maintain responsibility for the UC ANR Brand and the Government and Community Relations function. Video | Read more
News and Information in Spanish (NOS)
News & Outreach in Spanish (NOS) is geared to help researchers, advisors, specialists and program staff reach Spanish-speaking audiences using a variety of dissemination tools, such as radio, print media, translations/adaptations, videos and blogs. Video | Read more
Contracts & Grants
The Office of Contracts and Grants provides principal investigators assistance with proposal preparation (including funding searches and proposal strategy, planning and development, project management, and partnership-building), and provide resources and expertise so that principal investigators may better understand contract and grant administration and successfully administer sponsored awards. The UC ANR Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) is the authorized organizational representative for all extramurally sponsored projects at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. Video | Read more
Development Services
Works with all UC ANR statewide programs, Cooperative Extension Offices and Research and Extension Centers to raise private donations. Development Services include major gifts, support for local fundraising, annual appeals, stewardship and campaign materials, online giving, donor research, endowments, planned gifts and capital campaigns. We provide assistance with policy issues and work closely with UC Institutional Advancement. We manage the database of record for UC ANR, entering all gifts and storing donation records. Video | Read more
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)
In partnership with Safety Coordinators at each Cooperative Extension and Research and Extension Center Location, EH&S strives to ensure all ANR researchers, staff, volunteers, and youth participants can perform their activities in a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible manner by developing and making available a suite of EH&S planning, procedural, and training resources. Video | Read more
Financial Services
Provides leadership and technical expertise in the development, management, analysis, reporting and coordinating ANR financial activities. Video | Read more
Government Relations
Engaging government officials and community stakeholders is a critical tool that helps builds awareness and support for your work and that of the University as a whole. Video | Read more
Human Resources
Staff HR
Provides personnel services to all ANR county-based and other off-site units in the areas of classification, compensation, recruitment, employment, and more. Read more
Academic HR
Provides leadership, coordination and consulting services in applying academic personnel policies and procedures in recruitment, advancement, compensation and employee relations for academic appointees in the division. Read more
Affirmative Action Office (AAO) is responsible for ensuring that the University complies with federal, state, and local laws pertaining to equal opportunity, affirmative action, nondiscrimination, and harassment. | Read more
Learning & Development offers an array of opportunities for employee learning and professional development. Read more
Program Planning & Evaluation (PPE)
Coordinates statewide program planning, accountability and reporting on behalf of the Associate Vice President for Agriculture Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension programs. Video | Read more
Program Support Unit (PSU)
Provides programmatic support in key areas to those involved in ANR initiatives, programmatic and advocacy efforts, statewide programs, and leadership groups. Support includes coordinating all aspects of event planning, scheduling the Davis ANR Building Valley Conference Rooms, meeting support, note taking, and much more. Video | Read more
Statewide Programs and REC Operations
Top of page
Personal Responsibility
ANR employees have the right to work in an environment that promotes fairness, trust, respect, and physical and emotional safety and security. Each member plays an important role in demonstrating inclusive behavior, cooperation, professionalism, and agree to uphold the ANR Principles of Community.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Principles of Community
Members of the far-reaching UC ANR community have the right to work in an environment that promotes fairness, trust, respect, and physical and emotional safety and security. UC ANR accepts and welcomes individuals of all races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, sexes, gender expressions and identities, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, citizenships and other personal characteristics. Video | Read more (Principles of Community) | Read more (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
Compliance Training
You are required to complete these at UC Learning Center (UC Davis)
- University of California Statement of Ethical Values
- Standards of Ethical Conduct
- UC Cyber Security Awareness
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Prevention
Environmental Health & Safety
Our mission: Preventing injuries and protecting the environment by providing the best Environmental Health & Safety services to all ANR employees, volunteers, and the public.
Read more (webpage)
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs and tools to people. It encompasses workstation, tool, and work-flow design to maximize efficiency and comfort. It is used to prevent discomfort and injury associated with repetitive motions, unchanging and/or poor postures, and forceful motions or grips on objects. Read more
Ethical Values and Conduct
Members of the University of California community are committed to the highest ethical standards in furtherance of our mission of teaching, research and public service. We recognize that we hold the University in trust for the people of the State of California. Our policies, procedures, and standards provide guidance for application of the ethical values stated below in our daily life and work as members of this community. Read more
Whistleblower Hotline
The University of California takes violations of federal and state laws, and of University policy, seriously. We have selected EthicsPoint to provide a confidential means for reporting suspected misconduct. You may report your concerns online or by phone. With either method you can choose to remain anonymous. Read more
Employee Groups
Academic Assembly
The mission of the Assembly Council is to provide a forum to enhance the impacts of Cooperative Extension programs and address the professional needs of Cooperative Extension academic employees. Video | Read more
Staff Assembly
The resolve of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) Staff Assembly is to cultivate satisfied, dedicated and professional staff to work with UC ANR Senior Leadership and other members of the ANR community to promote the interest and welfare of all staff employees. Video | Read more
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Alliance
The ANR Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Alliance exists to examine our own individual and organizational complicity in racist systems and to build support for ANR to become a true multicultural and inclusive institution. Video | Read more
Employee Affinity Groups
Employee Resource Groups connect employees and foster inclusive work environments across UC ANR. If you would like to form an Employee Resource Group that does not yet exist, please contact the Director of Human Resources. Video | Read more | Black and Allied Employees flyer - (UC ANR)
- Academic Assembly Council (webpage)
- Staff Assembly (webpage)
- Employee News (webpage)
- UC ANR Portal login (webpage)
- HR Staff Help (email help desk)
- IT Help (email help desk)
- Employee directory (webpage)
- Branding ANR (webpage)
Employee Benefits
Health Insurance
UC offers employees and retirees a choice of medical plans because maintaining good benefits is important to you and it’s important to UC. Our plans have a broad choice of providers — including UC medical center doctors, hospitals and medical groups — and plan designs to fit your needs. Video | Read more
Retirement Benefits
Preparing for a successful retirement is one of the biggest financial responsibilities you’ll face. UC offers a comprehensive array of retirement benefits, savings programs and educational and counseling resources to help you plan for retirement. Video | Read more
Getting Support to Help You Thrive
Working with your supervisor
- Get clear guidelines about your role and responsibilities
- Ask questions about topics not covered during your first meeting
- Request a copy of your location’s onboarding handbook, if one is available
- During the first weeks, share with your supervisor areas in which you need training
- Be open to hear from your supervisor about areas in which you need improvement
Ask your colleagues for information they may have on:
- Public transport commute discounts, parking, carpooling
- Office culture, dress code, local restaurants and cafes
Professional Development and Learning
Be proactive for your own professional and personal growth:
- ANR Learning & Development and resources (webpages)
- ANR Career planning tools (webpage)
- UC Performance Standards
- Academic Training & Resources (webpage)
- UC Learning Center (UC Davis webpage)
Are you a people manager? Hone your management skills:
- UC People Management Certificate Series (webpage, UC Davis)
Orientation
- New Employee Administrative Orientation (webpage)
- Programmatic Orientation for New Academics (webpage)
- Safety Orientation (web page)
- UC ANR Policies (web page)
- Collective Bargaining Contracts (web page)
- Travel and Entertainment (web page)
- Acceptable Use Policy for UC supported computers, networks, video, and audio equipment (UC Davis web page)
Time Reporting System (TRS) (web page; also found in ANR Portal); meet with your local TRS coordinator to get instructions
- Travel card sign-up (UC Davis web page)
- AggieTravel and AggieTravel Training (UC Davis web page)
- AggieBuy (UC Davis web page)
- UC Davis Direct Deposit Service Direct (UC Davis web page)
- Business card ordering information
- Sign up for purchasing card, if applicable
Technology, Communication, and Access
Microsoft Outlook
- Learn how to use Outlook Mail on LinkedIn Learning (contact learninganddevelopment@ucanr.edu for an account)
Software/shared drives set up
- IT HELP (ANR Portal)
Other communication tools
- Collaborative Tools (ANR Portal)
- How to get a Zoom account (UC ANR web page)
Compensation and Benefits (What to do if you’re a new employee)
Compensation and Benefits (UCnet web page) (How to create a UC account, complete guide to health benefits, UC retirement decision guide, family member eligibility verification)
Benefits: Retirement and Health Benefits enrollment time sensitive
- Benefits of Belonging (UCnet web page)
- Medical Plan Comparison (The Best Plan for You and Your Family) (UCnet web page)
- Alex tool -This tool helps you go thru all your medical benefits and personalize based on your (family) needs. There is a Spanish version
- To go thru all the scenarios, it will take about 1 hour to complete
- At the end, it will give you a REVIEW PAGE, this can be printed out (save as PDF) for reference when you actually make the changes in UCPATH.
- To go back and explore different options/choices you can ‘RESET’ Alex and start over. You can start over and redo as many times as you need. No info will be saved or sent anywhere.
- The Alex tool will NOT enroll you in any plans. You must do that in UCPATH.
University of California System
Overview of the UC System (UCnet webpage)
- Governance of UC (UC Office of the President webpage)
- Working at UC (UCnet webpage)
- Diversity (UCnet webpage)
- UC newsletter (News and Discoveries) (UC Office of the President web page)