Is there anything that you can do to help UC employees "watch dog" our UCRS pension fund to protect it from unethical management? The recent allegations in the news are very alarming to those of us sitting at our desks, doing our job day after day - feeling powerless and wondering how the blatant mismanagement of our pension fund can really be allowed to continue.

Dynes: I appreciate your concerns, and I can assure you that our pension investments are secure, well-governed and performing well, as is noted in the above article. A healthy and well-managed UCRP is one of our highest priorities – it is critical to not only attracting and retaining needed employees, but also rewarding our employees’ dedication and many contributions to the University. The questions about conflicts of interest and other management issues raised by a recent news article are unfounded, and I'd encourage you, and all employees, to read the material we developed on this subject at http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/employees/policies_employee_labor_relations/news_events/ea_factsheet.pdf Lastly, we encourage employee input, and while there are numerous existing opportunities for employees to participate in discussions regarding UCRP matters, we are continuing to explore ways to enhance employee participation even further.

How often do you hear from employees who are happy? I am. I have worked at UCSF as a nurse for 25 years, and I am pleased with the direction being taken by leadership. Patient care and financial viability have been the central focus of the medical center in recent years, and I believe these are essential to our success. I feel now, more than ever, we have a sound future.

Thank you for your note. More importantly, thank you for your dedication to patients and to the people of California. It's important for us all to remember what an incredible place UC is, and that at the end of the day it is about service to people. It is people like you who help make our medical centers and the university great.