From the Desk of Willie Brown V7N3
In the first issue of The Compass
Your Journey through the Latest News and Events from HDAE
Welcome to The Compass, Housing, Dining & Auxiliary Enterprises newsletter. From the latest HDAE news and events, to innovative programs enhancing the student experience, we cover it all. For questions, or to submit article ideas, contact us at compass@housing.ucsb.edu.
In the first issue of The Compass
During the holiday season, the Materiel & Logistics team, part of Distribution and Logistical Services and led by Brad Gray, demonstrated how operational efficiency and teamwork can make a profound impact outside their day-to-day work in Residential Operations.
Noor Akil, Catering Supervisor
David Alvarado, Sr. Parking Representative
Register for upcoming Learning & Development events here.
Learn more about these events here.
Happy Holidays!
As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many accomplishments we’ve achieved together in 2024. This has been a year filled with challenges, growth, and incredible teamwork, and I am truly inspired by all that we’ve accomplished as Housing, Dining & Auxiliary Enterprises.
It’s that time again - time to hear from you about what is working well in our organization and where we can improve.
After ten years of successful partnership, we will work with McLean & Company to launch our 2025 Employee Engagement Survey. McLean, an independent human resources research firm, is able to ensure that all responses remain anonymous, creating a unique opportunity to provide candid feedback on the health of our organization.
Learning something new isn’t just fun and good for your career—it’s great for your brain! Trying something new, like taking a class or learning a hobby, helps keep your mind sharp and your memory strong – consider it a workout for your brain! Plus, learning boosts your confidence, making it easier to tackle challenges at work and in life.
Welcome back to The Compass! For those new to HDAE, this staff newsletter includes articles about departmental happenings, shares the comings and goings of our colleagues, and highlights fun information like recent photos and upcoming events. After taking a break in the summer, we look forward to sharing updates each quarter about the incredible work happening across HDAE, led by you, our dedicated staff.
On August 5, 40 HDAE leaders came together for a one-day Strategic Planning Reset. The retreat was designed to re-energize, reimagine, and refocus our collective efforts as HDAE prepares for significant changes over the next five years. With two new residential complexes set to welcome 3,500 more students and approximately 100 new staff members by 2029, this was a timely and important event. The day was highly productive, sparking fresh ideas, fostering deeper collaboration, and laying a clear foundation for the future.
Read moreAll Eyes on 2029 – Reimagine, Revitalize, Reconnect, Reshape: Strategic Planning Reset
What do you get when you mix equal parts overnight accommodations, seamless event planning, and top-rated food & beverage in a stunning seaside location? The answer is in the title - a recipe for success!
Read moreConference & Hospitality Services and Campus Dining: A Recipe for Success