I want to take a moment to thank our campus community for showing great patience and understanding through a difficult day.
This morning brought uncertainty about our ability to deliver courses, provide food service, and more, as well as moments of contention. I recognize the anxiety felt by some members of our campus as they passed through entrances. I appreciate their commitment to helping ensure we fulfill our mission.
Campus employees should immediately notify their supervisors if they feel threatened, harassed, or intimidated about crossing a picket line, or if they are prevented from working by picketers or striking employees. In cases of emergency, please dial 9-1-1
The campus also has support resources for faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program and for students through Counseling and Psychological Services.
Most importantly, today was largely peaceful—for both demonstrators and people entering campus. Police, however, did need to make two arrests, one for obstructing an officer and another for felony assault on an officer.
As we look toward tomorrow with additional labor demonstrations, I encourage everyone to stay updated by checking email, ucsc.edu/advisory, and 459-INFO. We will also share major updates via CruzAlert to help keep everyone informed.
As previously mentioned, faculty should communicate via email with students to discuss contingency plans, should access to campus be limited.
Additionally, staff members should remain in contact with supervisors and managers to discuss their schedules and work locations.
I hope the union and the University of California will soon return to the bargaining table and reach an agreement so that we can all refocus our attention on what we care most about—serving and supporting our students as they pursue a higher education.
