March 2020 News Archive

Fighting on the front lines of COVID-19

UC Santa Cruz alumnus Jon Mark Hirshon is an emergency doctor in Baltimore, fighting COVID-19 in a large metropolitan area that is just starting to feel the brunt

Supporting student employees during period of COVID-19

COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for us. Among those many challenges is the question of whether and how we can continue to employ students. I’m writing with thoughts related to this question.

Realignment of campus compliance organizations: Equity and Equal Protection Office

We are pleased to announce the realignment of existing campus compliance organizations into a single campus Equity and Equal Protection Office.The Office of Equity and Equal Protection will be comprised of the Title IX Office, the Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Office, the UCSC ADA Program, and the UCSC Whistleblower Program.

SHR announces tentative timeline for Talent Acquisition Management system

SHR announces tentative timeline for Talent Acquisition Management system.

Vice Chancellor Peggy Delaney retiring

Tips for working remotely

Great teams are not defined by a space, they are the synergetic power of people working together towards common goals.

Need to Complete Move-out of UCSC Residence

We are writing to urge you to promptly complete your move-out as soon as you are able to do so.

Notice of Mandatory Housing Relocation

In response to COVID-19, UC Santa Cruz has taken steps to dramatically and immediately reduce the number of people living on campus.

Emergency notification: Confirmed case of COVID-19 at UCSC

We write to share that the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency confirmed today that a student member of the UC Santa Cruz community has tested positive for COVID-19. The student lives off campus and has been self-isolating since being tested. The student was last on campus March 16 and is doing well.

Postdoctoral fellowship supports planetary science research

Elizabeth Bailey has won a 51 Pegasi b Fellowship from the Heising-Simons Foundation for research at UC Santa Cruz on exoplanets and the formation of planetary

Postdoctoral fellowship supports planetary science research

Elizabeth Baily has won a 51 Pegasi b Fellowship for research at UC Santa Cruz on exoplanets and the formation of planetary

California Sea Grant funds sustainable aquaculture project

Pallab Sarker, an associate research professor in environmental studies, has received support from the Coastal Sea Grant program to fund his research into the development of sustainable feed

Campus to host an additional scoping session for Long Range Development Plan

UC Santa Cruz has announced an additional online scoping session to provide people with another opportunity to provide public input for its Long Range Development Plan.

UCSC Zoom Service Changes

In response to COVID-19, ITS has implemented the following changes to the campus Zoom service that make it easier and safer for everyone at UCSC to connect online.

Grad student wins support for Joshua tree research

Daniel Hastings, a graduate student in environmental studies, has received a research fellowship award to support his work studying the effects of climate change on the Joshua

UCSC grad students win funding for research on salmon and coastal resilience

California Sea Grant has awarded funding to two UC Santa Cruz graduate students for research projects involving restoration of salmon populations and management strategies for resilient coastal communities.

Alumna Laura Helmuth appointed editor-in-chief of 'Scientific American'

Laura Helmuth, a graduate of the UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Program, has been named the new editor-in-chief of 'Scientific

Orin Martin recognized for 'Fruit Trees for Every Garden'

Orin Martin's book 'Fruit Trees for Every Garden' has been recognized by the American Horticultural Society as one of the outstanding gardening books of

Recruiting raptors for rodent control along the Pajaro River levee

UCSC’s Predatory Bird Research Group is working with the Santa Cruz County Flood Control District to encourage hawks and owls to patrol the levee for rodent

Thousands move out as campus transitions to remote learning

As finals week wrapped up, more than 6,800 students had notified UC Santa Cruz that they planned to move off-campus for spring quarter. Another 1,300 told housing officials

Beware of online employment scams

Sustaining community despite our distance

A deep breath is certainly in order this week. The whirlwind we’ve been swept into over the past month has been both wholly unpredictable and staggering in its breadth. My hope is that spring break gives us all a chance to exhale, to take stock of the good things in our lives, and to focus on our future beyond COVID-19. Though we have some uncertainty about when that future will come into focus, I know we will get there and that our UCSC community will be more resilient as a result of the challenges we have overcome together.

A "thank you" to our students

We write today to acknowledge the challenges you have faced over the past two weeks as we switched to remote learning and final exams, and to express our sincere gratitude for taking the changes head on. These are not easy days, and you have demonstrated resilience and patience. Thank you.

A "thank you" to our faculty

We write today to express our sincere gratitude for all that you have done and will do in the coming months to continue to provide instruction to our students.

Campus directive during statewide stay-at-home order

Our community has pulled together in positive ways in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The current Santa Cruz County and Santa Clara County shelter-in-place orders, plus last night’s statewide stay-at-home order, mandate that we be more explicit in how we respond to this growing public health challenge.

COVID-19 FAQ Working with Staff Human Resources

In light of the quantity and speed of changes affecting our campus community, Staff Human Resources has developed a page of FAQs to help all of us navigate SHR services and processes during this evolving situation.

Directive regarding remote instruction and research

We write to provide clarity regarding who should and should not be coming to work at all campus locations to perform duties related to remote instruction and research consistent with the procedures that the campus has now established for providing remote learning and essential research continuity. This directive supersedes all earlier communications.

A "thank you" to our staff

We write today to express our sincere gratitude for all that you have done and will do in the coming months to continue to support our students, our faculty, our research, and the mission of UC Santa Cruz.

Candidates for CPEVC to make virtual campus visits

As you are aware, our campus is conducting a search for a campus provost and executive vice chancellor. At the beginning of April, we plan to have three candidates visit campus "virtually," using remote technology to accommodate the shelter-in-place and social-distancing practices necessitated by COVID-19.

Campus-wide - ePerformance Launch

The UCPath staff performance appraisal management tool, ePerformance, will be rolling out to the campus in April 2020. This module will replace the previous appraisal tool (appraisals.ucsc.edu) with a secure, online evaluation platform through UCPath.

Responding to requests for campus assistance

As UC Santa Cruz continues to manage its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, campus employees may be asked directly to lend assistance and support for our local partners.

ACTION REQUIRED TODAY: Undergraduate, Graduate and Family Student Housing Tenants

In order to dramatically and immediately reduce the density on campus, we strongly urge all students who can leave campus to do so by Sunday, March 29. Travel to return to your permanent residence is encouraged and permissible.

Executive order from Governor Newsom

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a new statewide order this evening requiring residents to stay at home or at their place of residence except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. The order goes into effect tonight; no end date has been set at this time. Anyone who does leave their house should maintain a social distance of at least six feet.

Intellectual property and copyright in course materials during COVID-19 remote teaching: information and language for instructors

As faculty prepare to deliver more instruction remotely, using videoconferencing and related tools, we are providing this brief review of rules on copyright, both for protecting your own copyright, and respecting the rights of others.

CANCELLED - Planned Campuswide Electrical Shutdowns (3/21 & 3/28)

These shutdowns, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, and Saturday, March 28, have been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date. As a result, campus electrical services will not be interrupted as originally planned.

Tracking data used to identify biodiversity hot spots in Southern Ocean ecosystems

An international team of scientists used electronic tracking data from birds and marine mammals to identify areas of ecological significance in the waters around

Important information on filling out census forms

The U.S. Constitution requires the country to conduct a census every 10 years. The U.S. Census Bureau aims to have every person who lives in the country, regardless of their citizenship, fill out a census form. The results help determine federal funding for many campus areas including adult education, science education including agriculture and engineering, wellness programs, health and mental health services, and financial aid in the form of Pell Grants.

Tools for Remote Instruction

Here is information about recommended digital tools to use for Remote Instruction.

Campus Housing and Operations Update

The emergence of COVID-19 is presenting unprecedented challenges for communities all across the country. As COVID-19 mitigation actions escalate across the country, our campus is making additional changes to our operations.

Administrative leave with pay

Guidance for employees and supervisors regarding the use of paid administrative leave pursuant to President Napolitano’s Executive Order dated March 16, 2020

FAQs on Housing and Dining

Read frequently asked questions related to dining and housing.

On-Campus Parking and Transportation Update

Please be advised that effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020 through Tuesday, April 7, 2020, permit requirements for regular, non-reserved parking spaces on the residential campus, Coastal Science Campus and Westside Research Park will be temporarily suspended.

New understanding of immune modulator interleukin-2 guides drug discovery

A new study shows how IL-2’s flexible structure governs its effects on the immune system, providing crucial information for harnessing its therapeutic

How to #keepteaching and #keeplearning during a pandemic

Jody Greene is eager—almost desperate—to help her colleagues who are facing the unprecedented challenge of shifting to remote instruction for the entire spring quarter.

Temporary cessation of non-essential on-campus research operations

As you know, we are in the midst of a dangerous global pandemic and the County of Santa Cruz has issued a Shelter in Place Order for all residents. For the safety of our campus community, we are now in the process of winding down all but essential on-campus operations.

Do not use thermal heating packs on campus

Police and fire officials urge students who remain in campus housing to avoid the use of thermal heating packs to heat food.

UC Santa Cruz campus was ready for its close-up

Producers of 'Devs,' the new sci-fi thriller that premiered March 5 on Hulu, were looking for just the right location to depict a high-tech corporate campus with a

ALL remote instruction for spring quarter and changes in library hours

I write today to announce that the suspension of in-person instruction, lectures and discussion sections, extended to the full spring quarter, will include all labs, studios, field research, and field study courses.

Timing is key for parents who want to help children learn at museums, say researchers

Children's museums can be a challenging environment for parents who feel the urge to explain the science behind all the novel activities that dazzle youngsters. New research suggests

Two programs will support undergrads in research, service learning, and peer mentoring

Undergraduates in the Division of Social Sciences will soon benefit from two programs that will provide paid opportunities to do research, engage in service learning, and mentor their

Operational changes to Dining Services - March 16 - 20, 2020

In Memoriam: J. Casey Moore (1945–2020)

Casey Moore, professor emeritus of Earth and planetary sciences, died on Wednesday, March 11.

Study shows widely used machine learning methods don’t work as claimed

Researchers demonstrated the mathematical impossibility of representing social networks and other complex networks using popular methods of ‘low-dimensional

At-home Internet Options for UCSC

In preparation to study and work from home and other remote locations in spring quarter, it is important that we have fast and reliable internet service. Several internet providers are offering free or special offers because of the impacts of COVID-19. Students may want to check their local provider for any student discounts.

In Memoriam: Lloyd Robinson (1929–2020)

Lloyd Burdette Robinson died peacefully in his sleep on March 12, 2020. He was

Campus operations impacted by Shelter in Place Order through April 7

In light of new actions by the county health officer, UC Santa Cruz is announcing changes that will apply to campus operations at its locations in Santa Cruz County.

Spring 2020 Intent to Vacate / Express Checkout Process

As outlined earlier today by Chancellor Larive, remote instruction for lecture and discussion sections, originally announced through April 3, will extend for the entire spring quarter.

COVID-19 operational changes extending into spring quarter

As outlined earlier today by Chancellor Larive, remote instruction for lecture and discussion sections, originally announced through April 3, will extend for the entire spring quarter.

UCSC to adopt remote instruction for duration of the spring quarter

I write today to announce that the suspension of in-person instruction, lectures and discussion sections is now extended to the full spring quarter. We also will continue with remote final exams at the end of spring quarter, June 8-12.

Guidance for Responding to Reports of COVID-19 exposures and/or positive test results

We write to offer guidance for when you hear from staff who are concerned about exposure to COVID-19, who are being tested for COVID-19, and/or who may have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in their close community of relatives and friends.

New book debunks myths about who causes crime and why

Craig Haney, a distinguished professor of psychology, is the author of the new book Criminality in Context: The Psychological Foundations of Criminal Justice Reform, a comprehensive analysis of

Instructional Computer Labs and Computing Stations Update - COVID-19 Impact

This morning, ITS closed some of the instructional computer labs because we are taking preventative measures against COVID-19 and asked our student workers to follow guidance from

UCSC thin-film expertise to help develop NASA’s next generation of space telescopes

Engineer Nobuhiko Kobayashi's expertise in thin-film technology could improve the performance of NASA’s next generation of space

Changes to vision talk format for Vice Chancellor of University Relations candidates

In order to align with the COVID-19 public event guidance issued yesterday, we are canceling the Vice Chancellor of University Relations candidate in-person vision talks scheduled to take place this month.

COVID-19 Guidance for supervisors and managers

Working during this unusual time in response to the COVID-19 emergency requires flexibility and modifications to our normal practices. This message addresses several temporary changes we are making to our regular human resources policies to ensure we are maximizing the safety of our community members while continuing to deliver on our educational and research mission.

Astronomers use slime mold model to reveal dark threads of the cosmic web

The problem-solving prowess of a simple slime mold has been harnessed to trace the large-scale structure of the

Research shows mangrove conservation can pay for itself in flood protection

A new global study shows that mangroves provide billions of dollars worth of flood risk reduction benefits every

Operational changes in response to COVID-19 virus

As outlined earlier this morning by Chancellor Larive, UC Santa Cruz is making adjustments to the delivery of classes and the administration of final exams in response to the COVID-19 virus. While we do not have a confirmed case on campus, there are confirmed cases in Santa Cruz County, and we are working to be proactive in supporting the health and safety of our campus community.

Suspension of in-person classes and final exams

Earlier today, the Chancellor announced new actions designed to help limit coronavirus (COVID-19) risk on campus. In recent days we have seen the continued spread of COVID-19 around the world and now here in Santa Cruz County.

URGENT: UC Santa Cruz suspending in-person classes in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Today we are implementing new campus actions designed to help limit coronavirus (COVID-19) risk on campus. Importantly, there are no confirmed cases on our campus at this time; however, we recently learned that a second case has been identified in Santa Cruz County and the number of cases in neighboring Santa Clara County continues to rise.

Grad student Melissa Cronin wins Seafood Sustainability Contest

The $45,000 prize will support Cronin’s efforts to to reduce the mortality of manta rays and devil rays incidentally caught during tuna

Pandemics expert: We need leadership, creative thinking, and government accountability as coronavirus spreads

Pulitzer Prize-winning science reporter Laurie Garrett calls for communities to work together to cope with the coronavirus, caring for the most vulnerable and fighting back against misinformation.

Preparing for possible campus suspension of in-person instruction and examinations

As outlined in a previous campus communication, UCSC is continuing to take precautionary steps to prepare the campus for scenarios where COVID-19 makes large gatherings unsafe.

Encouraging responsible communication on COVID-19

We understand there is a lot of information on the news and in social media surrounding the COVID-19 (coronavirus), and we wanted to ensure you know that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus. Any social media speculation about confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus is incorrect. 

Systemwide review of revised UC policy on Protection of Human Subjects in Research

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on proposed revisions to Presidential Policy on Protection of Human Subjects in Research.

UC Santa Cruz preparation for coronavirus

Though there are no confirmed cases of the virus here on our campus, the first confirmed case could very well happen on campus at any time. We want to be as prepared as possible so we can move quickly should we need to.

Taking a moment to say thank you

We want to take a moment to thank you for all you do to support our campus community.

Update on grade withholding and spring quarter enrollments

I want to recognize your continued patience as we work through the effects of the unsanctioned graduate student strike. This has been a difficult year — you endured power outages in the fall, and more recently the withholding of fall quarter grades, and now the winter quarter teaching strike which has impeded your access to classes, sections, and labs. You have faced significant disruption and uncertainty over the past three months.

Update on COVID-19 (coronavirus)

UC Santa Cruz leaders continue to closely monitor the dynamic COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation and are in regular communication with local and state health officials. Your health and wellbeing are our number one priority and we are doing all we can to support a safe and healthy environment for everyone in our campus community.

Campus power shutdowns on March 21 and 28

The campus must install and test equipment for the new photovoltaic system. To complete this work, a power shutdown is required. On both March 21 and March 28, campus power will be shut off, allowing contractors to install and test all the equipment required to connect the photovoltaic system to the campus power grid.

Mapping it out

A book by two Science Communication Program alumni celebrates the human fascination with maps, displaying more than 200 maps across history (and even fiction) and exploring the intriguing

Fun Run returns to Alumni Weekend

The fourth annual Fun Run is a chance for alumni, family, friends, staff, faculty, and community members to run through the rolling campus’s iconic

Interview for VC-UR finalists

UC Santa Cruz is recruiting for a vice chancellor of University Relations. In the next few weeks, four finalists for the position will participate in interviews on campus.

Maintaining educational continuity in the context of COVID-19

We write to share best practices for instructors and academic units, for the educational benefit of our students. The goal of this preparation and planning is to minimize educational impacts should participation in coursework become difficult for health reasons for academic staff or students. If you encounter challenges, please consult with your department/program chair or college provost. Units should work closely with their dean’s office.

Elaine Sullivan uses 3D technologies to peel away the layers of history

A new "born-digital" publication by UC Santa Cruz associate history professor Elaine Sullivan takes a fresh look at the ancient Egyptian burial site of Saqqara to demonstrate how

Genomics Institute COVID-19 Precautions

In an abundance of caution, UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute staff have been advised to telecommute this week, and to avoid the university’s Westside Research Park facility at 2300 Delaware Ave.

Karen Holl publishes a "primer" on ecological restoration

Karen Holl has introduced hundreds of undergraduates to ecological restoration, and now she has published the book she wishes had been available when she first stepped into the

Information sessions set for March 12 to review LRDP Environmental Impact Report process

Public agencies and members of the public are invited to two scoping sessions to learn more about the environmental review process for the UC Santa Cruz proposed Long Range Development Plan

Presentation on zombie insects wins Grad Slam top award

Engineer Heiner Litz wins NSF CAREER Award for data storage research

Heiner Litz, assistant professor of computer science and engineering, has received a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation

Comments on a proposed revision to Presidential Policy Business and Finance Bulletin G-28: Travel Regulations