2020  COVID-19 campus messages

Public Safety - Health Notification - COVID-19 Positive Case Notification

I write to let you know that three staff members working in the Colleges Nine and Ten Dining Hall have tested positive for COVID-19 over a 14 day period.

Regional stay-at-home order goes into effect for Santa Cruz County, update on COVID-19 vaccine policy, vaccine distribution planning

I want to share updates on a new stay-at-home order that is going into effect for Santa Cruz County at 11:59 p.m. tonight, and UC’s developing plans around a vaccine policy and distribution.

New regional stay-at-home order framework released by Gov. Newsom

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge across the state, a new regional stay-at-home order framework is being implemented by Gov. Gavin Newsom to help slow the virus’s spread and ensure that medical systems have the capacity to serve those in need of care.

Holiday travel and guidance to support a healthy Slug community

The holiday season is usually a time when our Slugs gather with family and friends, and many of us travel to spend time with loved ones. This year, as we face the COVID-19 pandemic, there are other serious considerations we must take into account.

Campus publishes reports on CARES Act funding

UC Santa Cruz has published two reports summarizing how it has used funding received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Rolling out new telecommuting tools

While in many cases, remote work is situational and will eventually return to working on-site, there are other cases in which working remotely, part-time or full-time, can be a long-term model for our employees.

Temporary Employee Redeployment Program

As another academic year begins, the campus moves forward during times of continued uncertainty. We know that campus operations have adjusted to fewer students, no in-person events, reduced travel, and a host of other changes in response to COVID-19, and as a result, many units are facing service level impacts and reduction in workload.

Winter 2021 Instruction and Housing Planning

We are so pleased about the start of the fall quarter and could not be more grateful as we begin another academic year together. So many people have worked hard to welcome students, propel our research mission, and support high-quality instruction during this unique time.

COVID-19 information forum

The next UC Santa Cruz COVID-19 Information Forum will be on Friday, October 23 from 9:30–11 a.m.

Update on COVID-19 planning and testing

Whether you are physically on campus or working, teaching and learning remotely, we want to ensure you are updated on the latest campus COVID-19 planning efforts.

What fall will look like at the UCSC campus

Our campus is taking an extremely conservative tack, among the most conservative in the country. Of the roughly 1,500 courses we will offer this quarter, only six will be held on campus, comprising just 54 students. The rest will be offered remotely, with students logging in to classes from wherever they are located.

Interim Public Health Policy (Policy BAS-0011)

The campus community’s response to the CZU Lightning Fire demonstrated how our individual actions collectively enable us to accomplish a monumental task to support the health and safety of the Banana Slug community.

Adapting our fall housing plans

Chancellor Cynthia Larive update

Issuance of state higher education guidance

Friday afternoon, the California Department of Public Health released its guidance for institutions of higher education. This information provides clarity on some of the critical mitigations that California campuses must have in place as they work to resume additional on-site operations.

New flu vaccination requirement for UC students, faculty and staff

To support the health and well-being of UC students, faculty and staff and our communities, the University of California, in consultation with UC Health leadership, has issued a systemwide executive order requiring all members of the UC community to receive an influenza immunization before Nov. 1, 2020.

COVID-19 Planning Update

I write to share the latest information on the campus COVID-19 planning efforts. I continue to be grateful to every member of our Slug community as you persist through these challenging times. You continue to support our students and the many facets of our mission and operations, while also navigating personal and family challenges and obligations.

Campus to host information forum on COVID-19 recovery, resiliency

UC Santa Cruz will hold an information forum on COVID-19 recovery and resiliency planning efforts from 9:30–11 a.m. on Aug. 7.

COVID-19 Planning Update

Over the past four months, every member of our Banana Slug community has been impacted by COVID-19. In spite of the personal impacts of the pandemic, we have seen countless faculty and staff, whether remote or in-person, demonstrate their passion and commitment to our campus mission and to our students.

Campus budget update

As we near the end of the fiscal year, I want to update you on what we know at this time about the University of California system and the UC Santa Cruz campus budget outlooks and what that means for our faculty and staff.

On-site Employees Required to Participate in COVID-19 Daily Symptom Check

As part of our continued campus COVID-19 operational in-person resumption activities and in alignment with University of California Consensus Standards for Operation and other state and county guidance, UC Santa Cruz will provide a mechanism for daily COVID-19 symptom screening for all employees who will be working on-site at a UCSC owned or leased property.

Planning for Academic Year 2020–2021

I write to update you about our plans to welcome students back to the campus for fall, as county and state public health guidelines permit. Through all of our planning efforts, our goals are to strengthen our community connections, prioritize public health and wellbeing, promote equitable access to education, and commit to high quality instruction and student support.

COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Planning Update

The following serves as an update on the planning approach for the resumption of in-person operations at the residential campus, Westside Research Park, Coastal Science Campus, and the Scotts Valley Center.

Results from COVID-19 employee experiences survey

UC Santa Cruz has received the results of the COVID-19 experiences survey that was administered in April.

On-Campus Permit Requirement Update

Effective June 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, permit requirements for regular, non-reserved parking spaces on campus, including the Coastal Sciences Campus and the Westside Research Park facility (2300 Delaware), will continue to be temporarily suspended.

Time management in challenging circumstances

Working from home, working with distractions, and working with greater demands for productivity are all the norm right now. Consciously prioritizing and planning your work can relieve stress, free up more time and help you prioritize and realize your goals. Join us in conversation, and share what you’ve learned about remote work.

Letter from President Napolitano

I am writing to update you on several key decisions the Chancellors and I have agreed to which are difficult, but necessary in order to respond to the significant financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on UC and the ongoing budgetary uncertainties we face.

A network of support for preventing and responding to sexual and relationship violence

I write today to raise awareness of resources available during the COVID-19 crisis to prevent and respond to sexual and relationship violence and to support survivors. Experiencing violence or harassment is always a complex and painful experience and there is assistance and support both on campus and in your individual communities.

Planning for the Ramp-up of UCSC Research

With the release of Governor Newsom’s four-stage plan for reopening businesses and schools and even more recent statement about moving to early stage 2 of reopening on May 8, it is time to discuss UCSC’s gradual ramp-up of research operations.

Call for Online Course Proposals for Fall 2020

In order to best prepare our instructional capacity and quality for some continuation of remote instruction in the fall, the campus seeks proposals from faculty to develop fully online courses to be offered in Fall 2020.

Updated Santa Cruz County order allows more businesses to open

Santa Cruz County issued on May 6 an updated Shelter-in-Place Order allowing local businesses to conduct limited reopenings as Gov. Gavin Newsom launches Stage 2 of his Reopening Roadmap.

Commencement Updates

The class of 2020 deserves a celebration. Our graduating seniors are demonstrating such resilience in the face of an unprecedented final year of college and have set an example for our campus of success and camaraderie.

COVID-19 Impacts on Graduate Education

Graduate Council is concerned about the impacts ofCOVID-19 on your welfare and academics. As communicated in our April 29, 2020 letter to graduate program directors, coordinators, and cc’d to the GSA leadership, we have implemented several temporary changes to policies within the authority of Graduate Council to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and better support graduate students and their academic progress.

Supporting our students with CARES funding

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed into law in early April provides UC Santa Cruz with $19.3 million to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic on the university and its students. At least half of the institution’s allocation will go directly to students via the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) to help with expenses related to COVID-19, including costs for housing, food, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare.

Recovery planning

I am so grateful to our staff and faculty for your dedication to our campus, our students, and our mission. You have continually modeled innovation and hard work as we face unprecedented challenges as our campus continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Remaining inclusive, even while apart

We want to start this message by acknowledging the camaraderie, compassion, and generosity of spirit that the UC Santa Cruz community has largely shown over the past several weeks

Santa Cruz County updates shelter-in-place order

UC Santa Cruz continues to address the challenges created by COVID-19. I want to thank everyone in our campus community for their patience during this difficult time. Public health continues to be our top priority.

On-Campus Permit Requirement Update

Effective May 4, 2020 through May 31, 2020, permit requirements for regular, non-reserved parking spaces on campus, including the Coastal Sciences Campus and the Westside Research Park facility (2300 Delaware), will continue to be temporarily suspended.

Information about fall quarter 2020

We understand that many students have questions about campus plans for the fall 2020 quarter, and we want to share as much information with you as possible while we observe the progress of the current pandemic.

New county order on face coverings

Santa Cruz County issued a new order today that requires staff and patrons at essential businesses to wear face coverings to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The order is effective at 11:59 p.m. on April 24, 2020 and will continue to be in effect until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the county health officer.

Upcoming COVID-19 experiences survey

Starting Friday, April 24, invitations to complete a COVID-19 experiences survey will go out to faculty and staff on behalf of Chancellor Cynthia Larive.

Radical Resilience small grants program

In this time of global crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic, immense uncertainty, and stress, we are launching the Radical Resilience small grants program.

Campus directive - restrictions on select trails and recreational spaces

Be advised that the campus is lifting some access and location restrictions while still maintaining closures of some locations.

Delaying annual performance appraisals

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty about the future. It has also posed challenges and altered the work priorities of some staff members. This in turn has impacts on many of the annual goals that were identified by staff members at the outset of this year’s performance review cycle

Law enforcement efforts for public health order and “4-20"

On March 31, 2020, the Santa Cruz County Health Officer extended the previously issued Public Health Order (PHO), which is at least in effect through May 3, 2020. This order applies to UC Santa Cruz as well.

Sad news about our campus employee

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that the campus shuttle driver who we had reported had tested positive for COVID-19 died earlier today of complications related to the virus at a local hospital.

UCSC transit driver tests positive for COVID-19

UC Santa Cruz was notified late Saturday that an employee who works in Transportation and Parking Services as a campus shuttle driver tested positive for COVID-19. Our thoughts are with this employee and their family. We wish them a quick recovery.

Commencement updates

Commencement is one of the best events of the year and recognizes the incredible accomplishments of our students as well as the communities that support our students’ success including staff and faculty members, families and friends. Because our campus will continue remote instruction through summer, we will not be able to come together as we traditionally do in June for in-person celebrations.

Clarification of UCSC policy and expectations on funding researchers during the temporary cessation of non-essential on-campus research due to COVID-19

Over the past several weeks you have received a number of memos regarding employee pay during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are writing to further clarify UC policy and expectations with respect to pay for researchers during the temporary cessation of non-essential on-campus research due to COVID-19.

Summer Session — Remote Instruction for 2020

UC Santa Cruz will continue remote delivery of instruction through Summer Session 2020. Given what we know now, remote instruction is our best choice for the summer ahead.

Campus emergency directive closes trails and recreational spaces through April 15

Effective immediately, all UCSC campus trails and recreational spaces are closed and prohibited for use through April 15, 2020.

County temporarily closes parks, trails, beaches; CDC & California Department of Public Health recommend face coverings

Santa Cruz County has announced the temporary closure of all public parks, trails, trailheads and beaches from 11:59 p.m. April 8 to April 15. This new order is a supplement to the county’s existing shelter-in-place order.

Campus emergency directive closes trails and recreational spaces through April 15

Effective immediately, all UCSC campus trails and recreational spaces are closed and prohibited for use through April 15, 2020. Closure signs (in English and Spanish) are currently being posted at trailheads and recreational spaces (an initial list of locations is below and additional areas may receive signage). This directive follows the county's order to fight the spread of COVID-19 by sheltering in place. Please do your part, shelter in place, and only leave home to conduct essential activities.

On-campus parking refunds update

As you may have already seen from an earlier communication, parking permit requirements for regular, non-reserved parking spaces on campus, including the Coastal Sciences Campus and the Westside Research Park facility (2300 Delaware), will be temporarily suspended until May 3rd.

Important information regarding residential relocation

On Sunday, March 29th, you received a notification that you may be required to move from your current campus residence to another space on campus for the remainder of the spring quarter. While the exact date of relocation and details related to your specific assignment have not yet been determined, we want to share more with you about why these moves are necessary.

On-campus permit requirement update

Effective April 8, 2020 through May 3, 2020, permit requirements for regular, non-reserved parking spaces on campus, including the Coastal Sciences Campus and the Westside Research Park facility (2300 Delaware), will continue to be temporarily suspended.

Spring quarter updates

The focused effort and flexibility our community has displayed in the transition to remote teaching, learning, and research for the final weeks of winter quarter, and now spring quarter, has been remarkable. Your instructors and the many staff members who support students and research at UC Santa Cruz have worked incredibly hard to ensure we can continue to carry out our mission.

Condemning online prejudice

We are deeply saddened and disappointed to hear about multiple instances of racist and offensive disruptions to class sessions held via Zoom. This behavior causes real harm and is not tolerated on our campus.

A message to the UC community

We write today to acknowledge a new reality and to announce our decision to do all we can to support our UC family during this unprecedented time.

Updated guidance on campus operations based on extended Shelter in Place Order issued by the Santa Cruz Health Department

The UC Santa Cruz community continues to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are being proactive in maximizing physical distancing, while maintaining the critical operations needed to support students and employees who continue to live on campus, to facilitate remote learning, and to ensure the campus infrastructure is maintained and campus facilities are safe.

Moving Services to Pack and Ship Belongings

If you have already left campus and are unable to return to retrieve your belongings personally, you may need to contract with a personal moving service to pack your belongings and ship them to you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Updates and information on the coronavirus (COVID-19)

For now, the most important thing is for you to do is stay home and seek medical care if you’re feeling sick, especially if you develop a cough or a high temperature. Students should call the Student Health Center at 831-459-2591 for instructions on self-care or to make an appointment.

2019 Novel Coronavirus

This letter serves to update everyone with accurate information obtained from the CDC and state communicable disease specialists.

Limiting non-essential travel to China

To protect the health of the university community in the midst of a dynamic situation with the coronavirus, the UC Office of the President has directed that faculty, staff, and students should avoid all non-essential travel to China.

Campus health officials closely monitoring coronavirus

UC Santa Cruz health officials are closely monitoring the coronavirus and, in coordination with county officials, preparing to manage any outbreaks in our campus community.

Information about the coronavirus

We know that many of you are concerned about the recent appearance of the coronavirus. Although there have been no confirmed cases on campus, we want to provide you with some information about how to protect your health.