Dear Campus Community,
Since that day in March when we transitioned to mostly remote operations, I have looked forward to a time when we could bring more people back to campus. Today I am writing to highlight information and resources available to support our community as we work through the next phase in response and recovery.
Campus Return
As you know, for the past several weeks we have been maintaining a COVID-19 website with information on public health directives, etc. As we transition to a focus on preparing for the fall, we have created a new “Campus Return” website to serve as a hub for information about the planning for fall quarter and eventual expansion of on-campus operations. Here you will find updates about the progress of the working groups, planning documents, and latest news. If you have suggestions or ideas, you can use the feedback form to send a message to the appropriate working group.
Planning Framework
One of the key elements on the new website is the Planning Framework developed by the Public Health working group. Built on guidance from local, state, national, and international public health entities as well as UCOP, the document summarizes our campus response during phases of recovery. I would encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with this direction, which includes detail related to physical distancing, use of face coverings, telework, symptom screening, testing, and gatherings, among other topics.
Are all employees returning to campus immediately after June 19?
No. The June 19 date was originally included in the campus closure order by the Riverside County Public Health Officer. Since the closure order was rescinded in early May, UCR now falls under Gov. Newsom’s stay-at-home order, which is in Stage 2 and remains in place until further notice. Limited numbers of employees are continuing to work on campus, with a phased ramp-up of on-campus research activities taking place.
UCR employees who are able to work remotely will continue to do so unless otherwise notified by their organizational leadership. At this time, we do not have a specific schedule to repopulate the campus, and this issue is one being discussed at the UC level, and will be dependent on the fall instructional delivery decision and meeting safety/health care requirements. We will keep you updated as more information is available. If any employee has questions about their individual position they should work through their supervisor.
Virtual Office Hours with Tom Smith and Mariam Lam
Over the last few weeks, we have held Virtual Office Hours to provide updates and answer questions.
The next leadership Office Hours will occur this Friday.
6/5, 10-11 a.m.: Tom Smith, Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor; and Mariam Lam, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer
If you have not yet done so, you can register to attend by visiting the below link:
https://ucriverside.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_200lOHzcelTHpTT
As I mentioned above, I am looking forward to welcoming more people back to campus. We will continue to take steps to resume expanded operations but always, as I’ve said before, with the health and safety of our community as first priority. Thank you for your continued patience and the work you are doing to uphold our mission.