Dear Campus Community,

As we continue to navigate the pandemic, we are announcing a new structure to manage through the next phase of COVID-19 related guidelines, operations, and implementation of policies. The new COVID coordination group will replace the current structure, which included working groups for Instructional Continuity, Research Ramp-Up, Operational Continuity, Student Services, and COVID Management.

The COVID coordination group will be charged with coordinating campus-wide implementation of evolving COVID public health mandates, conducting research to inform policy, and implementing executive policy decisions. 

Additionally, as conditions shift, we are continuing to move from acute triaging to longer-lasting response. In support of this change, the new group will also help determine where and how the ongoing work of the pandemic is managed in units and departments across campus. 

Members of the COVID coordination group are as follows:

Lead: Ken Baerenklau, Associate Provost 

David Bergquist, Office of Legal Affairs

Johnny Cruz, University Communications 

Emily Engelschall, Enrollment Services

Sheila Hedayati, Environmental Health & Safety

Scott Heil, Institutional Research

John Stephen Henderson, Human Resources

Christine Mata, Dean of Students

Katina Napper, Academic Personnel

Linda Reimann, School of Medicine

Linda Roney, School of Medicine

Heidi Scribner, Auxiliary Services

Sue Tintorer, Human Resources

Denise Woods, Health, Well-being and Safety

The new group will continue to receive support from the Public Health Advisory Group, a group of physicians who advise on evolving health and safety guidelines and how best to implement local, state, and federal requirements. Members of that group include: 

Dr. Andres Gonzalez, Chief Medical Officer for UCR Health

Dr. Ken Han, Chief Medical Officer for Student Health Services 

Dr. Asma Jafri, Family Medicine

Dr. Nathan McLaughlin, Family Medicine

Thank you to each member of the former working groups that helped us problem-solve around a long list of challenges over the last 22 months. Your work made possible our progress in moving to remote operations, returning to campus, and keeping our community safe. We are grateful for your work.