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September 17, 2020
The purpose of this weekly newsletter is to provide the campus community with important updates and recent news related to the Return to Learn program. If you have specific questions or would like to submit feedback about the program, please email rtl@ucsd.edu.

In Case You Missed It

Voluntary COVID-19 Smartphone Notification Program 

UC San Diego is partnering with the State of California on a new, voluntary pilot program that uses Apple and Google smartphone technology to quickly notify individuals when a COVID-19 exposure may have occurred. The program will launch on campus later this month.

Resources for Parents of School-Aged Children

Recognizing that many staff parents are exploring options for their school-aged children due to school closures, we’ve curated a list of regional resources, including financial assistance, subsidies and childcare options. 

What To Expect From Student Life This Fall

For our students, life outside of the classroom is just as important as their academic life. While things will be different this quarter, UC San Diego is committed to providing a robust experience for students, whether on campus or remote.

Upcoming Town Halls

Zoom meeting illustration

Faculty Town Hall

Friday, Sept. 18, 2:30 p.m.
Join us as campus leaders share updates on the Return to Learn program and address your questions related to campus operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff Town Hall | Thursday, Sept. 24, 3:00 p.m.

Student Town Hall | Thursday, Oct. 8, 5:00 p.m.

Your Top Questions Answered

Question: If there is an outbreak on campus, will students have to leave our residence halls and go home?
Answer: In the event of an outbreak, we will follow the instructions of State and County public health officials. At this time, we do not plan to send students home in the event of an outbreak. We have processes in place to quickly test large numbers of individuals, manage contact tracing efforts, isolate sick students, and quarantine potentially exposed students and/or employees. It is important to remember that since the beginning of the pandemic, UC San Diego has continued to house thousands of students in on-campus residences.  
Question: Will there be more flexible options for staff to continue to work from home after we start returning to campus?
Answer: Yes, the campus understands that for many employees it may be difficult to return to exactly how they used to work before the pandemic. Individual units will need to determine what will be most appropriate for their staff using the principles of the Return to Campus Task Force, which includes guidance for units asking staff to return to on-campus work only when it is necessary that their work be done on campus. Staff who can work remotely should continue to work remotely unless there is a reason why staff should return to working on campus. In addition, the campus has required a reduced campus density, which follows state and county mandates. Ultimately, employees will need flexible options and the University understands that staff will be looking for ways to find a balanced return to working on-site and remotely.
Question: What are the consequences for not complying with public safety requirements on campus?
Answer: We are counting on the members of our campus community to comply with the campus safety requirements to promote the health and welfare of all. We prefer to address those individuals that are putting the campus community at risk through education first, but the campus reserves the right to address continued non-compliance through progressive engagement and discipline, in accordance with appropriate policies and processes for students, faculty, and staff. See more information under Engagement and Intervention.
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