From the Graduate Dean and the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
From the Graduate Dean and the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Guidelines and Resources for Graduate Students during the COVID-19 Emergency
Dear Graduate Students,
As you know, the campus continues to respond to the ever-evolving situation with the coronavirus and is sending out regular updates and recommendations. Yesterday’s email from the Chancellor included a line urging students who can safely leave to do so and to take all of their personal items from their university-owned housing.
We understand that graduate students are differently situated than undergraduates and there is no requirement or expectation that graduate students will move out of either San Clemente Villages or the family housing complexes. The campus remains open and operational and many students, including undergraduate students, will remain in campus housing. 
We suggest that every graduate student assess their own situation and use their judgement as to the best course of action, taking into account personal and family considerations, as well as their academic and research needs. We recommend that advanced doctoral students consult with their dissertation advisors. The Office of Research put out useful guidelines on research continuity and planning for COVID-19, that can also be consulted.
To further address student questions, a campus call center has been set up and will be available today (Sunday 3/15) from 12:30 noon. to 2 p.m. and tomorrow (3/16) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. That number is: 805-893-3000.
As the campus moves to remote instruction for Spring Quarter, although there may be some adjustments in course formats and curriculum, faculty will continue to need the Teaching Assistants assigned to their classes. Teaching Assistants should stay in touch with the faculty teaching the courses to which they have been assigned to discuss how teaching will be delivered. Please be assured that no Teaching Assistant will have their appointment cancelled due to courses being moved to remote formats, or even cancelled. We will need graduate student instructors more than ever as we adjust to remote instruction during this emergency situation, and there will be new needs for graduate student teaching assistance across campus. Graduate students who were appointed as Teaching Associates should contact their department chairs to discuss arrangements for their courses. Please see the message that EVC Marshall sent to faculty and instructors yesterday.
Information on COVID 19 can be found at these websites: CDC guidelines, Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, UCSB Student Health, University of California guidance, U.S. Department of State. All students enrolled in UC SHIP can access LiveHealth Online for telemedicine and counseling (connect via smartphone, tablet or computer; no referral needed and no copays). CAPS remains open and is continuing to hold appointments.
In this dynamic situation, it is essential that everyone maintain clear and open communications, especially with instructors and research supervisors. Please keep in close contact with your departments and faculty. This situation is developing very quickly. Again, we encourage you to use maximum flexibility and work with your department.
Thank you for all you do and your many contributions to the campus. 
Carol Genetti
Graduate Dean
Margaret Klawunn
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

QUESTIONS?
CALL THE CAMPUS CALL CENTER AT 805-893-3000.

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