May 2021
Gaucho Parents & Family Newsletter
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Hello, Gaucho parents & families!
As we approach the end of the 2020-2021 school term, we want to thank our parent & family community for your support of UCSB students during a unique and challenging year. In this newsletter, we highlight the most recent updates from Chancellor Yang, new Commencement information, and much more.
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Please note that all information shared in this email is subject to change.
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- Participate in #UCSBDefined during May 10th-14th
During this week of #UCSBDefined, we’ll explore what it means to be part of the UC Santa Barbara community while raising support for inspired teaching, innovative research, and successful UCSB graduates. Follow along on social media to learn what drives our community of alumni, students, and friends, and cheer us on as we work towards 2,021 donors for 2021!
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| Chancellor Yang's Fall 2021 Update
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Chancellor Yang recently sent out an email to UCSB students updating them on the latest Fall 2021 news. Here are some highlights from that message:
- UCSB plans to return to in-person instruction. Chancellor Yang stated "that while we plan to resume as much in-person instruction as possible, some of our largest lecture courses will need to be offered with a remote component. We are looking forward to welcoming our students back to campus in the fall if conditions allow; at the same time, our faculty and staff colleagues are working on various instructional options should we need to provide remote instruction."
The university is planning to open student housing at the full or near-full capacity allowed by the state. The university is "creating a priority system that will offer campus-based housing to first-year students, though placement is not guaranteed. We will also prioritize the housing needs of our second-year students, first-year transfers, and students with demonstrated need. Our graduate student and family student housing will continue to operate at regular capacity, as it has throughout the year."
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- Memorial Day: May 31 (University Holiday)
- Final Exams: June 5-11
- Grad Walk: June 7-10
- Spring Quarter Ends: June 11
- Online Commencement Ceremony: June 12
- Link to Academic Calendar
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| COVID-19 Updates & Campus Protocols
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- Vaccine Eligibility Now 16+
Santa Barbara County residents age 16+ are now eligible to make appointments for COVID-19 vaccination. Students living on or near campus should bring their student ID to their appointment as proof of residency. For more information and registration details, visit the Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health website.
- The University of California recently proposed a policy that would require COVID-19 vaccinations for students and employees who wish to access campus facilities. Requirements would go into effect this fall quarter or when the vaccine receives full FDA approval.
- Several campus buildings are now open to UCSB students. More information about campus locations open to students, how to make reservations at the Library and Rec Center, and how students can make vaccine appointments can be found in the April 9th email to students.
- For COVID-19 related questions, please contact the Campus COVID-19 Response Team at ucsb-covid19@ucsb.edu or (805) 893-3113.
- Links to additional resources for students can also be found on the Student Affairs website.
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| Vax Facts: COVID-19 Mythbusting
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Medical Director at UC Santa Barbara's Student Health Service, Dr. Ali Javanbakht helps us get the "vax facts" straight by providing his professional insight on some COVID-19 vaccination myths. The main take-away? Get vaccinated as soon as you can to help prevent serious illness and to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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In an April 23 memo, Chancellor Henry T. Yang announced plans for our annual Commencement, including the exciting news that Oprah Winfrey will be the keynote speaker for our June 12 special live-streamed online Commencement ceremony. All of our Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 graduates are invited to participate in person in our 2021 Grad Walk which will take place during the week of June 7.
In addition, in a May 7 memo, Chancellor Yang announced all graduates participating in Grad Walk may invite a maximum of two guests to accompany them. Guests will be able to cheer on their graduate as they cross the stage. Graduates and their two invited guests must arrive together. Guests arriving on their own will not be permitted at the venue, no exceptions.
For those who cannot attend in person, the Grad Walk will be live-streamed. Directions on how to sign up were delivered to eligible students via email the week of April 26.
Students must confirm participation in MarchingOrder by Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at midnight Pacific Time. Visit the Commencement website for additional information.
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| Student Resource Spotlight
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| Outdoor Wi-Fi Hotspots on Campus
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UC Santa Barbara is beginning to reopen the physical campus and resume limited in-person activities that fit with the current COVID-19 public health guidelines. As part of the reopening effort, several outdoor study spaces equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots are now available throughout campus. Watch the video to see just a few of the areas that are included. As per county and university guidelines, physical distancing and face coverings are required on campus.
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In early April, UC Santa Barbara students, staff, and faculty were notified of an international cyberattack impacting the University of California system and roughly 100 organizations. UC is providing free credit monitoring and identity theft protection through Experian to all UC faculty, staff, students and retirees. Additional Information is available on the UCnet website.
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| Parent & Family Resources
Stay Connected and Informed
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Shoreline
Students can find events offered by different campus departments, organizations, and student groups.
UCSB Campus Calendar
Displays all the virtual events happening around campus. You can filter by event types, target audience, or topic and stay informed on what UCSB has to offer each quarter.
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