Dear Tritons,
As a student who lives off campus, you’re well aware that more than ever, adaptability is an absolute must. And we recognize that housing insecurities or the addition of a commute to your daily responsibilities as a student – especially in a global pandemic – can make things all the more difficult. You have demonstrated exceptional resilience. I know you know this, but we’re not out of the pandemic woods just yet.
With this in mind, please take a moment to peruse the following list of updates, resources, and guidance to help welcome you to Fall Quarter, and most importantly, ensure a safer return to in-person learning and your student experience.
Know how often to get tested.
During the Fall, whether you’re vaccinated for COVID-19 or if you have an approved exception or deferral that dictates your required testing frequency, you need to get in the habit of testing.
Here’s a rundown:
- All students living with others in new households are encouraged to test for COVID-19 upon arriving in San Diego, with repeat tests on days 5 and 10 after arrival – in order to quickly identify individuals who may not know they’ve been infected or were recently exposed.
- Unvaccinated students who have an approved exception or deferral are required to test twice weekly if coming to campus for any activity during Fall Quarter.
- Vaccinated students are required to complete weekly testing for the first four weeks of Fall Quarter.
- All students may take advantage of self-administered test kit vending machines, conveniently located throughout campus. View the following video explaining how to complete self-administered COVID tests.
Monitor your symptoms, and stay home if you’re sick.
Regardless of vaccination status, it is critical that you continue
monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19. We know that it’s tempting to come to campus with a runny nose or sore throat for fear of missing class/exams, but please, do not worry – our
Graduate Division and
Undergraduate College teams will work with each student to make sure
you have academic support if you fall ill.
For graduate students with instructional assistant duties – start by connecting with the instructor of record and your home academic department to discuss options. If you also need to adjust your work schedule due to symptoms, UC San Diego has need-based emergency financial assistance for students.
Mask up.
For the health and safety of all Tritons – your instructors, your peers and yourselves – you are
required to wear a mask in the classroom, in the lab, in the library, or anywhere you’re indoors around campus. Our instructors and staff are here to educate, mentor, and inspire, and want to focus on the student experience.
They are counting on you to wear your mask – please know that they have the right to dismiss class, or restrict access to a lab or office, if there is not 100% compliance with masking.
- If another member of our community puts your health and safety at risk by not wearing a mask, please know that you may submit a public incident report form.
- If you don’t have the resources to acquire a mask, please send an email to vcsa@ucsd.edu for a free mask.
What to expect on campus?
This
short video produced by our colleagues in Resource Management & Planning introduces construction projects and associated traffic/pathway impacts, recommended safety precautions, parking and transportation, activated outdoor spaces, curbside pick-up, and additional information about campus services and programs.
Basic Needs resources that deliver.
If you live within 10 miles of campus, you may be eligible to have Triton Food Pantry items delivered when you’re unable to make it to the TFP’s on-campus locations.
Know before you go.
Not only will you need it to scan your
self-administered COVID test kits from our vending machines, the
UC San Diego mobile app provides convenient access to your digital student ID card and a ton of relevant in-person metrics like parking availability or real-time library occupancy on campus.
TWOW: All are welcome.
Designed to weave together the weeks prior to the start of classes,
Triton Weeks of Welcome (TWOW) is an opportunity to welcome incoming
2020 and 2021 undergraduate and graduate students to connect with peers in-person, identify resources that support your academic goals, thrive as a Triton, and have FUN.
Calling all international students.
A reminder: while ISPO is open on campus, our virtual services are still our primary methods of advising and contacting international students. Visit
iContact.ucsd.edu for ways to
contact an ISPO Advisor from wherever you may be.
During New International Student Orientation, ISPO is organizing
several activities specifically for rising second years and Fall 2020 admits who started their time as a Triton remotely. Visit
iorientationucsd.com for more information.
I appreciate your flexibility, your compassion for fellow Tritons, and the grace with which you continue to navigate periods of uncertainty. We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s not over just yet. I urge you: keep up the incredible work.
Be well,
Alysson M. Satterlund
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
