January 25, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
I was hoping to have had the opportunity to send New Year greetings before now but as you all know and are experiencing, there is much going on amid rapidly changing information. I write to update you on some important and timely campus matters.
Winter 2022 Instruction
Progress toward campus return and working together.
UCR faculty share a deep and unyielding commitment to educating our students and supporting them and their futures. We treasure and value in-person teaching and research and want faculty and students’ return to campus to be as safe as possible. We also recognize the mental toll on those individuals needing the community of campus as well as the strain on those with fears and anxieties about meeting, teaching, and learning in-person.
Since Provost Watkins’ announcement that UCR will return to in-person instruction on January 31st, the Senate has heard from members of our campus community seeking clarity about how to move forward with teaching for the remainder of Winter quarter. Some express fear and concerns about health and safety on campus. Some share readiness and excitement for teaching again in-person sooner rather than later. We acknowledge these varied perspectives and emphasize that the health and safety of our faculty and staff colleagues and our students has been at the heart of every COVID-related deliberation in the Senate.
For those who qualify, the Senate has confirmed with the Provost that the compassionate clause remains open. Instructors can still apply through their Chair and Dean to continue teaching in a remote format for the remainder of the quarter. College and School Deans are aware of these potential incoming requests.
Executive Council met and agreed during our January 24th meeting, that faculty, chairs, and departments have the expertise and are best equipped to meet the instructional needs of students. One immediate example of flexibility is that midterm exams could be held remotely. Temporarily teaching remotely remains an option for any individual instructor and we encourage consultation with your Chair as we strive to be back in-person to the fullest extent possible.
We encourage faculty, departments, and deans to leverage flexibility and creativity to continue to deliver instruction to meet the needs of students and the goals of their courses. We put forward the following considerations for meeting this challenge:
That’s it for now. We will follow up soon with more information. Thank you all for your extraordinary dedication to our students, colleagues, campus, and communities.
In service,
Jason Stajich, Divisional Chair
Jonathan Eacott, Divisional Vice-Chair
Mask Availability
Department heads or instructors may contact EH&S (ehslaboratory@ucr.edu) to request small quantities or bulk orders of surgical masks. The number of surgical masks provided per department unit is dependent on various factors, such as number of employees or expected foot traffic (e.g., students, guests). EH&S asks that a designated individual be identified to maintain and oversee the proper issuance of surgical masks, so as to not deplete the provided surgical masks in an inefficient manner. EH&S further requests that departments carefully monitor and manage single-use surgical mask supplies, as future mask supplies may fluctuate.
Do you have Student Debt?
Are you Employed in the public sector? (You are if you work for UCR!)
Join a hands-on webinar to learn about the recent overhaul to Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Watch this webinar for more information https://uchri.org/events/student-loan-debt-and-the-pslfp-a-workshop-with-experts/
https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/working-at-uc/livingwell/wellbeing/Public-Service-Loan-Forgiveness-Program.html
https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service/temporary-expanded-public-service-loan-forgiveness
The UCR Healthy Campus Substance Use & Addiction Subcommittee
Co-chaired by Marisol Torres and Tanya Nieri - Provide important contact information for resources in support of you and your families’ health and well-being
UCR Healthy Campus wishes you a Happy 2022! The start of a new year provides an opportunity for reflection and goal setting. Now may be a good time to check-in with yourself on your health and wellbeing, including your alcohol and/or other drug use. Below are tools and resources to help you pursue your goals and build your support network for a healthier you!
Self-assessments: