SUBJECT:

Winter Quarter and Final Exam Update

We are writing to update previous communications (see https://go.ucsd.edu/2U2yPXg) about campus operations during the balance of Winter Quarter.

While there have been no confirmed cases of Coronavirus on the UC San Diego campus, our approach is guided by three goals: (1) to protect the health of our students, faculty and staff; (2) to help slow the spread of the virus in California and the nation; (3) to ensure the continuity of our teaching and research. All measures are in line with guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health.

The campus will remain open. We are taking progressive measures to increase social distance -- that is, to enable people to safely continue with their studies and work while minimizing close face-to-face interactions. This includes cutting down the size, frequency and density of in-person meetings and greater use of virtual interaction tools.

Effective immediately for Winter Quarter:

* Week 10 classes are continuing as scheduled. Awarding points for student attendance in class, whether for regular or extra credit, must cease as of week 10.

* There will be NO in-person, on-campus, final exams during the Winter Quarter 2020 finals week.

Each instructor of record must use either an online final exam, a take-home final exam or an exam-equivalent alternative assessment. The instructor will determine the mode for their final exam that best serves the academic needs of their class. Instructors should maintain compatibility with accommodations previously approved by OSD. In-depth information for students, faculty and staff is available at https://go.ucsd.edu/2U2yPXg

* Classrooms and libraries will remain open during finals week, for use in studying or working on exams.

Decisions regarding operations, including classes, housing and financial aid, will be announced soon, and are being made in conjunction with Academic Senate, Associated Students and Graduate Student Association leadership.

Pradeep K. Khosla Chancellor Elizabeth H. Simmons Executive Vice Chancellor Maripat Corr Chair, Academic Senate, San Diego Division Steven Constable Vice Chair Academic Senate, San Diego Division