Last year, we launched our innovative Return to Learn strategy to incrementally return to in-person learning, cutting-edge research and service to our community in the safest way possible. Our data-driven and adaptive approach has been successful, in large part, because of the leadership, hard work and feedback from our faculty, staff and students. This success has positioned us for the next phase of Return to Learn—planning for a gradual return to full campus operations by the start of the fall quarter and embracing a new vision for our future workplace.
We will return to campus slowly. We pivoted our entire working, learning and homelife structures with incredible speed last year. It was tremendously difficult, and I know it has been challenging for each and every one of us over the past year. Just as we thoughtfully crafted plans to bring a portion of our campus population back last fall, a task force of campus leadership, faculty and many dedicated staff is currently developing plans for a staged and measured return to campus for our remaining staff, faculty, researchers and students. These plans are being created in strict compliance with public health guidelines and with a commitment to keeping our campus community safe and healthy. Operational updates will be posted to the Return to Learn website and communicated broadly via Campus Notices as decisions are finalized.
Non-academic staff currently working remotely successfully are to continue until May 31 at the earliest. Between now and the start of the fall quarter, we will carefully ramp up campus operations in alignment with state and county guidelines. Faculty and researchers will be the first to return to campus in an expansion of protocols that were established last fall. An announcement detailing guidelines and processes will be delivered tomorrow. Planning for the return of non-academic staff is well underway and initial details will be communicated in the coming weeks.
We have much to look forward to. Just as we learned to embrace a new way of operating at the beginning of the pandemic, we have a unique opportunity to reimagine who we are and how we deliver on our commitments as a student-centered, research-focused and service-oriented public university. Many of you may be excited to return to campus. Some of you may have reservations and concerns. I want to assure you that all of our decisions will be guided by a commitment to equity, safety and with the intent to nurture a caring environment in which our entire campus community can thrive.
A workgroup is in the process of collecting valuable feedback and data to be used to improve and potentially reimagine areas of our unique and innovative workplace. Just as we have with instruction and research, we have taken this time during the pandemic to explore new opportunities and experiment with remote and hybrid work modalities. The workgroup is focused on identifying opportunities that could create efficiencies and promote a greater work-life balance. Communications about this planning process are forthcoming.
The past year has been difficult. I know you are weary. I know you are stressed. I know you are anxious. And I know you are doing your very best work possible in the midst of adversity and at times, profound grief. I am in awe of your collective and individual fortitude and grateful for your contributions.
Just as we showed the world that we were leaders throughout this pandemic, we will show the world and each other that we are leaders in establishing an exciting and sustainable future for UC San Diego.
Our Future Starts Together
UC San Diego has always been on the cutting edge of innovation. Together, we successfully faced the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we found new ways to meet the needs of our students and patients. And together, we will emerge from this pandemic a stronger, more equitable, and more impactful institution. Thank you for your thoughtful, compassionate and brilliant contributions to our community. Thank you for your hard work. And thank you for your optimism about our future.
