Based on the congruence between modeling and data, we anticipate the Omicron surge will decline by the end of the month. During the coming few weeks of this decline, we still expect some students, staff and faculty will continue to recover from illness, may need to isolate because of infection of quarantine due to exposure, or may need to engage in extra caregiving responsibilities.
Given the unusual circumstances, the Educational Policy Committee of the Academic Senate granted an emergency limited-term exception to the Policy on Distance Education Courses to allow any course to be taught remotely for this quarter, without requiring instructors to request additional approvals from the Administration or Senate. This means that instructors have the flexibility to continue teaching in a mixed in-person/remote modality or in a remote modality for the remainder of the quarter.
As positive case numbers continue to drop, I am confident that disruptions to our winter quarter will dissipate. We are also looking forward to primarily in-person instruction for our Spring Quarter.
Winter Quarter Safety Guidelines
Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask or face covering at all indoor locations at UC San Diego. HDH dining locations will continue with the “grab and go” model without indoor dining. Winter quarter testing requirements are still in place.
Campus Employees
Beginning Monday, Jan. 31, campus employees who have been working from home are able to return to in-person work on campus. Supervisors will communicate specifics regarding your return to in-person work on campus.
Meetings & Special Events
Meetings and special events that can be held remotely should be held online unless the in-person experience is critical. It is strongly recommended that all in-person meetings and special events are temporarily convened outdoors. We will continue to evaluate the public health conditions and update our guidelines to permit in-person events with food when appropriate. All attendees at indoor meetings and events must be masked. Food and drink are not permitted at indoor meetings and events. All special events must be approved by your vice chancellor using the formal event approval process.
Protect Yourself and Others
Current vaccines combined with a booster dose help protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death due to infection with the omicron variant. Get your booster shot as soon as you are eligible in order to remain compliant with the UC COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate.
Thank You
Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility as we navigate the challenges presented by the pandemic. The compassion you have demonstrated to each other during these difficult times has been a source of comfort for many. Your resilience, cooperation and ingenuity continue to inspire the very best from our Triton community.
Pradeep K. Khosla Chancellor
University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093
