UCI Forms New Workgroup to Plan for the Return of Staff to Campus

May 12, 2020

Dear colleagues:

As Governor Newsom begins to relax some of California’s COVID-19 guidelines, and as counties begin to allow certain types of businesses to reopen, UCI has begun preparing for the eventual return of staff to the workplace.

Our top priority remains the health and safety of our employees. Therefore, UCI will continue to comply with current and future versions of the Governor’s Stay at Home Order, as well as county public health directives, especially physical (social) distancing requirements.

As announced today, the Chancellor constituted a COVID-19 Strategic Advisory Group (COVID19 SAG) to advise him on short, medium, and long-term strategic considerations associated with the impact of the current pandemic on university plans and operations. Other workgroups have been formed to support the work of COVID19 SAG, including ones focused on research, educational continuity for undergraduate and graduate students, and housing.

Human Resources is leading a workgroup on the planning for the phased return of staff to campus. The new workgroup consists of 37 members, including central and local HR professionals, Academic Senior Managers, and other senior administrators. The workgroup is taking into consideration state, local, and UC guidelines and safety measures, and coordinating efforts with COVID19 SAG, research, and academic operations. The HR workgroup is divided into four committees: A New Workplace Mindset, Physical Distancing in an Office Environment, Staff Health Protection, and Change Management and Communications.

Over the next several weeks, the workgroup will create guidelines for review by senior leadership. While we do not yet have a date for when non-essential staff will be returning to campus, I commit to keeping you updated with information as it becomes available.

Sincerely,

Ramona Agrela
Associate Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Executive