March 18 - Updates on COVID-19

CAMPUS UPDATES

Housing

Today is the deadline for residents to notify the housing office about their plans for Spring quarter. Based on the states of emergency declared by federal and local governments, residents are strongly encouraged to safely return to their permanent residences – not just for your own health but for the wellbeing of the community. Student Affairs will provide assistance to those who need it.

Building Closures

The Capital Planning Office has prepared a list of buildings that will be closed because of the modified campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All closures are effective immediately unless noted otherwise. This list does not reflect spaces that are open.

New Location for Check Pick up

Effective today, March 18, the Campus Billing and Collections Office in Aldrich Hall will be closed. Printed check pick up will be available in the Accounting and Fiscal Services Office located at 120 Theory, Suite 200, in the UCI Research Park.

“Flattening the curve” Fireside Chats 

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Willie Banks Jr. and Dean of Students Rameen Talesh share information about commencement, campus programs, accessing student affairs offices and more in this fireside chat featuringStudent Affairs.

Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning Michael Dennin and Communications Manager Ryan Foland participate in the Teaching & Learning fireside chat where they discuss finals week, technology, Spring quarter, Summer session and provide helpful information to both students and faculty during COVID-19 campus operations.

FAQ for International Students and Scholars 

The International Center has published an FAQ to address travel, visa and other questions coming into the center.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, with guidance from the Department of Education, is working to address concerns from those directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19, and has published an FAQ document.

University Registrar

The University Registrar has created an FAQ to address classes and finals and other questions.

Libraries

Effective immediately the UCI libraries will close all services until further notice. Check the library webpage, which provides links to all library services and collections that can be accessed remotely and includes 24/7 chat research help.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Student Laptop Loan Program

UCI’s student laptop loan program has a limited number of laptops for students to borrow for the Spring quarter. The students who qualify have been identified through the program qualifications and will receive a personal invitation to participate this week.

UC UPDATES

UC Board of Regents March Meeting Will Proceed Virtually

The University of California Board of Regents will hold its March 17 - 19 meeting virtually to protect the safety and well-being of the UC community and the public, given the concerns of COVID-19.

COMMUNITY AND NEWS

UCI Experts to Participate in Public Service Forum hosted by OC Forum

UCI and UCI Health together is the presenting sponsor for OC Forum’s 30 year. The program will focus on how Orange County is responding to the COVID-19 crisis. The livestream is tomorrow, Thursday, March 19th, from noon to 1 p.m.

Orange County - Public Order is NOT an order to shelter in place

Yesterday’s order from County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick is NOT an order to shelter in place (link to PDF). It is not a lockdown. It is important for all Orange County businesses to remain open while practicing social distancing consistent with the Governor’s guidance.

Newsom, ‘I don’t think the schools are going to open again’

California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a press conference on Tuesday that schools will likely stay closed for the rest of the academic year. He also requested a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education to pause standardized testing.

All four-year public universities in California have moved classes online

Together the CSU and UC systems enroll about 650,000 undergraduates who are now taking most classes online.

UCI IN THE NEWS - COVID-19 Article List

Vox, March 18, 2020
We are not ready to hold an election during a pandemic. Just look at Ohio.

The New York Times, March 18, 2020 (Opinion)
Opinion: No Stimulus Without Election Protection

Inverse, March 17, 2020 
How to keep up with coronavirus news without losing your mind

Campus Technology, March 17, 2020 
UC Irvine Launches Online Learning Research Center

KUCI - Ask a Leader, March 17, 2020 (Audio) 
COVID-19: In Medical and in Psycho-social Terms

The Huffington Post, March 17, 2020 
Experts Urge States To Expand Voting By Mail Before Pandemic Derails Democracy

Daily Pilot, March 17, 2020 (Opinion) 
Column: Try to maintain some of your children’s routines during this time of crisis

Slate, March 17, 2020 
You Shouldn’t Have to Give Google Your Data to Access a COVID-19 Test