May 12 - Updates on COVID-19
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UCI UPDATES
New work group formed to begin planning for the return of staff to campus
Following yesterday’s Chancellor’s message about UCI’s efforts toward gradually reintroducing in-person operations, Human Resources announced that it 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.
Tu Foundation gives $2.5 million to UCI to support COVID-19 patient care, research
A $2.5 million gift from the John and Mary Tu Foundation to UCI is supporting COVID-19-associated patient care at UCI Health and advance clinical and translational research across campus focused on new ways to test for and treat the viral infection.
Singer Naomi Judd sends video message to UCI nurses
As Nurses Week comes to a close, please enjoy this message of support from our friend Naomi Judd. Judd was one-half of the mother-daughter singing duo The Judds. She was also an ICU nurse. Although she left the profession in 1984, it remains close to her heart. Judd was scheduled to be UCI’s special guest during this week of celebration.
Access Free Courses on Udemy for Business
The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) and the Office of Information Technology (OIT) have partnered to provide UCI staff and faculty with a year of Udemy for Business, an online learning platform for professionals. The campuswide license includes unlimited access to more than 4,000 curated online courses on Udemy. To get started, log in to Udemy today.
UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND STORIES
Watch the UCI School of Law Commencement
UCI Law congratulates the Class of 2020 on their tremendous achievements and their graduation! You can watch the full recording of the Class of 2020 virtual commencement ceremony. Also, watch UCI Law faculty, administrators and alumni congratulate the class of 2020.
Surveys capture UCI students’ COVID-19 concerns
UCI School of Education researchers conducted two surveys to gain insight into undergraduates’ concerns wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provided the framework for the launch of a robust online support system that includes distance learning aids, mental health counseling, physical fitness classes and assistance with basic needs.
How much screen time is too much?
When people focus on screens – be they computer screens, television screens, tablets or smartphones – they are engaging in what is known as near work, says UCI Health pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Charlotte Gore at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. The adverse effects of screen time are particularly hard on children and teenagers, who, thanks to remote learning, now rely on screens not only to complete assignments, but for instruction as well. UCI Health offers tips for managing screen time.
AIDS, COVID-19 and Art: Reflections on Pandemics
Dean Tyrus Miller has a conversation with Chancellor’s Professor of English Jonathan Alexander about the parallels between the HIV/Aids pandemic and today’s pandemic. You can watch the 20 minute conversation on YouTube.
UCI COVID-19 VIRTUAL EVENTS
UCI Humanities explores impact of COVID-19 on Asian American and Pacific Islanders
In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the UCI Humanities Center offers the second installment of its series, “Asian American and Pacific Islanders in 2020”: Accessing Social Services, Creating Change & Making Impact. The event will take place Wednesday, May 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. and will focus on how COVID-19 is disrupting the daily lives of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Southern California, from access to social services for unemployment housing, and health, to fears about public charge.
Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center to host expert discussion on COVID-19
The Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center have partnered to host a panel of experts discussing COVID-19. On May 14, from 7 to 8 p.m., four experts will address four topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic in everyday terms for the non-scientific community. As society begins to reopen, these four topics will drive how the population can stay informed and begin to resume activities safely. Questions during the live event are welcome.
Busting Myths and Misinformation during a Pandemic
UCI Humanities continues with its COVID-19: The Humanities Respond series with the next event titled, Busting Myths and Misinformation during a Pandemic. This event takes place Thursday, May 14 and features Annalisa Coliva and Duncan Pritchard from the Department of Philosophy.
COVID-19 Mortality: A Public Health Discussion
The UCI Program in Public Health continues with its Public Health Lunchtime Lecture Series this Thursday, May 14 with an event titled, COVID-19 Mortality: A Public Health Discussion. This 30-minute event begins at 12:30 p.m. and features Dr. Andrew Noymer, Associate Professor, Public Health. Registration is required.
UC UPDATES
Napolitano Seeks to Replace SAT/ACT
Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California system, is proposing that the UC campuses eliminate the SAT/ACT requirement and come up with a new test for students. For students who enroll in the fall of 2021, the system is already test optional because of COVID-19. She proposes that UC suspend the requirement for undergraduate admissions through 2024, the last two years of which UC would be test blind, meaning test scores would not be used in admissions decisions.
She also proposed that “by January 2021, UC will undertake a process to identify or create a new test that aligns with the content UC expects students should have mastered to demonstrate college readiness for California freshmen.” And she said that “if UC is unable to either modify or create a test that meets these criteria and can be available for applicants for fall 2025, UC will eliminate altogether the use of the ACT/SAT for freshman admissions.”
COMMUNITY UPDATES & NEWS
Western States Pact
The members of the Western States Pact – California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada – are asking the federal government for $1 trillion in aid to help deal with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tomorrow is last day to sign up for direct deposit with IRS for stimulus check
The Treasury Department and IRS have set May 13 as a deadline for individuals to sign up for direct deposit if they wish to get their stimulus checks more quickly.
Nursing homes prioritized for COVID testing
The White House is recommending that all nursing home residents and staff undergo COVID-19 testing within the next two weeks.
M.L.B. Proposes an 82-Game Season Starting in July, without fans
The proposal, which would require approval from the players’ union, would have teams start the season in early July and mainly play teams in their geographic region.
U.S. experiences highest job losses since record tracking began
The Labor Department announced a historic loss of more than 20.5 million jobs in April, increasing the unemployment rate to 14.7%. This rate exceeds all previous records since the government began tracking unemployment statistics after the Great Depression. However, most workers who lost jobs expect layoffs to be temporary.
Shortage of sedative for patients on ventilators due to COVID-19
According to the FDA, there is a shortage of propofol, which is commonly used as a sedative for patients on ventilators and during colonoscopies and other procedures due to the pandemic.
California increases emergency funding for COVID-19 response by $27.4 million
The California Department of Public Health says emergency funds are approved for immediate use and a big portion of the funds will go toward contact tracing – $8.7 million will go toward a virtual academy to teach contact tracing and another $18.7 million is for contracts with Accenture, Salesforce, and Amazon for data management.
Dr. Anthony Fauci testifying before the Senate
Today, Dr. Anthony Fauci is testifying remotely before the Senate about the U.S. government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Fauci warns of “suffering and death that could be avoided” and further economic damage if states reopen too soon.
Airlines not required to provide credits, refunds
In a three-page document, the Department of Transportation outlined new guidelines for airlines clarifying that customers in many cases are not entitled to refunds or credits due to COVID-19 concerns.
UCI IN THE NEWS - COVID-19 Article List
Governing, May 12, 2020 (Opinion)
Opinion: An overlooked resource for rebuilding local economies: Angels
MSN (Bloomberg Opinion), May 11, 2020 (Opinion)
Opinion: COVID-19 will sicken the housing market until the pandemic lifts
Orange County Register, May 11, 2020
UC Irvine receives $2.5 million donation for coronavirus testing, treatment and research
Orange County Business Journal, May 11, 2020
Where OC is seeing COVID-19 increases
Poets & Quants for Undergrads, May 11, 2020
This first-year college student created an internship resource for fellow students
LAist, May 11, 2020
There’s unequal risk and more than one curve suggested In COVID-19 data
The Chronicle of Higher Education, May 8, 2020
Campus protests cost the class of 1970 its commencement. Now COVID-19 has taken away its 50th reunion.