UCI Forward

UCI Forward is our commitment to the well-being of our community as we ramp up campus operations. Working together, each of us doing our part, we can move UCI Forward.

October 6 - Updates on COVID-19

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TODAY’S CAMPUS UPDATES

Welcome to #AnteaterCrossing

With Fall Quarter remote, the UCI community is invited to connect with each other in #AnteaterCrossing. A play on one of the most popular video games of 2020, Anteater Crossing has taken the traditional Animal Crossing island and made it UCI. The island features UCI landmarks, clothes, and icons, including Ring Road, the Infinity Fountain and the ARC. Anteaters will go on a journey with Zots, our customized UCI Land character, as well as an avatar inspired by UCI Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Willie Banks.

Student housing residents - please do your part

We welcome our students who are living in campus housing. Please keep in mind that as we enter the Fall Quarter - you play a part in protecting your own health and the health of your fellow students. Here are some reminders of important do’s and don’ts.

student

A student studies in one of the new outdoor study tents on campus. Photo by Steve Zylius/UCI.

Study tents on campus

UCI has installed study tents on campus in an effort to provide students the opportunity to study outside in a shaded area. There are two tents, located at Langson Library Plaza and Humanities Hall Plaza. They are available for use from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., have nearby restrooms, and wifi. Students are reminded to wear face coverings and maintain physical distance from their neighbor while in the study tent.

Positive case

One employee has tested positive for coronavirus since yesterday. Visit the UCI COVID-19 dashboard to view data on testing, positive case counts and recoveries. The dashboard is also located at the very top of this newsletter each day for quick access.

UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND EVENTS

Students: What the tech you need to know about Zoom

If you are a student and haven’t done so already, make sure you activate your UCI Zoom license and download the Zoom application. This grants you access to Zoom lectures and allows your instructors to identify you for classes. To activate your UCI Zoom account and begin using Zoom, visit uci.zoom.us, select the sign in option and log in with your UCInetID and password.

Student resources: get started with Canvas

Canvas is the online tool used by faculty to manage your classes. It’s your one-stop-shop for accessing all your course materials online. Accessing Canvas is easy. Navigate to: https://canvas.eee.uci.edu/ and log in with your UCInetID and password. For your convenience, download the Canvas Student App on your iOS Devices or Android Device. Learn more about the Canvas mobile app.

UCI Podcast: What could cause an election meltdown?

The possible scenarios for election night and the days after multiply like a many-branched tree: What if one candidate claims victory even as mail-in ballots continue to be counted? What if states end up sending competing slates of electors to Congress? What if no winner is determined before January 20? Rick Hasen, a Chancellor’s professor of law and political science at UCI, joins the UCI Podcast examining the small risks of a total election meltdown.

Upcoming events

UC UPDATES

Apply now for UC’s Startup Innovation Challenge

The Startup Challenge, which aims to help early and growth stage startups grow and thrive, is now in its 5th year and open to virtually anyone with a UC connection, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, postdocs and visiting scholars across the 10-campus university system, its medical centers and affiliated national labs.

GENERAL COVID-19 NEWS

This section curates noteworthy coronavirus news, trends and opinions. No endorsement by UCI is implied. Note: Some news sites require subscriptions to read articles. The UCI Libraries offer free subscriptions to The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and OC Register for students, faculty and staff
  

Orange County virtual Job Fair Oct. 15

Join the Orange County Virtual Job Fair on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Employers and job seekers alike are welcome.

Irvine Unified School District launches COVID-19 dashboard

The COVID-19 dashboard shows the campus total population and number of reported positive COVID-19 cases among staff and students.

CDC acknowledges that airborne transmission plays a role in COVID-19 spread

Yesterday, the CDC updated its website explaining how the virus spreads. This includes acknowledgment that the virus can spread to people farther than six feet apart and particles can float in the air for minutes to hours.

Airbnb is canceling one-night Halloween weekend rentals

Airbnb will prohibit one-night rentals over Halloween weekend, Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, as part of its ongoing effort to crack down on parties.

How to build rapport while wearing a mask

Tips on how to convey sincerity and trustworthiness when facial expressions are partly hidden.

Boeing develops portable wands to counter COVID-19 on planes

The ultraviolet wand has the capability to work in compact spaces and inactivates viruses and bacteria on airplanes in under 15 minutes.

HOPE, INSPIRATION, LAUGHTER

Amid the heartbreaking loss of life and economic hardship wrought by the coronavirus, we recognize the need for stories of kindness, hope, courage and humor. 
  

Good grief! ‘Peanuts’ celebrates 70th anniversary with art

The virus pandemic won’t stop Charlie Brown, Snoopy or the “Peanuts” gang from marking an important birthday and they’re hoping to raise the spirits of sick kids while they celebrate.