Aug. 23 - 7 reasons to get vaxxed; classroom mask Q&A
Section 1
A red-shouldered hawk visits the campus. Photo by Matthew Coates
Each day, a UCI expert will answer one of your questions about COVID-19, vaccinations, variants or the future of work. Submit questions via email.
Today’s question is fielded by Michael Dennin, vice provost of teaching and learning:
If everyone is required to wear a mask indoors, including faculty in classrooms, how will UCI ensure that students can hear the teachers clearly?
To ensure that students can hear and understand instructors clearly, we are enhancing our microphone capacity in all classrooms. This is one of the many classroom improvements we’re making to support a high-quality, healthy learning environment.
UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
UCI expert outlines seven reasons to get vaccinated
America is in the first of four virus surges that will hit over the next few months, according to Dr. Susan Huang, who discusses “Seven reasons to get the COVID-19 vaccine now.” Huang is UCI Health’s medical director of epidemiology and infectious prevention.
Korean studies center wins $1.1 million in grants
UCI’s Center for Critical Korean Studies has received two prestigious grants that will fund research, graduate student fellowships, a new faculty position and other programs.
UC NEWS AND GENERAL NEWS
Former astronaut named to UC Board of Regents
Jose Hernandez, an ex-astronaut who now leads an aerospace consulting firm, has been appointed to the UC Board of Regents. If confirmed by the state Senate, he’ll serve a 12-year term.
Pfizer vaccine gets full FDA approval
The Food and Drug Administration granted full approval today to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16 and up, a move that health officials hope will spur more Americans to get the shots.
UCI IN THE NEWS
Corporate America’s $50 billion promise
The Washington Post, Aug. 23
Cited: Mehrsa Baradaran, professor of law
Study: Pregnant women with COVID-19 are 10 times more likely to die, but few are getting vaccine
Daily Pilot, Aug. 20
Cited: Dr. Jennifer Jolley, associate professor of maternal and fetal medicine, and UCI Health surgeon Dr. Ninh T. Nguyen
High school seniors rethink taking SAT and ACT tests as colleges modify admission processes
The Orange County Register, Aug. 23
Cited: Dale Leaman, executive director of undergraduate admissions
COVID-19 NOTIFICATION AND RESOURCES
One new campus case over weekend
An on-campus student tested positive for COVID-19 from Friday through Sunday. For more information, visit the UCI COVID-19 dashboard.
Remember to upload your vaccine record
Vaccination is a critical step toward our campus's fall return. Help our community by uploading your vaccine record.
Potential workplace exposure
UCI provides this notification of a potential workplace COVID-19 exposure. Employees and subcontractors who were in these locations on the dates listed may have been exposed to the coronavirus. You may be entitled to various benefits under applicable federal and state laws and University-specific policies and agreements. The full notification is available on the UCI Forward site. If you have been identified as a close contact to a COVID-19 case, the UCI Contact Tracing Program will contact you and provide additional direction.
For COVID-19 questions
UCI Forward - information on campus status and operational updates
UCI Health COVID-19 Updates - important information related to UCI Health
UCI Coronavirus Response Center - available at covid19@uci.edu or via phone at (949) 824-9918
Contact Tracing and Vaccine Navigation Services - assistance with vaccines and vaccine uploads; available at contacttracing@uci.edu or via phone at (949) 824-2300
Program in Public Health chatline - answers to questions about COVID-19
For questions specific to your personal health situation, please contact your doctor or healthcare provider.