The University of California, Davis, is preparing to welcome students back to campus this fall if county and state health guidelines permit, and plans to offer a mix of in-person and remote instruction. The university is committed to reducing health risks as the safety and well-being of the campus community are its priorities.

“The benefits of a residential education go beyond classes and instruction,” said Chancellor Gary S. May. “We look forward to providing that experience for our students — all in keeping with the guidance of our health authorities.”

Extensive planning and preparations for expanded on-site university operations will comprehensively address campus services and operations. These plans include student instruction; student housing and dining; as well as student programs and services. Provisions for symptom surveys, temperature checking and virus testing the community are being developed in alignment with guidance from public health officials.

In-person and remote instruction

When fall quarter instruction starts Sept. 30, the campus plans to offer most courses remotely, though some courses will also be available in person, depending on health guidelines and instructor preference. As well, in-person instruction will occur for the small number of courses that cannot be delivered remotely, such as those requiring live performance and hands-on experiences.

The university will develop accommodations to support students who, due to personal circumstances or elevated health risks associated with COVID-19, are unable to return to campus for the fall quarter. Academic advisors will work with those whose majors require the courses being offered only in person, so that students can continue to make progress toward their degrees.

Where appropriate, reasonable accommodations also will be made for faculty and staff who are unable to return to their workplace due to health concerns related to COVID-19.

Public health and safety

UC Davis is working closely with public health officials and will continue to implement health and safety protocols according to their guidance, including the wearing of face coverings and maintaining appropriate physical distancing in all programs and services.

Daily symptom surveys in combination with temperature screening will be used in accordance with current public health best practices to identify and provide support to community members who may be at risk of COVID-19. Protocols for testing and isolation of at-risk individuals will follow guidance from public health authorities.

Other measures to reduce public health risks include:

• All in-person classes will be offered in larger than usual classrooms.
• On-campus residence halls will have reduced density, and dining commons and other food services on campus will operate in a way that complies with public health requirements for physical distancing and food safety.
• Student services such as academic advising, the Internship and Career Center, the Activities and Recreation Center, and many other programs and services will continue to offer services remotely and through on-site operations in compliance with public health guidance.
• All campus spaces, such as libraries, on-campus study spaces and computer labs, the Memorial Union and the Coffee House, will be operated in compliance with public health guidance to include physical distancing and mandatory use of face coverings. In addition, all common-use areas and surfaces will be cleaned at regular intervals, and hand hygiene stations will be broadly available across campus.

Adapting to new developments

With fall instruction scheduled to start later than at some universities, the campus will have additional time to monitor the pandemic and make preparations for fall. There is certainty that the pandemic and public health guidance will evolve. Working in close collaboration with public health officials and UC Davis Health experts, UC Davis will evolve too.

Should it become necessary, the campus is prepared to return to the current state of reduced on-site operations at any time.

The UC Davis Medical Center continues to provide care for COVID-19 patients, and UC Davis researchers and scholars have been contributing to the fight against the pandemic.

UC Davis will continue to update campus information related to the coronavirus, including weekly messages from the chancellor. In addition, Undergraduate Admissions updates its communication with parents and students, and Graduate Studies provides updates and guidance for incoming and continuing students and postdoctoral scholars.

Background on campus operations

The campus announced in March that it would move spring quarter to remote instruction and later that its Summer Sessions courses and orientation for new undergraduates would be remote only.

As announced in late May, the campus has been gradually reinstating some operations. A Campus Ready website is available to guide planning and share resources with the entire UC Davis community.

Yolo County allowed its stay-at-home directive to expire May 31, but face coverings are still mandatory for most everyone in most circumstances outside the home.