October 7, 2020 - News You Can Use: Berkeley Life Roundup

The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Stephen C. Sutton sent the following message to all undergraduate and graduate students on 10/07/20:

Welcome to Berkeley Life Roundup, a monthly email with news just for students: health and wellness information, a summary of important campus updates, resources and support, and opportunities to connect, engage, and learn. 

We’ll try to keep these as short and scannable as we can. Please also check out Berkeley Life hub and Berkeley Life Instagram. Graduate students can also connect with Graduate Division Instagram, as well as other platforms.

Health and Safety

Student COVID-19 Toolkit
Check out the new Navigating COVID-19: Your Toolkit for Success, a resource hub for all Golden Bears. Explore wellness resources, find the latest information about student spaces on campus, and discover support to help you build belonging and community on your UC Berkeley journey.
 
COVID-19 Testing for All Students
The campus asymptomatic COVID-19 surveillance testing program has expanded to include all students living in the Berkeley area. Here’s a quick summary of what’s recommended or required for your living situation:

• Campus residence halls: twice per week (required)
• Congregate housing (housing with 10 or more residents such as Greek housing, co-ops, Bowles Hall, etc.): twice per week (strongly recommended)
• Other off-campus housing and campus apartments: once per week (strongly recommended)

Also starting today, a second surveillance testing site is open at Memorial Stadium, in the Gate 5 area of the Field Club. Choose whichever location is more convenient for you; appointments are required and can be booked through the eTang portal.  

Keep Berkeley Healthy
You should come to campus only if you have a specific need (such as seeking medical attention or other emergency services, visiting the grab-and-go food pantry, conducting essential in-person research or other essential campus work, and of course, if you live on campus). When on campus, physical distancing and wearing a face covering are also required at all times and you will be required to comply with city and county public health orders. You will only be allowed to enter campus if you accept the Keep Berkeley Healthy Pledge in CalCentral and complete the Daily Symptom Screener.

Bears Wear Masks
The City of Berkeley can fine you up to $500 for not wearing a face covering, due to a new city ordinance. But we’ve got you covered. Each current student can get two free “Cal” cloth face coverings, while supplies last. Pickup is available Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the north side of the MLK Jr. Student Union Building, by the steps leading from Lower Sproul to Upper Sproul Plaza. Bring yourCal 1 Card.

Let’s Talk: Drop-In Counseling
The Let's Talk program provides easy access to informal, brief, virtual drop-in consultations with counselors, including supporting specific populations such as Black and African American students, undocumented students, API students, and more. Check out the full Let's Talk schedule.

Update Your Emergency Info in CalCentral
We need your most current local address, phone number, and updated emergency contact information in case there’s a critical emergency. To edit your info, log into CalCentral and visit your Profile, found on the upper-right section of the web page. While you are in CalCentral, remember to accept your Keep Berkeley Healthy Pledge under your task bar if you have not done so already. 

Campus Updates

Spring Semester Instruction 
For questions about spring semester instruction, please visit the Registrar’s Office Instruction FAQs page. 

Spring Housing Deadline: Oct. 22
Applications are due October 22 for spring housing in campus residence halls and apartments. 

Commencement Updates
Commencement planning is underway for the classes of December 2020 and May 2021, as well as May 2020. Read the latest updates on the Commencement FAQs page, or send questions to events1@berkeley.edu.

Resources and Support

Free Loaner Laptops, Hotspots 
Get up to date with your technology. TheStudent Tech Equity Program (STEP) provides loaner laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, web cameras, noise-cancelling headphones, and other equipment to students in need. Devices are mailed directly to your home or curbside pickup is available on campus if you live locally. STEP will continue to distribute hardware throughout the academic year, while supplies last. If you have questions, please email ucbstep@berkeley.edu.  

Love the Library
The UC Berkeley Library is a resource that’s always here for you. The staff serves up a slate of offerings, including access to millions of digital books, a new contactless pickup service, and virtual research help from anywhere. 

Connecting and Community 

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month
This month (September 15 to October 15) marks the annual national celebration, and we honor and recognize the diverse diaspora and histories, cultures, contributions, struggles, and triumphs of Latin America and its people. Learn more about Latinx Heritage Month at Berkeley. Don’t forget to meet the ASUC’s first Latina president!

Stream Cal Performances
For just $5, Berkeley students can enjoy Cal Performances at Home. This just-launched performing arts streaming series features sixteen newly produced, full-length programs. A new event is scheduled each week through January 14 (most programs premiere at 7 p.m. on Thursdays). Most performances will be available on-demand for up to three months following their premiere dates. 

Virtual Recreation Hub
Rec Sports Online, our virtual recreation hub, is designed to help you stay active and healthy, wherever you are. We offer fifty free on-demand videos and thirty live virtual fitness classes each week with the instructors you know and love, weekly IM Sports trivia nights, self-guided outdoor activities, and even a training program to take you from your couch to a 5K. 

Have a safe October, you Golden Bears.