January 19, 2021 - Berkeley Life Roundup: Let's Start Spring

This message was sent to all undergraduate and graduate students on 01/19/21:

JANUARY 2021

Dear undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students,

Welcome back! We hope you enjoyed your well-deserved winter break. 

Here are this month’s key takeaways:

Good news is on the horizon! Vaccination against COVID-19 has begun on campus and the University of California plans to return to primarily in-person instruction systemwide in fall 2021.But, although the calendar year may have changed, we still need to deal with the reality of COVID-19. Please remain vigilant and refer to the resources under “Health and Safety.” 

Health and Safety

Post-Holiday Self-Sequestering
The City of Berkeley urges anyone who traveled or celebrated with people they don’t live with to quarantine for ten days. Residents of campus housing are required to self-sequester for ten days after their return. Also, be aware that testing is a snapshot in time and that, according to guidelines, “a negative test doesn’t mean you don’t have COVID-19, especially when in quarantine.”   

Expanded Hours for COVID-19 Surveillance Testing
Surveillance testing hours have been expanded at Recreational Sports Facility and Memorial Stadium testing sites. The sites are now open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. An additional appointment-only drive-through site is opening today, Jan. 19, at Underhill Parking Garage; hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1 p.m.–6  p.m. 

Testing Requirements for University Village Albany
University Village Albany (UVA) residents: Please refer back to recent emails that have been shared with your community. Beginning Jan. 26, all registered students living at UVA will be required to participate in a COVID-19 surveillance test once per week. Surveillance testing is available at UVA. Also see University Health Services (UHS) testing details for your community on the UVA COVID-19 information site and the UHS clinical testing site. Contact the Village Office with any questions. 

Green Badge Requirement
Beginning Jan. 26, campus COVID-19 testing compliance will be monitored using the color-coded badge system. A green badge in eTang will be required to enter any University building on or adjacent to the central campus. You may be asked to show your badge (on your cellphone through the eTang website) upon entering campus buildings. In order to have a green badge, you will need to be current with your testing regimen.

Vaccinations Have Begun
Vaccination against COVID-19 began last week for UC Berkeley community members in Tier 1A, which includes staff working in campus medical clinics and quarantine facilities. Campus individuals will be contacted and offered vaccinations as supplies become available, based on the priority groups specified in the UC Berkeley and UC Office of the President plans. If and when you are identified as eligible for the vaccine, University Health Services will email instructions on how to make an appointment. 

In-Person Plans for Fall 2021
The University of California is planning for a return to primarily in-person instruction systemwide in fall 2021, which includes UC Berkeley. Our campus will continue to strongly encourage prevention measures and will require and provide regular COVID-19 testing for anyone who will be on campus. 

Face Covering Distribution 
Face covering distribution takes place Monday through Friday,  9 a.m.–5 p.m. out of the MLK Jr. Building at the north end of Lower Sproul Plaza. 

Now Hiring: Student Health Ambassadors
Cal Performances is hiring for important new student positions. Health Ambassadors ( $18/hour) will monitor open campus buildings by checking ID badges of students, staff, and faculty for compliance with COVID-19 testing. Area Managers ($20/hour) will supervise Ambassadors. To apply, fill out the required survey form (using your Berkeley email address) and email your resume, indicating “Ambassador” in the subject line, to Alan Herro at: aherro@calperformances.org   

Connecting and Community

#WeCARE: Raising Awareness Around Stalking 
January is Stalking Awareness Month, and we encourage you to join the #WeCARE campaign. Share the campaign among your networks and on social media. And complete a four-question survey for a chance to win a $25 gift card! Join your peers and be an everyday active bystander; interrupt concerning behavior before it gets worse. Learn more about the indirect and direct ways you can intervene. 

Come to Calapalooza, the Student Organization Recruitment Fair
Find your community at UC Berkeley. The campus has over a thousand Registered Student Organizations looking to recruit you. Join Calapalooza, the RSO Virtual Involvement and Recruitment Fair from January 25–29. 

Apply to Be a GBO Leader
If you’re an undergraduate interested in becoming a Golden Bear Orientation Leader, please fill out the GBO 2021 application now. While growing your skills in leadership, mentorship, and community development as a GBO leader, you will transform lives by acclimating our new undergraduates to UC Berkeley’s academic environment. Graduate students, if you know an undergraduate who would be a dedicated Orientation Leader, please fill out the nomination form.

Get to Know the Student Union 
Get to know the Student Union and all the exciting programs at the Student Union Spring Virtual Open House, Feb. 1–5. Win prizes, play games, and celebrate all things spring with the Student Union! 

Tips to Stay Active in 2021
It's important to prioritize fitness in your everyday life. Rec Sports shares ideas on how to stay motivated and to create a wellness routine that works for you. 

Resources and Support

Apply for Fall Housing Beginning Feb. 1
The campus recently announced fall 2021 instruction will be primarily in-person. Want to apply for campus housing in a residence hall or apartment for next fall? The application period opens soon; details are on the Housing website.

Breadth Courses Still Open
Still looking for a breadth course this semester? Whether or not you’re a Letters & Science major, you still can grab a seat in one of our Discovery Courses and Big Ideas Courses. (Or check them out for future semesters!)

2021–22 Financial Aid Applications
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the California Dream Act Application are currently available for the next academic year. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office will be notifying students about requirements starting in February. The application priority deadline is March 2. Remember, you need to submit a financial aid application each year.

Jan. 28 is Data Privacy Day
Data Privacy Day is a global effort which highlights the importance of privacy, the protection of personal information, and that privacy is essential whenever we are online. This year, we encourage everyone to “Own Your Privacy,” by learning how to protect your online data, starting with our Data Privacy Toolkit for tips.     

Tech Distribution Continues
Student Tech Equity Program (STEP) laptops and peripherals are available to all students in need. Once you apply, students on or near campus will be assigned a pick-up by appointment at Eshleman Hall.

Cal Student Central Updates on Spring 2021 Services
Join the Cal Student Central (CSC) virtual line and one of our advisers will call back to assist you. Our virtual line will be available weekdays from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Pacific) from Jan. 11–22. 

Get Free, Digital Access to Course Materials
The Library offers free access to course materials — books, articles, or videos. Before registering for a course, you can ask the instructor whether the material will be available via e-reserves, which will provide you with free access to the required materials. 

Need a Quiet Space?
Individual workrooms will return Feb. 1 in the Eshleman Hall or MLK Jr. Buildings. Book these rooms in advance for virtual counseling, prep/teaching as a GSI/UGSI, personal conversations, or virtual job interviews. 

Food Pantry Distribution Resumes 
Food Pantry distribution has resumed. Come by MLK Jr. Building at the north end of Lower Sproul Plaza during our new spring hours: Tuesday, noon–6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Thursday, noon–7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. 

Wishing you a safe and healthy start to the spring semester!

Sincerely,

Stephen C. Sutton, Ed.D.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Berkeley Life Roundup is 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. 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.