Dear Colleagues,
As our observance of Black History Month joyfully concludes today with our 19th Annual Black History Month Celebration and Scholarship Awards and the announcement of the acquisition of an African Americana collection by the Geisel Library, there are nevertheless stark reminders in the media that we have more work to do to make our society and our university a welcoming and safe place for all.
Yesterday’s message from the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion drew our attention to the rise of violence and overt racism being directed towards members of the Asian, Asian American, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander communities, especially in connection with the global pandemic. We must be steadfast in our support of our colleagues and students from these communities. Our university’s academic and scholarly excellence derives directly from our inclusion of scholars and students from diverse backgrounds and experiences -- and our determination to learn from and partner with colleagues and institutions around the world.
Thank you for your efforts every day to treat every member of the university with respect -- and with the extra bit of compassion we all need in the context of a year in isolation. Your taking a student’s question seriously, or seeking a staff member’s input, or calling attention to a faculty member’s scholarly expertise can make that individual feel not only validated and included at that moment, but also better able to uplift someone else in their turn.
Wishing you all the best,
Elizabeth H. Simmons
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Reminder: Seminar proposals due March 5 |
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First-year and senior seminars
As a reminder, faculty are encouraged to submit proposals for first-year or senior seminars. Our students find these opportunities valuable and are particularly interested in taking seminars during the fall. Please submit your proposals using the online form by Friday, March 5. Visit the program website for more information.
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Research and experiential learning seminars
Research and experiential learning seminars
Faculty are also invited to submit proposals for research and experiential learning seminars, designed to introduce students to faculty-mentored experiential learning opportunities. Please submit proposals using the online form by Friday, March 5. Visit the program website for more information.
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Solutions and strategies for burnout |
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Check out this resource from CAPS and Triton Transfer Hub to learn more about the signs and stages of burnout, how to prevent burnout for yourself and others, and the path to recovery.
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Help build our educational innovation community of practice and learn more about exciting pedagogical developments happening at UC San Diego, featuring concurrent breakout sessions focused on the science of teaching and learning, tutorials and partnerships, and supporting students and student success. View the full program here. Questions? Contact ei@ucsd.edu
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HSI Summit
The campus community is invited to join us March 11 for the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Summit to learn why becoming an HSI is so critical to UC San Diego, our region, and state; and how you can take action to deepen our student-centered mission and help us be the university of choice for Latinx/Chicanx students.
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Art of Science contest
The Library is hosting the inaugural Art of Science contest, which aims to celebrate the beauty that can emerge during scientific exploration and raise awareness of the data curation services available via the Library’s Research Data Curation Program.
Beginning Monday, February 22, UC San Diego students, postdoctoral and faculty researchers, and research affiliates are invited to submit images, photographs, or graphics related to their research, along with a caption that articulates their work in an engaging and accessible way. Submissions will be accepted through March 21 and winners will be announced in May. More information can be found here.
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Upcoming Return to Learn town halls
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Three's Company reinstated |
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At UC San Diego, COVID-19 transmission has been on a downward trend for the past two weeks and the positive case rates for students and employees are below 1%. Thanks to these public health conditions, the Three’s Company program has been reinstated in time for Spring Break. Students are permitted to socialize outside in groups of 3 but must maintain social distancing and wear face coverings at all times. Details about the program can be found on the Student Affairs website.
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Spring Break: Stay safer, stay put
Please encourage students to stay safer by staying put over the upcoming Spring Break. While transmission rates are low on campus, public health experts have found students who travel home during campus breaks are at higher risk of contracting and spreading the virus. Students who plan to leave campus for 18 hours or longer are required to complete the Returning Home Notification form available on the Housing Portal.
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We’ve been granted an exception to safely host remote and outdoor activities over the break, covering interests such as community service, adventure, art, research, and wellbeing.
The Center for Student Involvement will also be offering exciting community service opportunities during the break. Please encourage students who may wish to participate to fill out this survey to help us gauge which service projects have the most interest.
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New test kit vending machines |
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Three new COVID-19 self-administered test kit vending machines are available on campus at the School of Medicine, Revelle College, and Campus Services Complex. Remember the clock starts as soon as you pick up your test kit! Be sure to return your sample to the drop box within 72 hours.
All the vending machines will soon be equipped with card readers, and Tritons will need to swipe their compatible campus ID to retrieve a self-administered test kit. Test kits are still free for Tritons - the card reader will debit one cent (¢1) from your campus card account and the charge will be credited back to your account automatically.
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Don't forget your ID!
Note that campus IDs are not mailed - you will need to make an appointment with the Campus Cards Office to pick up your ID.
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New testing requirement for international travel
The CDC now requires all air passengers entering the United States (regardless of citizenship) to be tested no more than 3 days before their flight and to present a negative COVID-19 test result to the airline prior to boarding. If you do travel, be sure to follow all CDC recommendations and university safety requirements before, during, and after your trip.
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on the Return to Learn website for details about the vaccine, eligibility, locations and how to make an appointment, volunteer opportunities, and more.
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The vaccine may protect you from getting COVID-19, but experts still don’t know whether it prevents you from spreading it to others. |
Being vaccinated does not grant you permission to return to work on campus. Remember: Before, during, and after being fully vaccinated, all Tritons must continue to adhere to campus safety protocols, including social distancing and face-covering requirements.
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A Bold Policy Agenda for Work-Family Justice and Gender Equity in COVID-19 and Beyond
Join the UC San Diego Women’s Center Thursday, March 4 for a webinar featuring representatives from the New America’s Better Life Lab as they present findings from a recent report on how COVID-19 has impacted people’s work, caregiving, and wellbeing as well as policies and programs to support your success during the pandemic and beyond. Register for event details and be sure to check out other Women’s Center events.
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Feeling extra remote?
If you’re looking for ways to stay connected with our vibrant staff community, consider participating in one of our many staff affiliate groups. Along with the Staff Association, employee resource groups are a great way to build social and professional connections with colleagues in a virtual environment. Review the recent campus notice to learn more about opportunities to find connection and community.
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Virtual Read Across America Day: March 2
Ready, set, read! Join us as we virtually celebrate the National Education Association’s (NEA) 18th annual Read Across America Day. Booklovers from across campus, including EVC Simmons, will be reading diverse works that have inspired their own love of reading. This event is free to attend, but registration is required. More information about the event.
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Composer and professor Lei Liang wins American...
Acclaimed composer and UC San Diego professor Lei Liang, whose work boldly fuses Eastern and Western traditions, has been selected as a 2021 winner of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Letters Music Awards. There are 18 recipients of...
Read more
www.sandiegouniontribune.com
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New Material is Next Step Toward Stable High-voltage...
A team of researchers designed and manufactured a new sodium-ion conductor for solid-state sodium-ion batteries that is stable when incorporated into higher-voltage oxide cathodes. This new solid electrolyte could dramatically improve the...
Read more
ucsdnews.ucsd.edu
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Have an idea for our newsletter? We'd love to hear from you! |
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