Jan. 1, 2022
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Student Employees:
I hope you all are having a restful and safe holiday break. I am writing today to provide an update regarding a decision about our return to work on January 3.
Based on our desire to reduce the physical presence of individuals on the campus after holiday travels and social gatherings, ongoing conversations with Ventura County Public Health (VCPH), and reports projecting an anticipated spike of COVID-19 Omicron cases within Ventura County, we are asking managers to communicate with their direct reports as to whether employees are both wanting and able to work remotely through January 14. This shift to telework for those whose jobs allow it will decrease population density on campus, creating a safer workspace environment for employees working on campus throughout this time period – whether by choice or necessity of physical campus functions.
As you know, January 17 is the Martin Luther King Holiday, and the campus will be closed. Those staff who are temporarily working remotely through January 14 will return to campus on Tuesday, January 18, and faculty will return on Thursday, January 20. Staff with an approved telecommuting agreement will continue to have it remain in effect after January 14 and at the discretion of their supervisor.
Broome Library will be physically closed from January 3-17 but library, tutoring, and related academic support services will continue to be offered virtually and through appointment-based materials pick-up services. Please feel free to share these resources for any service and support questions:
- Reference and Research Services
- Library Materials Circulation Services (e-mail)
- Learning Resource Center Tutoring Services
- Writing & Multiliteracy Center Tutoring Services
Discussions are ongoing among campus leaders, with the Chancellor’s Office, and in consultation with VCPH regarding mitigation efforts and safety plans for the start of the Spring semester. We are in the process of finalizing details for Town Hall sessions for employees and students to be held during the first week of January when we will share what we know by that time about our return for the Spring semester. We will send on Monday information about the Town Hall dates and RSVP links.
As a reminder, I strongly encourage you to please read my message from December 22 regarding updates to the CSU’s vaccination policy requiring boosters for employees and students by Feb. 28.
I appreciate your patience as we continue to navigate these challenging times. Together, I know that we will serve our students and their progress towards degree completion in a safe and engaging environment. I send my thanks for all that you do and my best wishes to you and yours for the coming year.
Sincerely,
Richard Yao, Ph.D.
Interim President