UCLA ramp-up planning update
COVID-19 Response and Recovery Task Force
To: Faculty and Staff
Dear Colleagues:
UCLA is looking forward to expanding on-campus learning, living and working in the fall, and the health and well-being of the Bruin community remain our top priority. The past year brought changes for many of us in how and where we work, and we understand that many of you have questions about how a phased return to campus will occur.
With that in mind, the UCLA COVID-19 Response and Recovery Task Force has created an online Campus Ramp-Up Planning Guide. This guide provides information on what departments will need in order to prepare to expand campus operations and what employees can expect, whether working on campus, remotely or in a hybrid fashion (combining on-site and remote work). Both on-site and remote employees have successfully provided a wide variety of services for the UCLA community over the past year. We are grateful for your commitment and flexibility as the university continues our recovery. In the current phase, some work currently being done remotely will be transitioned back to campus, while other work may continue remotely.
Campus Ramp-Up Planning Guide
Decisions about which employees and functions will shift back to campus — and in which order — will be made by each department, as we recognize that each functional area has its unique needs. Department heads, managers and supervisors are encouraged to allow those who can continue to perform their duties effectively from remote locations to do so.
The campus is planning to have full capacity in campus housing and about 80% of courses will be offered in person for the fall term. To support this higher level of operation, we anticipate the overall campus employee density will increase substantially, but will still be less than normal. Those working a hybrid schedule should alternate their on-site days with other employees working a hybrid schedule to keep the overall occupancy of the work environment lower.
We acknowledge that many departmental leaders are uncertain about what is expected of them before expanding on-campus operations and how to answer important questions from members of their teams. The online Campus Ramp-Up Planning Guide is a resource for departments and employees as they navigate this transition. The guide includes:
- Summaries of key safety measures based on state, county and UC guidelines and protocols, including the expectation that face coverings will continue to be required in addition to COVID-19 testing for those that have an approved accommodation from the vaccine mandate;
- Key takeaways on expected changes in campus operations;
- Templates to assist with workforce planning, including employee scheduling;
- Information on how to request support services and supplies to make workspaces safer;
- Resources to support employees working remotely, including financial assistance to purchase ergonomic home office furniture for those working remotely three days or more per week; and
- Commuter resources, including information on subsidized transit passes and daily discounted parking for those employees working a hybrid telecommuting schedule.
As we continue our recovery, True Bruin kindness and empathy, in addition to observing our COVID-19-related safety protocols, will help support everyone’s well-being. Staying flexible in the coming months will be essential as state and local protocols continue to evolve, and university guidelines adjust accordingly. If you have any questions regarding the above information, please email covid19@ucla.edu.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Beck
Administrative Vice Chancellor
Co-chair, COVID-19 Response and Recovery Task Force
Michael Meranze
Immediate Past Chair, UCLA Academic Senate
Professor of History
Co-chair, COVID-19 Response and Recovery Task Force
