UCSB and other campuses prepare to go remote first two weeks of Winter Quarter

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - University of California Santa Barbara's student paper the Daily Nexus is reporting that UCSB, UCLA, UCSD and other campuses will transition to remote learning for the first one to two weeks of instruction after the Winter Break.

Our Media Partner Noozhawk confirmed the remote learning through at least Jan. 17 is due to the more contagious Omicron variant.

Dustin Duncan who plans to graduate in the Spring said, "I just got texted this morning with the UC policy bascially shifting and my first thought was this is kind of what happened when we first started It was going to be online for the first two weeks and then we ended up being online for a year and so I am a little apprehensive going into it, but on the other hand last year there was the freedom of being online and being able to go and travel and kind of do what you want while being in classes ,so that was a big plus for a lot of us out in I.V. (Isla Vista) because there is so much we can do out here."

Duncan doesn't like the idea of paying full tuition when classes are remote.

UCSB Junior Sophie Zietz hopes things will change for the better.

"It is pretty devastating, I think all the students really enjoy, like, engaging with teachers and their fellow classmates and it takes a lot out of the experience of being in school," said Zietz.

UCSB graduate student Steven Hu said, "I heard other colleges and universities were thinking of closing. Harvard and Stanford have decided to close."

Those schools were the fist to announce going remote in early January.

"I am a T-A so i will have to teach on line which is a disappointment it is harder to teach online on zoom in terms of grad work it won't affect me so much I am just working on my dissertation, " said Hu.

But I wil say also it takes away from the fact that we are paying full tuition for not the full schooling it is pretty frustrating I will say.

UCSB Junior Caleb Ingle said, "I don't think it is inherently negative itself, I think there is good in it, but I do think it's a bummer for students and their mental health to be online."

Ingle supports frequent testings and thinks the campus should require boosters.

University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D. left it up to the chancellors on each campus and sent them following guidance:

"Dear Chancellors, As you know, cases of COVID-19 are continuing to rapidly rise across the nation as the Omicron variant spreads. The emergence of this new and fast-moving variant, coupled with student travel to and from campus and the prevalence of gatherings over the holidays, will present our campuses with a unique set of public health challenges as we begin the New Year. Based on consultation with University leadership and public health experts, I am asking each of you to design and implement a plan for a January return to campus that mitigates public health impacts, responds to the unique circumstances facing your campus, and maintains our teaching and research operations. This plan should incorporate a test, sequester, and retest model as described in the UC Health Coordinating Committee’s guidance for returning students. This may require campuses to begin the term using remote instruction in order to allow students to complete an appropriate testing protocol as they return to campus. Given the differences in local conditions and campus operations across the University, the length of this remote instruction period may vary from campus to campus. In line with public health best practices, your return plan should also emphasize the importance of preventive measures on campus, particularly during the initial return phase when students are still in the testing protocol. This should include vigilance around masking and a responsible approach to in-person gatherings. Large, congregant events, particularly indoors, should be avoided in the opening weeks of your winter quarter or spring semester. The evidence is clear that receiving a booster is essential to protecting yourself and those around you from Omicron and other variants. Therefore, I am also asking each of you to communicate the critical importance of boosters to your campus community, especially at this stage of the pandemic. Eligible students who are returning home should be encouraged to get boosted before coming back to campus. Under existing UC policy, students, faculty, and staff are required to keep their vaccination status up to date. The policy mandates COVID-19 boosters for those who are eligible. Information on booster eligibility is available from the Centers for Disease Control here. Thank you for your continued leadership during these challenging times, and for your advice, counsel, and input as we plan for 2022. Brenda and I wish you and your families a happy holiday season.

Sincerely, Michael V. Drake, MD

President, University of California"

UCSB students may find more information at https://www.dia.ucsb.edu/public-affairs-communications

A statement from Cal Poly said the campus continues to plan for in person instruction at this time, but they are staying in contact with health officials and experts and adjust to the nature of the pandemic as appropriate.

Hancock College will continue its hybrid plan and issued the following statement:

"At this time, Hancock plans to continue offering remote, online, in-person, and hybrid classes for the winter and spring semesters. The college will continue its rigorous COVID-19 vaccine and testing protocols to ensure health safety while monitoring any new developments and following the guidance of county, state, and federal health agencies."

Santa Barbara City College just wrapped up finals and will close for break before Christmas.

SBCC plans to be in person, but the administration is staying in contact with public health officials and other health experts to make adjustments if necessary.

Cal State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) will not do remote learning at this time but will depend on how Omicron is affecting Ventura College.

The Ventura County Community College District has not issued a statement, but has an alert system set up for protocols at venturacollege.edu.

A majority of students are home for the holidays.