From the Desk of Willie Brown V4N4

COVID-19: Two Years Later

As we prepare for the last quarter of the 2021-2022 academic year, I want to applaud the work that everyone has accomplished while facing immense challenges. I also want to breathe a sigh of relief due to COVID positivity numbers dropping across the country, including Santa Barbara County and here on campus, and the shifts taking place at this time – shifts that are moving away from public health mandates toward public health recommendations. 

With Spring Break approaching we still need to remain vigilant and nimble with the ever-changing realities of the pandemic. Please continue to mitigate your risk of exposure to protect yourselves, your friends and family, and our campus community. In case you are not aware, the federal government began offering a second round of at-home COVID tests via USPS. You can sign up here https://www.covidtests.gov/. All UCSB staff members are also eligible for a home rapid antigen test kit. You can pick up a test at the Customer Service Desk at the UCSB Campus Store. 

The continuing student housing application process was open recently and we continue to have substantial interest from students wanting to live in our communities. Based on that and the University of California smashing records for first-year fall applications, I anticipate a large and lively move-in this Fall 2022. As you know, a lot of planning, hard work and enthusiasm is needed to make Move-In a success. It’s a big job, but many hands make light work and I will be requesting everyone’s help this year to make it a great experience for students and their families. Thank you in advance for your partnership and support with this team effort!

If you’re here during Spring Break, I encourage you to attend the 2022 Deepening Understanding conference, March 21-24. The Organizational & Performance Management Team is excited to offer a variety of workshops that highlight the importance of self-care as a way of reconnecting with ourselves in support of our communities. This is a hybrid conference with some sessions offered in person and some via Zoom. Thank you to those organizing this great event, and thank you to the presenters for sharing their time and wisdom. 

If you’re taking the week off, I hope you have a happy and healthy spring break and spend time with loved ones! Enjoy!