UC Merced is taking the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of the campus community with the least amount of disruption to its mission of education, research and public service.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led the campus to implement social distancing by moving all classes to fully remote delivery. Classes are not cancelled. They will be delivered through online and remote platforms through the remainder of the spring semester.
The campus remains open and operational. Residents living in student housing may choose to move out and will receive prorated reimbursements provided they register their intentions. Students who wish to remain on campus, including during spring break, will be able to do so.
Interim Chancellor Nathan Brostrom encourages all members of the campus community to protect their health and well-being.
“We are called upon to uphold and value the dignity of every single person on this campus and this is the time that really tests that,” he said in a recent webinar.
“Not only take care of yourself, practice good hygiene, practice social distancing, but keep an eye out for others. See if others are suffering, are anxious or worried and reach out to them. We are a community and one of the most important things we can do is to take care of ourselves and each other during this time.”
Below are answers to some of the most common questions being asked about developments on campus. For the most recent information about how the campus is responding to the COVID-19 outbreak and a list of campus communications, please consult our Emergency Preparedness site. There are pages with specific information for faculty, students, parents and staff, as well as frequently asked questions about the coronavirus outbreak.
Q: Are classes cancelled?
A: No. Classes are not cancelled. They are being moved to online and remote formats for the remainder of the semester. Arrangements are being made for exams to be done in alternate ways. Students should check in with their instructors to determine how to proceed.
Q: Is the campus closing?
A: No. The campus remains open and all services remain in operation, including residence halls, dining services, health services, academic tutoring and advising, and administration. Public Safety services remain in operation 24 hours a day, every day.
Q: What about students who live in student housing?
A: Residents living in student housing have the option to move out and will receive financial relief for housing and dining charges. Such intentions must be registered through the housing portal here. A video explaining the process is here. Students who choose to remain on campus, even through spring break, will continue to have dining and other services. The university may relocate students as it adjusts operations to improve social distancing.
Q: Are events being cancelled?
A: For the near future, gatherings of 10 or more people are being postponed, rescheduled or moved to remote platforms. Campus tours of 10 or more people are cancelled. A list of events that are being cancelled, postponed or altered is available here.
Q: What can students do if they lack internet services or computers off campus?
A: We want to ensure all students have access to what they need to be successful, including loaning out computers to those who need one and making internet access available. Students should consult the Office of Information Technology for tips and help in maintaining educational continuity as classes move to remote platforms.
Q: What should we do if someone on campus is visibly sick?
A: If someone is not feeling well, we encourage them to use campus Health Services. The after-hours number is 209-228-2273 If necessary, campus public safety authorities will send somebody to the affected person. The dispatch line is 209-228-2677. Other contact details can be found at the UC Merced Police Department website.
