As of 5 p.m. today (Nov. 16), the PM2.5 in Merced is at “very unhealthy” levels, and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District recommends everyone avoid outdoor activities.
Air quality can change dramatically hour to hour based on wind patterns and other environmental factors, but we are hopeful that normal campus operations will resume on Monday, Nov. 19. A determination will be made by approximately 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, or sooner if warranted by reliable longer-range air quality predictions.
When that determination is made, the campus community will be notified via email and the UC Merced website. You can visit emergency.ucmerced.edu for updates on campus operations, and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District for hour-by-hour updates on air quality.
Below are updates regarding campus activities and operations planned for the weekend:
Dining Services
The Pavilion dining center will observe its regular operating schedule over the weekend, open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Summits Marketplace will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. The Lantern Café and Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Center will be closed.
Leo and Dottie Kolligian Library
The UC Merced Library will be closed Saturday, but the first-floor Lantern will be open and accessible to students, staff and faculty. The Students First Center is closed all weekend.
Recreation and Athletics
The women’s basketball game scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, will take place as planned. The Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation and Wellness Center will observe regular hours, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 1 p.m. Sunday.
Health Services
Health and counseling services will be closed until 8 a.m. In the case of emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
CatTracks
CatTracks will run its normal weekend route schedule on Saturday and Sunday.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is closed all weekend.
Closing campus locations is not a decision we’ve taken lightly, as there are significant academic and administrative impacts. If we face the necessity of closing for even more days next week, it will create a need to reschedule classes and exams, and this will require extending the semester into the winter break or beyond. Hopefully we can avoid this, but the health and safety of our community will remain of utmost concern.
Your patience and understanding are appreciated. Please continue to keep those most affected by fire throughout the state in your thoughts.
