Somehow it feels like February is the start of the new year. Maybe it’s because, after an initial delay in returning to the UC Davis campus after the winter break, the college and its students are finally back on campus. In October, I wrote that it was nice to see students biking past Green Hall again, and in the Science Lab Building. In that way, not much has changed. It is nice to see them back – again!
This year has started with a familiar feel. Campus is quiet, students are attending remote instruction and a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded. It sounds almost like nothing has changed since the beginning of the pandemic. Thankfully, that isn’t the case.
Somehow December is here already. With the end of the year just around the corner, we can look back on what we have accomplished over the last 12 months, and reflect on how far we’ve come.
Things in Davis are getting cooler, our state has started to have much-needed rain and it gets dark early. Fall is definitely in full swing, and there is no shortage of activity on campus.
Our first full month back to campus saw several milestones. The Genome Center ran its 1 millionth saliva sample since COVID testing became available for students, faculty and staff in September of last year. As a result, positivity rates in our community remain exceptionally low.
With nearly 6,000 new and returning CBS students on campus, things in the college are starting to feel a little more like normal. I’m pleased to say that vaccination rates among CBS students, faculty and staff are at almost 100%. For those on campus, the Campus Ready website is where you will find the latest guidance, answers to common questions, and a full list of resources.
The unrest this weekend and earlier ignited by the violent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis weighs on us all. I am deeply saddened by every aspect of these events, from the death of a black man in police custody to widespread rioting and violence.
As we continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we want to ensure our most vulnerable students receive necessary support during this time of crisis. For many, the UC Davis campus is a haven. Community spaces like Aggie Compass and The Pantry provide essential services for students facing housing issues and food insecurity. In a time of crisis, ensuring that these services continue is of utmost importance.
