For the UCSB class of 2020, and for classes of 2020 worldwide, the loss of an in-person spring quarter and the presence of the coronavirus pandemic has thrown their lives into uncertainty.
UCSB admissions advises would-be students to “experience UCSB through a virtual tour” and learn more about the school through webinar events.
Now, with the pressure of all classes being taught online, the time to carefully develop courses is quickly dwindling.
Yesterday, UCSB’s winter quarter finals week began – but instead of the typical packed Arbor and swamped library, the campus appeared absent of students.
Although all in-person classes are canceled through spring quarter, Yang maintained in the email that the campus will remain “open and operational” through spring quarter.
The university is also discouraging all international travel and is urging “extreme caution” for traveling domestically.
The campus, including Housing and Dining, will remain open and operational, albeit with limited service, Chancellor Yang said in the email.
While there have been no reported cases of the virus within Santa Barbara County or at UC Santa Barbara, the university is actively preparing to respond if a case is confirmed on campus.
The UC-wide work stoppage started early morning on Thursday; at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, protesters blocked all four entrances to Cheadle Hall.
With the launch of a COLA group at UCSF, all 10 UC campuses now have rumblings of COLA organizing on their respective campuses.