- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
As UC employees continue to face complications as a result of the pandemic, the University has decided to offer all employees a new 2021 allotment of Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL), in addition to the current UC Paid Administrative Leave program. As part of the new EPSL program, full-time employees may take up to 80 hours of EPSL. Employees in less than full-time positions can consult with Human Resources for further entitlement details. The new EPSL program is available...
- Author: Brian Oatman
UC travel guidance updated
UCOP has issued updated guidance for UC travelers, replacing previous directives and aligning with CDC Travel Guidance for COVID-19. More information for UC ANR travelers can be found on our COVID-19 Travel webpage, which will maintain links to current CDC and CDPH guidance and advisories for travelers. Based on the current guidance, UC ANR advises all employees to avoid non-essential travel out of state. If you are unsure if work-related travel is essential, consult your supervisor or unit...
ANR employees and vaccine availability
As the state, county, and other providers continue to increase distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, information and guidance about allocation of vaccines and how to get vaccinated is evolving. At this time, most areas of the state are in Phase 1B of the vaccine strategy, meaning that as supplies allow, vaccines are being provided for the following groups: Individuals 65 or older and workers in the following sectors: Agriculture and food, Education and childcare, Emergency services.
Based on the state's current vaccination strategy, entities such as UC will not receive vaccine that is exclusively dedicated for employees. Rather, UC's vaccination efforts on some...
Update on DEI Advisory Council
This month I appointed 11 UC ANR employees to an initial two-year term as founding members of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council for UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. The group began meeting to consider the Council's role and structure in November; this appointment is effective retroactively from November 1, 2020, through October 31, 2022.
I am convening this advisory council to support DEI efforts that UC ANR staff and academics have undertaken to improve working environments within UC ANR, as well as to improve quality of life for marginalized populations living in the state of California. Diversity is one of our core values and...
COVID-19 vaccination information
As we begin 2021, I hope that you all had a safe and restful break over the holidays. With the new year, and increasing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, we wanted to share some information with you and let you know how we are working on this issue. This message is based on current information, but the guidance and actual distribution of the vaccine is changing rapidly and can vary by county or community.
First, it is important to understand that while the vaccine is a significant development to ending the pandemic, we still have a long road ahead and need to stay the course to maintain our current safety protocols for the next several months. For example, if you get a...