Many of you have been asking for an update regarding our official telecommute and limited onsite operations timeframe. On March 19, I sent out a notice that all UC ANR locations and programs would move to telecommuting and limited on-site operations status (with the exception of designated essential on-site staff/academics) effective through close of business on April 7, 2020, with a caveat that the date may be extended. This date was set by UCOP.
On March 24, to make planning easier, I extended the directive for UC ANR personnel to cancel, postpone or conduct online all meetings/events/gatherings statewide through April 30, 2020.
We have not yet received formal communication from UCOP regarding extension of...
Catastrophic leave donations
UC ANR's Catastrophic Leave Donation program is expanding to support our people during the COVID-19 emergency. This program allows employees to donate accrued vacation to support colleagues who have exhausted their paid leave due to a catastrophic illness or injury of an employee or family member; the death of a family member; or, a catastrophic casualty loss suffered due to a terrorist attack, fire or natural disaster.
Until now, UC ANR has administered this program by sending a call for donations to meet individual needs on a case-by-case basis. Now we are expanding the program to accept donations of accrued vacation leave into a central leave “bank” that...
Zoom accounts available to loan during COVID-19 shelter in place order
While California is under a statewide “stay home” order, UC ANR is still open for business and working to support and accommodate the needs of our partners and stakeholders. Accordingly, UC ANR is making Zoom accounts available to loan to our partners and stakeholders during this period for their use in remotely conducting urgent meetings to strategize and address critical business operations.
If you would like to use a temporary Zoom account, contact your Unit Director, Program Leader, County Director, or REC Director. They will request an account on your behalf and provide guidance on use of the...
Master Gardener volunteer hours
Given the tremendous impact COVID-19 is having on planned spring UC Master Gardener events and gardening activities across the state, program leadership has determined that all UC Master Gardener volunteers who choose to remain active and reappoint during the upcoming reappointment period (June 1 – July 31) will be approved, regardless of the number of volunteer or continuing education hours completed this program year. Further, volunteers will not be responsible for making up any incomplete volunteer and continuing education hours in the following program year. Read the message to volunteers at
