The University frequently revises existing policies and creates new policies in alignment with state and federal regulations. The University invites employee comments on these revisions and new policies before they are finalized.

Below is a list of policies currently or previously open for employee comment.

Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (DURC-PEPP)

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on the proposed Presidential Policy on Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential. This policy revises the current UC Dual Use Research of Concern Policy with new and updated provisions, per the White House communication on dual use research issued May 6, 2024. Specifically, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued the United States Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (PEPP) (USG Policy).

The proposed UC Presidential Policy will implement the changes made by the new USG Policy, and it includes the following:

• Adoption of the USG Policy for the institutional review and oversight of research with biological agents or toxins categorized as DURC (Category 1) or PEPP (Category 2).
• The expectation that UC Locations review federally and non-federally funded research for DURC and PEPP. However, it allows UC Locations to develop a different oversight framework for non-federally funded research, provided that it is consistent with the principles of the USG Policy.
• A succinct description of the Compliance Responsibilities for Principal Investigators, UC Location Institutional Contacts for Dual Use Research, and Vice Chancellors for Research (and their equivalents at ANR and LBNL).
• A Procedures Section that provides high-level requirements for compliance with the USG Policy.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than March 13, 2025. Please indicate “DURC-PEPP” in the subject line.

DURC-PEPP Policy Cover Letter

DRAFT DURC-PEPP Policy Redline

DRAFT DURC-PEPP Policy Clean

Use of Animals in Research, Teaching, and Training

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy on the Use of Animals in Research, Teaching, and Testing. The proposed policy would update and replace UC’s current policy, “Use of Animals in Research and Teaching”.

The revised policy:

• Reiterates UC’s commitment to the responsible, humane use and care of animals in research and teaching.
• Updates the list of currently applicable laws and regulations.
• Aligns legal and UC systemwide requirements with campus practices.
• Includes considerations for wildlife and agricultural animals in research and teaching.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than March 3, 2025. Please indicate “Use of Animals Policy” in the subject line.

Use of Animals in Research Teaching and Testing Policy Cover Letter

Use of Animals in Research Teaching and Testing Policy Redline

Use of Animals in Research Teaching and Testing Policy Clean

Seismic Safety

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy Seismic Safety. The policy is proposed to be revised and includes the following key issues:

• Replace the 2030 deadline with a continual improvement requirement for each location to achieve a minimum 4% per year reduction of non-compliant space above the established 2022 baseline square footage averaged over a three-year period. Note that any improvements completed in compliance with State-mandated requirements for critical care facilities will count towards the 4% reduction goal.
• All currently occupied Seismic Performance Rating VI facilities, shall be given the highest priority in capital planning and allocation decisions and brought into compliance with policy no later than December 31, 2037,
• Existing leases for certain non-compliant UC-occupied facilities may be extended through 2037.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than November 1, 2024. Please indicate “Seismic Safety Policy” in the subject line.

Seismic Safety Policy Cover Letter

Seismic Safety Policy Redline

Seismic Safety Policy Clean

PPSM-84 Employee Consultation

The University of California is proposing revisions to PPSM-84 (Accommodations for Nursing Mothers), which applies to staff employees in the Professional & Support Staff, Managers & Senior Professionals, and Senior Management Group personnel groups.

This draft of PPSM-84 has been updated with technical and clarifying edits for compliance with legal requirements.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than September 20, 2024. Please indicate “Employee Consultation Policy” in the subject line.

PPSM-84 Employee Consultation Cover Letter

PPSM-84 Employee Consultation Redline

PPSM-84 Employee Consultation Clean

Externally Supplied Medications in UC Outpatient and Clinic Settings

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy Use of Externally Supplied Medications in UC Outpatient and Clinic Settings.  The policy is proposed to be revised and includes the following key issues:

• DSCSA is a federal law that requires UC to be able to track and trace all medications given to patients. Currently, there are medications coming into our UC system that we can’t track and trace because they are externally supplied by outside pharmacies. This policy would ban the use of medications that were externally supplied outside of our contracted distributors.
• UC has identified that externally supplied medications not only go against the DSCSA, but also lead to gaps in patient care and wastage of medication.
• Rare exceptions to this policy exist in cases of first time patient education and in patient assistance programs.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than October 31, 2024. Please indicate “External Medications Policy” in the subject line.

Externally Supplied Medications Policy Cover Letter

Externally Supplied Medications Policy Redline

Externally Supplied Medications Policy Clean

Vaccination Policy Programs

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on proposed Program Attachments #3–7 to the Policy on Vaccination Programs. The policy is proposed to include the following key issues:

• Students will be required to be Up-To-Date on their MMR, MenACWY, Tdap, and VZV vaccinations, provide proof of immunity for those diseases, or obtain a University-approved exception, as a condition of Physical Presence at a University Location or in a University Program.
• Students may request exceptions to any of these vaccination requirements premised on medical contraindications, religious objections, or disability. There are no exceptions permitted for students’ mandatory completion of a tuberculosis screening questionnaire to evaluate their risk of latent tuberculosis.
• In the event that applicable law or public health orders impose stricter vaccination requirements, students would be required to comply with those stricter requirements.
• Students who are not Up-To-Date with the relevant vaccination requirements (which includes those who have been granted exceptions) or who have not satisfied the tuberculosis screening requirement may be subject to Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (e.g., masks and testing) above and beyond those who have demonstrated compliance and may be excluded from the Location or site of an outbreak.
• Additionally, students who are not compliant with the vaccination programs and/or screening program must participate in any Vaccine Education required by their Location Vaccine Authority (LVA). Additional Vaccine Education may be required by the LVA in the event of an outbreak or consistent with applicable federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or accreditation standards.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than October 25, 2024. Please indicate “Vaccination Policy Programs” in the subject line.

Program Attachments #3-7 to the Policy on Vaccination Programs Cover Letter

Interim Program Attachment #3 Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccination Program

Interim Program Attachment #4 Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y, W) Conjugate Vaccination Program

Interim Program Attachment #5 Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccination Program

Interim Program Attachment #6 Varicella Vaccination Program

Interim Program Attachment #7 Tuberculosis Screening Program

APM-016, University Policy on Faculty Conduct and the Administration of Discipline

The University invites comments on proposed revisions to the following policy:

• APM - 016, University Policy on Faculty Conduct and the Administration of Discipline

Summarized below are the proposed key policy revisions that are being distributed for systemwide review. 

Key Policy Revisions

The policy revisions respond to the need to revise APM - 016 to address the handling of simultaneous academic misconduct investigations and personnel actions and include:

• Pause on Academic Personnel Review Actions: At the beginning of a formal investigation of alleged misconduct by a faculty member, if the Chancellor (or Chancellor’s designee) finds that any of the alleged misconduct is relevant to the assessment criteria for academic personnel review actions, the Chancellor (or Chancellor’s designee) may impose a no-fault pause on any current or future academic personnel action (e.g., for merit, promotion, or advancement) of that faculty member. Locations are responsible for developing implementation procedures that address at what stage in existing local procedures the pause occurs and that identify the offices that have responsibility for providing written confirmation of the pause to the respondent, giving a respondent periodic updates on the status of the investigation, and for notifying relevant administrators of the beginning and end of the pause.
• Conclusion of the pause: The pause will end when the investigative and disciplinary processes are concluded. In the event of a disciplinary process following a formal investigation, the pause will end when a final decision is made whether to impose disciplinary sanctions. The academic personnel process may then proceed according to campus procedures.

Assistant Professors in Year 8: If the investigative and disciplinary processes are not concluded by the beginning of the faculty member’s eighth year of service at the rank of Assistant Professor (or a combination of equivalent titles), the Chancellor is authorized to recommend to the President that the appointment be extended beyond the eighth year, in accordance with Regents Bylaw 40.3(c).

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than July  1, 2024. Please indicate “APM-016 Revision” in the subject line.

APM-016 Cover Letter

APM-016 Draft Redline

APM-016 Draft Clean

APM-710, Leaves of Absence/Sick Leave/Medical Leave

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on the following proposed policy:

• APM - 710, Leaves of Absence/Sick Leave/Medical Leave

The policy is proposed to be revised and includes the following key revisions:

• Proposed effective date of the policy revision is January 1, 2025.
• Policy title updated to clarify the policy applies to paid sick leave.
• Policy updated to provide paid medical leave to Agronomists, Astronomers, and Curators who have a full-time appointment for at least a full academic year.
• Policy updated to permit paid sick leave accrual and usage to certain academic appointees who have a paid appointment of at least thirty (30) calendar days, and to those with less than 50% appointments.
• Policy updated to provide a paid sick leave bank to all faculty, Agronomists, Astronomers, and Curators who have an appointment of at least thirty (30) calendar days.
• Policy updated to provide a paid sick leave bank to academic appointees in university extension who do not accrue sick leave who have an appointment of at least thirty (30) calendar days.
• Policy updated to include protected paid sick leave.
• Policy updated to extend the period during which accrued and unused paid sick leave may be reinstated if an appointee is reemployed after a separation from employment and to address reinstatement of unused days from a paid sick leave bank.
• Policy updated to allow use of paid sick leave for additional reasons, including preventive care and for specified purposes for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
• Policy updated to provide notice requirements for an academic appointee to use paid sick leave.
• Policy updated to include recording of paid medical leave, paid sick leave bank, and paid sick leave accrual and use.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than April 22, 2024. Please indicate “APM-710 Revision” in the subject line.

APM-710 Cover Letter 04.01.2024

APM-710 Draft Redline 04.01.2024

APM-710 Draft Clean 04.01.2024

Hoverboard Policy Recission

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposal to rescind the Presidential Policy on Hoverboards.  The policy is proposed to be rescinded to address the following key issues:

• The policy was envisioned as a temporary, emergency policy to address fire risks created by individuals charging hoverboard batteries in or on UC properties. 
• Since the policy was adopted, the following developments have occurred:
• Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) testing and listing for lithium ion-powered equipment and batteries has become more prescriptive.
• The California Office of the State Fire Marshal released a guidance document (23-003) in April of 2023 related to the storage and charging of these types of devices.
• California Assembly Bill 712 was signed into law in July of 2023 and requires landlords to allow tenants to recharge micro-mobility devices in their units. UC Legal has determined this Assembly Bill does apply to UC housing.
• The UC Council of Campus Fire Marshals released guidance in August 2023 specific to this type of equipment and its use at UC locations. 
• With technology evolving rapidly, the University is better served by relying on outside standard-setting bodies, such as UL, and best practice guidance from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than March 13, 2024. Please indicate “Hoverboard Policy Recission” in the subject line.

Proposal to Rescind Hoverboard Policy Cover Letter

Proposal to Rescind Hoverboard Policy for Recission

BUS-50 Controlled Substances Use in Research and Teaching

The University of California, Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy BFB-BUS-50: Controlled Substances Use In Research and Teaching. The policy is proposed to be revised and includes the following key issues:

• Clarify in detail the scope of duties of the Campus Controlled Substances Programs and the Controlled Substances Program Officers;
• Define the Campus Designation form of Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Registration and address requirements applicable to DEA Registrations other than Campus Designation, such as individual schedule I DEA Registrations;
• Provide more specific procedures regarding Powers of Attorney;
• Provide additional guidance as to import, export, interstate and intrastate use, transfer and transport of Controlled Substances, as well as Controlled Substances Analogues and DEA-exempt chemical preparations; and
• Establish responsible units and individuals for patient care and clinical Controlled Substances Program.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than April 5, 2024. Please indicate “BUS-50 Revision” in the subject line.

BUS-50 Controlled Substances Cover Letter

BUS-50 Controlled Substances Draft Redline

BUS-50 Controlled Substances Draft Clean

APM-285 Lecturer with Security of Employment Series

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on the following proposed policy:

• APM - 285, Lecturer with Security of Employment Series

The policy is proposed to be revised and includes the following key revisions:

• Revised name of “Lecturer with Security of Employment” (LSOE) series and ranks to “Professor of Teaching.”
• Removal of Appendix A.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than March 11, 2024. Please indicate “APM-285 Revision” in the subject line.

APM-285 Cover Letter

APM-285 Draft Redline

APM-285 Draft Clean

Vaccination Programs Policy

On August 16, 2023, the Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Interim Revisions was issued. The interim revisions move the University’s COVID-19 vaccination program to a systemwide opt-out program for all covered individuals. The University’s seasonal influenza vaccination program remains an opt-out program. The University of California Office of the President invites comments on changes from the interim revisions to finalize this Presidential Policy. 

As background, there have been significant changes in federal and State public health guidance regarding COVID-19 since the last Systemwide Review period for this policy. The federal Public Health Emergency ended on May 11, 2023, along with the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for federal employees and federal contractors. California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency ended on February 28, 2023, and the California Department of Public Health rescinded its health care worker vaccination requirement effective April 3, 2023.

The draft policy is virtually identical to the policy with interim revisions that was issued on August 16, 2023.  Key revisions include:

• Policy will require covered individuals to either be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination or to opt out of COVID-19 vaccination. In the event applicable law or public health orders impose stricter vaccination requirements, such as for healthcare workers, the policy will continue to require compliance with those stricter requirements.
• As policy will no longer require covered individuals to either be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination or receive a University-approved exception, model forms and other content regarding the exception process were removed.
• COVID-19 vaccination program implementation guidelines were removed. Relevant language regarding vaccination data moved to main policy. Policy noncompliance language added to main policy, including citations to relevant University policies.
• Removed content regarding rescinded California Department of Public Health (CDPH) health care worker vaccine requirement.
• Updated language consistent with current public health usage. Removed outdated deadlines and content.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than December 11, 2023. Please indicate “Vaccination Programs Policy” in the subject line.

Vaccination Programs Policy Cover Letter

Vaccination Programs Policy Draft Redline

Vaccination Programs Policy Draft Clean

Affiliations with Certain Health Care Organizations

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on the draft Presidential Policy on Affiliations with Certain Health Care Organizations which supports the implementation of Regents Policy 4405. The Policy makes revisions to the existing interim Presidential Policy, which was first circulated for systemwide review in March 2022.  The policy has been revised to:

• Focus on UC values by enhancing the policy summary statement and addressing the importance of affiliations with government agencies;
• Clarify expectations of UC providers and define “emergency services” and “emergency medical conditions” under EMTALA and the California Department of Managed Health Care;
• Specify implementation of the voluntary requirement for UC health trainees to support continuity of University training programs; and
• Reduce administrative burden for “limited affiliations” while maintaining consistency with Regents Policy 4405.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment on this policy revision, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than October 11, 2023. Please indicate “Affiliations Policy” in the subject line.

Policy on Affiliations with Certain Health Care Organizations Cover Letter

Policy on Affiliations with Certain Health Care Organizations Draft Redline

Policy on Affiliations with Certain Health Care Organizations Draft Clean

APM-210 Review and Appraisal Committees

The University invites comments on proposed revisions to Section 210 of the Academic Personnel Manual:

• APM - 210, Review and Appraisal Committees.

Summarized below are the proposed key policy revisions that are being distributed for systemwide review. 

The proposed changes include the addition of mentoring to criteria and assessment, revisions to evaluation and evidence of teaching and mentoring effectiveness, contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for policy-covered librarians, minor additions of numbering for clarity, and technical revisions for grammatical consistency. Proposed substantive changes are made to the following APM - 210 sections:

• 210-1 Instructions to Review Committees That Advise on Actions Concerning Appointees in the Professor and Corresponding Series;
• 210-2 Instructions to Review Committees That Advise on Actions Concerning the Professor of Clinical (e.g., Medicine) Series;
• 210-3 Instructions to Review Committees That Advise on Actions Concerning the Lecturer with Security of Employment Series;
• 210-4 Instructions to Review Committees That Advise on the Appointment, Merit Increase, Promotion, Career Status Actions for Members of Librarian Series;
• 210-6 Instructions to Review Committees That Advise on Actions Concerning the Health Sciences Clinical Professor Series.

In addition, it is proposed that APM section 210-5, Instructions to Review Committees that Advise on Actions Concerning Appointees in the Supervisor of Physical Education Series be removed as this title series has been discontinued and no appointees remain in the title, and that Appendix B be removed since it expires June 30, 2023.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than July 24, 2023. Please indicate “APM-210 Policy” in the subject line.

APM-210 Policy Cover Letter 2023.04.24

APM-210 Policy Draft Redline 2023.04.24

APM-210 Policy Draft Clean 2023.04.24

APM-710 Leaves of Absence/Sick Leave/Medical Leave

The University invites comments on proposed revisions to Section 710 of the Academic Personnel Manual: 

• APM - 710, Leaves of Absence/Sick Leave/Medical Leave. 

Summarized below are the proposed key policy revisions that are being distributed for systemwide review.   

The proposed changes are largely technical revisions to add a designated person for family and medical leave due to changes to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), effective January 1, 2023. Proposed substantive changes are made to the following APM - 710 section: 

• 710-20 Use of Proposed Sick Leave  

The proposed substantive change allows academic appointees to use accrued sick leave for medical appointments or illness of a designated person.  

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than July 24, 2023. Please indicate “APM-710 Policy” in the subject line.

APM-710 Cover Letter 2023.04.24

APM-710 Policy Redline 2023.04.24

APM-710 Policy Clean 2023.04.24

BUS-43

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy UC-PS-20-0489-BUS-43 Purchases of Goods and Services; Supply Chain Management. The policy is proposed to be revised and includes the following key issues:

• Respond to feedback from the previous systemwide review. During the 2021 systemwide review of BUS-43, multiple commenters noted that BUS-43 was difficult to understand, and the language didn’t match best practices for Presidential Policies. As a result, BUS-43 has been rewritten using natural language rather than jargon whenever possible.
• Address inconsistencies and formatting errors. The last full review of BUS-43 was in 2012, and over time subsequent revisions introduced formatting errors such as incorrectly numbered sections and inconsistent styles within each section. This revision corrects those errors and applies a consistent style throughout the policy. This revision also updates BUS-43 to match current Presidential Policy guidelines.
• Clarify what policy does and does not allow. BUS-43 currently uses “should” and “should not” in policy requirements. This has caused confusion in determining what are policy requirements vs what is recommended or allowable. The BUS-43 revision clarifies what are policy requirements (“must” or “must not” do), what is or isn’t allowed (“may” or “may not” do), and what is recommended as best practice for procurement at the University of California.
  NOTE: The revision does not change the intent or requirements of BUS-43. The new language is designed to help faculty, students, and staff understand what the policy requirements are.
• Separate policy from procedure. BUS-43 currently contains both policy and procedures for Procurement. The procedures are not required policy, and therefore don’t belong as part of BUS-43. The BUS-43 revision contains just the policy and required procedures. The remaining procedures will be moved to the Systemwide Procurement portal as guidelines for faculty, students, and staff who participate in the procurement process at the University of California.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than April 21, 2023. Please indicate “BUS-43 Policy” in the subject line.

BUS-43 Policy Final Cover Letter 2023.01.27

BUS-43 Policy Final Draft Redline 2023.01.27

BUS-43 Policy Final Draft Clean 2023.01.27

Anti-Discrimination Policy

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy on Anti-Discrimination. The proposed policy covers discrimination, harassment, and retaliation by and against members of the University community on University property or in connection with University-sponsored activities.

The proposed policy includes the following key provisions:

• The proposed policy affirms the University of California’s commitment to creating and maintaining a healthy working and learning environment in an inclusive environment free of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
• The proposed policy defines harassment and discrimination as well as lists the protected categories protected by federal and state law.
• The proposed policy prohibits retaliation against an individual who reports Discrimination and/or Harassment, assists someone with a report of Discrimination and/or Harassment, or participates in an investigation or other process under the policy.
• The proposed policy addresses free speech and academic freedom. The proposed policy is intended to protect members of the University community from Discrimination, Harassment, and/or Retaliation, not to regulate protected speech. The proposed policy recognizes that freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and academic freedom are essential to the mission of the University. However, freedom of speech and academic freedom are not limitless and do not protect speech or expressive conduct that violates federal or state anti-discrimination laws.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than April 19, 2023. Please indicate “Anti-Discrimination Policy” in the subject line.

Anti-Discrimination Cover Letter 2023.01.24

Anti-Discrimination Policy Draft 2023.01.24

Vaccination Program Policy Extension

On August 30, 2022, the Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Interim Amendments was issued, with an effective date of September 1, 2022.  On September 16, 2022, the University of California Office of the President distributed a draft policy for Systemwide Review with a comment deadline of December 15, 2022.  Based on feedback received from the Systemwide Review thus far and discussions with leadership, updated interim amendments were made to the policy to include an option for members of the University community to opt out of COVID-19 boosters as well as technical edits.  On December 12, 2022, the Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments was issued.

In light of these updated interim amendments, the Office of the President is distributing an updated draft policy and extending the comment deadline for the formal Systemwide Review and consultation process from December 15, 2022, to January 31, 2023 to finalize this Presidential Policy.

Key revisions from the updated interim amendments include the following:

• The Primary Series of the COVID-19 vaccination will remain mandatory for all incoming faculty, staff, students, and trainees who are Covered Individuals subject only to religious, medical, and disability exceptions and temporary deferral due to pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis or treatment. (Health care workers will continue to be eligible for fewer exceptions due to a California Department of Public Health order.)
• Covered Individuals must be Up-to-Date with COVID-19 vaccination boosters. However, those who prefer to opt out of COVID-19 boosters will be permitted to do so by signing a declination statement after receiving education and subject to non-pharmaceutical interventions specified by their locations (for example, masking).  Please note that health care workers may not decline their first booster under a California Department of Public Health order unless they are eligible for one of the order’s limited exceptions or deferrals.
• If a Covered Individual prefers to defer the COVID-19 bivalent booster for more than 90 days after being diagnosed with or treated for COVID-19, they can do so by declining the booster after receiving education. When they do receive the booster, they will again be considered Up-to-Date.
• Locations will ordinarily set an annual compliance deadline between July and December for existing faculty, staff, and students to participate in the COVID-19 vaccine program. This year Locations may set that deadline as late as February 1, 2023.

The version of the policy distributed on September 16, 2022 renamed the policy “Policy on Vaccination Programs” and consolidated the University’s existing systemwide vaccination requirements other than the Student Immunization Policy into a single document. Key revisions that were distributed for Systemwide Review at that time include the following:

• The COVID-19 Vaccination Program Attachment incorporates language from the July 15, 2021 SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program policy with a focus on reorganization and simplification of existing policy language. Those updates were not intended to institute substantive changes in policy regarding existing COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
• In alignment with CDC guidance, the deadlines for completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccination series have been extended to allow for a longer interval period between doses.
• Locations are encouraged to evaluate COVID-19 Vaccination Program Participation, but Healthcare Locations are not required to do so.
• The COVID-19 Vaccination Program corrective action/discipline language for policy-covered academic appointees has been clarified.
• The Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment incorporates language from the President’s past flu vaccine Executive Orders. The Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program is an Opt-Out program, which means Covered Individuals may decline vaccination after receiving vaccine education. The Program has an annual compliance date of no later than December 1. Locations may choose an earlier compliance date. The first compliance date for new employees depends on when their first date of employment is in relation to the flu season. 
• The language has been updated throughout consistent with current public health usage.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than January 25, 2023. Please indicate “Vaccination Programs Policy” in the subject line.

Updated Vaccination Programs Policy Cover Letter Extending Review 2022.12.14

Policy on Vaccination Programs Draft Redline 2022.12.14

Policy on Vaccination Programs Draft Clean 2022.12.14

Sustainable Practices Policy

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on the proposed updates to the existing Presidential Policy on Sustainable Practices.  The proposed revisions address the following key issues:

• Green Building Design: The first two updates to this policy section codify campus best practices and respond to comments from the systemwide review of last year’s updates to the Sustainable Practices Policy and to requests from several Regents. The first update raises the minimum green building certification level for new buildings from LEED Silver to LEED Gold. The second update addresses the fact that parking structures are no longer eligible to earn LEED certification by requiring new parking structures to achieve a Parksmart Silver certification. Parksmart is a rating system similar to LEED that is designed for parking structures and has already been piloted on two UC campuses. The third update to this section removed references to the Savings by Design Program that California’s investor-owned utility companies recently discontinued.
• Climate Protection: The date that campuses will achieve carbon neutrality from scope 3 sources was moved up from 2050 to 2045 to align with the State of California’s updated goal. A new provision was added to the Procedures section to integrate the University’s “Framework for Incorporating Environmental & Climate Justice into Climate Action” into the climate action planning processes.
• Zero Waste: The target dates for the foodservice-related single-use plastic requirements were postponed until July 2024 to allow time for foodservice facilities to adjust to post-pandemic operating conditions. Additionally, as campuses can no longer count incinerated waste toward their waste diversion rates, language related to that completed transition was removed.
• Sustainable Foodservice: Consistent with comments received during the systemwide review of last year’s updates to the Sustainable Practices Policy, this update sets a new target for UC locations to procure 25% plant-based food by 2030 and strive to procure 30%. These new targets will facilitate and track efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of food served at UC locations.
• Sustainability at UC Health: The updates to this policy section set new goals for sustainable procurement. Specifically, provisions were added to cover medical device reprocessing and the procurement of appliances, hardware, and office supplies.
• Health and Well-Being: Drawing on research, analysis, and pilot projects led by the Global Food Initiative, Healthy Campus Network and Healthy Beverage Initiative, updates to this policy section establish targets for the percentage of beverages and food in vending machines that meet the UC Healthy Vending Guidelines. Additional provisions cover the marketing of healthy vending items, energy efficiency, and zero waste goals for vending machines.
• Minor revisions throughout the policy remove outdated language and targets and help to clarify the intent and improve the readability of the document.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than January 25, 2023. Please indicate “Sustainable Practices Policy Employee Comment” in the subject line.

Sustainable Practices Policy Cover Letter 2022.10.12

Sustainable Practices Policy Draft Tracked Changes 2022.10.12

Sustainable Practices Policy Draft Clean 2022.10.12

Vaccination Program Policy

On August 30, 2022, the Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Interim Amendments was issued, with an effective date of September 1, 2022. The University of California Office of the President invites comments on revisions from the interim amendments to finalize this Presidential Policy.

This policy is renamed “Policy on Vaccination Programs” and primarily consolidates the University’s existing systemwide vaccination requirements other than the Student Immunization Policy into a single document. Key revisions that are being distributed for Systemwide Review include the following:

• The COVID-19 Vaccination Program Attachment incorporates language from the July 15, 2021 SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program policy. This is primarily a reorganization and simplification of existing policy language and is not intended to institute substantive changes in policy regarding existing COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
• In alignment with CDC guidance, the deadlines for completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccination series have been extended to allow for a longer interval period between doses.
• Locations are encouraged to evaluate COVID-19 Vaccination Program Participation, but Healthcare Locations are not required to do so.
• The COVID-19 Vaccination Program corrective action/discipline language for policy-covered academic appointees has been clarified.
• The Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment incorporates language from the President’s past flu vaccine Executive Orders. The Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program is an Opt-Out program, which means Covered Individuals may decline vaccination after receiving vaccine education. The Program has an annual compliance date of no later than December 1. Locations may choose an earlier compliance date. The first compliance date for new employees depends on when their first date of employment is in relation to the flu season. 
• The language has been updated throughout consistent with current public health usage.
• The following groups are Covered Non-Affiliates instead of Covered Individuals: “K-12 students and children enrolled in day care programs and camps sponsored by the University or operated at a University Facility or Location; as well as individuals enrolled in UC extension programs, continuing education, lifelong learning, seminars, workshops, and other non-degree-granting educational programs.” For clarity, individuals enrolled in professional development and recreational programs are also included in the definition of “Covered Non-Affiliates.” This provides Locations with flexibility on local program implementation as Locations define the requirements for Covered Non-Affiliates.

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than December 9, 2022. Please indicate “Vaccination Program Employee Comment” in the subject line.

Vaccination Programs Policy Cover Letter 2022.09.16

Vaccination Programs Policy Draft Clean 2022.09.16