School FAQ:

 
Q: Is the school still open?
A: Due to the “Safer at Home” order on March 19 by Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles, UCLA decided to suspend all on-campus operations with the exception of those that are essential and cannot be conducted remotely, effective 11:59 p.m., March 20. However, UCLA has announced plans to ramp up research and creative activities in phases. UCLA Samueli is also in the process of re-opening research and other activities in accordance with campus guidelines. Updates will be posted as soon as information becomes available. Please contact Student Affairs Office at 310-825-9580 for online service or virtual appointments.

Q: Is there a symptom-monitoring protocol in place at UCLA?
A: UCLA has instituted a symptom monitoring protocol for staff (PDF) who are working on campus. As some students are beginning to return to campus as part of research or other activities, and as we prepare for fall 2020, the university will also implement symptom monitoring for UCLA students as part of our Safe and Physical Distancing Protocol (PDF). All UCLA students who plan to come to campus for any purpose, including class, work or other activities, are required to access a survey each day to monitor themselves for symptoms of the coronavirus per the UCLA Requirements for COVID-19 Symptom Monitoring for Students (PDF). Students living in university-owned housing are also required to complete the symptom monitoring daily. The survey may be completed on a smartphone, tablet or computer, and it should take no more than five minutes. Students will be required to receive a clearance certificate from the survey before entering the UCLA campus grounds or any UCLA facilities (collectively referred to as UCLA Shared Spaces) — except for their own campus housing residence. UCLA will keep the information about individuals’ symptoms confidential, according to the symptom monitoring privacy policy (PDF). The information will only be shared with designated UCLA officials so that they may carry out their required duties in response to the pandemic.

Q: What is the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for responding to confirmed or presumptive COVID-19 cases on campus?
A: For Students — Email Dr. Sam Elias at UCLA Arthur Ashe Center promptly. For Employees, including student workers, working remotely or on premises reports to you that they have been exposed to COVID-19 — Email Dr. Maria Han and Dr. Shaunte Walton in preventative health promptly. In your email, provide the following information:

• Subject line: Confidential Report of Potential Covid-19 Incident
• Body: (1) Name of exposed employee and their supervisor, (2) location on campus where they last worked and the date, (3) nature of incident (e.g. hospitalized for symptoms and under review for confirmation), (4) actions taken (for example: referred to Hotline, advised not to return to work until cleared, OSHA report submitted)

*Important: Send all emails with “[Secure]” written prior to the subject in email and minimize notifications to other individuals due to patient privacy. Campus officials will handle notification plans or other needed actions.

If the staff member was exposed and/or infected during the course of work-related duties, notify the Office of Insurance and Risk Management (IRM) at: IRM Workers’ Compensation. If work-related and the individual was admitted into the hospital overnight for in-patient treatment beyond observation, call the Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) Serious Injury Hotline at 310-825-9797 for Cal/OSHA reporting.

Direct the person to call the UCLA Infectious Diseases Hotline at: 310-267-3300. This hotline provides individualized support for exposures and initial testing of employees, symptom monitoring guidance, and cluster investigations. Please read more detailed instruction here.

Q: I know some of my classmates cheated on finals, what will be done?
A: Incidents of alleged dishonesty on exams or other violations will be investigated by the Dean of Students in accordance with the student conduct policy: https://www.deanofstudents.ucla.edu/Individual-Student-Code.

Q: How do I use Zoom video conferencing at UCLA?
A: Please visit: https://ucla.zoom.us/ and the Zoom Help Center on how to get started. Also, please contact your instructor if you have questions accessing instruction via Zoom.

Q: What is WE@UCLA and how do I become involved?
A: The Women in Engineering Program (WE@UCLA) is committed to enabling the full participation, success, and advancement of women in engineering and computer science. The program is open to all students who support this mission. More information can be found here.

Q: How was our commencement ceremony held?
A: Due to UCLA’s transition to remote instruction, we held a virtual commencement on June 13 to celebrate the achievements of our graduates, especially their perseverance during their difficult final months at UCLA. We will also hold an on-campus celebration later that will bring our graduates back to their beloved alma mater with their families and friends so that we may honor them in person.

Q: What are the expectations for staff members?
A: Your health and safety are our top priority. If you are sick, please stay home, contact your supervisor and seek medical attention. Guidance regarding staff operations and business continuity has been provided by campus leadership. Assistant Dean Jeff Goldman has been working with managers and supervisors of each unit about developing guidance that addresses our staff’s health and safety along with the need to keep the school operating.

Q: What is UCLA doing to address the financial stability of student workers who had hours reduced or lost jobs due to the response to COVID-19?
A: Student workers in non-academic roles should consult with their supervisors about their schedule. Students may be able to continue to work remotely. Those who cannot may be eligible for special paid administrative leave recently authorized by UC President Napolitano. If these measures do not address a student worker’s financial needs, the UCLA Economic Crisis Response Team is also available to provide assistance.

Academic student employees in instructional roles (e.g. TAs) will continue to work but in a remote capacity.

Student’s in research roles (e.g. GSRs) should consult with lab PIs and may also continue to work remotely on non-laboratory-based research tasks.

COVID-19 Health Tips:

 
Q: How can I help mitigate the spread of COVID-19?
A: As the COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, many people are feeling anxious and isolated. One of the most pressing challenges is the lack of information. But even in these uncertain times, there is an opportunity for us to join forces to STOP COVID19 TOGETHER. This project is a part of #TeamLA, and it aims to collect information that will help us understand how the coronavirus pandemic has affected our communities. Every individual can and should contribute, and by doing so will be joining our team effort to collect necessary data to stop the pandemic.

Q: What if I develop flu-like symptoms?
A: Flu symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. If you develop symptoms consistent with the flu or are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19:

• Students: Call the Ashe Center Infection Control Line at 310-206-6217. Callers will speak with a registered nurse who will determine the need for further testing and treatment. Please call ahead before arriving at Ashe Center.
• Faculty and staff: Seek medical care from your health care provider. Please call ahead so that the facility may plan accordingly to minimize potential spread.

Q: How do I prevent the spread of COVID-19?
A: Public health officials recommend the following steps to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19:

• Wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds (the length of the “Happy Birthday” song sung twice) with soap and hot water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cough into your elbow or a tissue and not your hands. Dispose of the tissue.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work and school.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home and do not travel or report to work.
• Practice healthy habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
• Wear non-medical face coverings (bandanas, scarves or other cloth or fabric) when leaving the house for essential activities.

Q: What if I see someone whom I suspect has COVID-19?
A: COVID-19 has impacted citizens globally. We must not stigmatize anyone in our community based on race and ethnicity. Someone who has a cough or a fever does not necessarily have novel coronavirus.

Q: I feel that I’m being targeted based on my race and ethnic background due to the outbreak of coronavirus, what should I do?
A: UCLA has engaged law enforcement to help us, wherever possible, to identify and hold accountable those responsible in any known incidents. We ask that anyone who experiences a bias incident to report it to us by completing a UCLA Incident of Bias Reporting Form so we can take action.

Summer Quarter FAQ:

 
Q: How are summer courses and programs affected?
A: UCLA courses and programs scheduled in summer sessions A and C are being offered through remote instruction. See the summer remote instruction FAQ for information and updates.

Q: How will new student orientation programs in the summer be affected? Will they still be held on campus?
A: All new student programs have been moved online. Please visit the New Student Programs website for details.

Q: What do I need to do to successfully complete my classes?
A: In order to ensure academic continuity, remote instruction via Zoom video conferencing will be used for the remainder of the winter quarter through the end of spring quarter. This includes lectures, TA review sessions and exams.

Q: Is there a P/NP grading option and an extension of deadlines?
A: For undergraduate students who are in good standing (having earned a C or 2.0 average for the most recent completed term and a cumulative C or 2.0 in all university work), all undergraduate courses offered by the school of engineering in summer 2020, including minor and major courses can be taken for P/NP and will meet the school’s minor and major degree requirements if a student earns a P grade. Deadline for changing the grading basis on an optionally graded course using MyUCLA without need for petition is extended to the last day of instruction.

For graduate students in good standing (having earned a B or 3.0 average for the most recent completed term and a cumulative B or 3.0 average in all university work), all graduate courses offered by the school of engineering, including major courses can be taken for a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Courses that were normally designated letter grade only can still be taken for a letter grade or S/U for Summer 2020. Students may enroll for Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grading for any graduate or upper-division course offered by an engineering department and if an S grade is earned may apply toward requirements. If a student is repeating a course that was initially taken for a letter grade, the student must repeat the course on letter grade basis.

Please visit this website for details.

TECHNOLOGY/ACCESSIBILITY

Q: How will UCLA assist students who feel they don’t have adequate technology resources? What if I have problems with my laptop/device not being compatible for class?
A: Students can submit a form to borrow a laptop from the UCLA library for the entire quarter, while supplies last. If you have compatibility issues with your current technology, submit a message using the MyUCLA Student Support COVID-19 Message Center topic.

STUDENT LIFE (commencement, student clubs, foreign students, research/internships)

Q: What are the best ways to continue building our relationship with faculty?
A: Our faculty members will hold office hours via Zoom so students can continue to work with their instructors online.

Q: I have an internship scheduled for summer, is it still on?
A: Please contact Will Herrera, director of Undergraduate Research and Internship Programs at , or connect with the internship coordinator at the company/organization with whom you plan to have an internship.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Q: My enrolled units, housing or financial situation may change for spring quarter. Will this affect my financial aid?
A: Students receiving financial aid can find answers related to such changes on the Financial Aid and Scholarships website.

Q: Is it possible to drop this quarter and next quarter without a financial penalty?
A: The University is not changing policies and procedures regarding declaring nonattendance or withdrawal. Review these options:

• If you have not paid fees for spring quarter 2020, you may declare nonattendance on MyUCLA (Academics tab). This will reverse spring quarter fees on your BruinBill.
• If you have paid fees for spring quarter 2020 and it is before the first day of instruction (March 30), you may cancel registration. This action will also cancel your UCSHIP for spring quarter.
• If you have paid fees for spring quarter 2020 and it is the first day of instruction (March 30) or later, you may withdraw.
• If you are a graduate student and do not intend to proceed with spring quarter at UCLA, in lieu of withdrawal, you may file for a leave of absence.
• Students who receive financial aid for the term may be billed for all or a portion of the aid received. Financial Aid and Scholarships notifies students of the amount of aid that must be returned.
• For detailed UCLA refund policy information, see the Registrar’s refunds web page.

HOUSING, CAMPUS SERVICES

Q: Is it advised to leave campus? What if I stay on campus or in the local area?
A: If students are able to leave campus and continue studies remotely, please do so. However, if students opt to remain on campus or live in the local area, University facilities will remain open. UCLA Housing is also working with students who have moved out and cannot retrieve their belongings. They can cancel their contract and Housing will work with them to address their belongings. For more information, go here.

Q: Will I get to terminate my university housing and dining contracts early and receive a prorated refund for spring quarter?
A: Yes, students who choose to terminate their contracts before the end of the spring quarter will receive a prorated refund.

Q: With the closure of campus facilities, how will UCLA address food insecurity for students who relied on the food closet for sustenance?
A: If you have questions related to the CPO Food Closet or accessing basic necessities, please email . You can also donate to the Food Closet through UCLA’s Spark campaign.

MENTAL HEALTH, COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Q: What resources are available to us for mental health?
A: Counseling and Psychological Services has several options available for students to connect with counselors at their website. CAPS will maintain hours of operation: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Additional information can be found on the OASA website. Crisis support is always available by phone to any student 24/7 at (310) 825-0768. CAPS has also provided a guide that can help inform students on the services that are available and how to access them.

Q: How will UCLA support the needs of students who must take care of elderly, immuno-compromised, or otherwise vulnerable family members at home? How will UCLA support the needs of students whose parents have lost their jobs and whose families are low-income? Are these students expected to perform academically next quarter as if everything is normal?
A: We understand these are extremely trying times for our students and their families. Please contact the Financial Aid office at (310) 206-0400 to speak with one of the counselors. You may also contact the Office of Academic and Student Affairs (OASA) with any questions about your challenges — academic or otherwise. Our advisors are happy to help answer questions concerning your academic progress, enrollment in classes and progress towards degree completion. OASA counselors caution students that the spring quarter courses will be similar in workload to those of any other quarter despite the remote delivery. For the best outcome, students should enroll in their usual workload. OASA remote hours of operation will be 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1- 5 p.m., providing remote advising using the message center, Zoom and telephone. To schedule a Zoom meeting with academic counselors, students can create the appointment online through the MyUCLA appointment system. If a student prefers a telephone appointment, requests with name, UID, student’s available times and reason for appointment can be directed through the appointment message center. Petitions will be filed online, and forms are available on our website. Instructions are on the forms and students will submit both petitions and supporting documents electronically via the petitions/exceptions message center. Students can also leave a voicemail at (310) 825-9580, and one of our staff will call back in a timely manner to assist. For updates please visit the Office of Academic and Student Affairs webpages Students can also submit a message using the MyUCLA Student Support COVID-19 Message Center.

Q: What can we do as students to help in this time?
A: Students are coping with a lot, as we all are. The best thing you can do, if you have the bandwidth, is to be there for your friends and family, check in with them, and if they need help, see if you can help them find the appropriate resource. And don’t forget to look after yourself.

Q: How do we maintain the Bruin Spirit without being on campus?
A: True Bruin values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service and Excellence apply wherever we go as Bruins, and however far apart we may be physically. Fortunately, we have the tools at our disposal to connect one-on-one, and in groups. Most importantly we should look out for our friends, family and the greater community.

Q: What would be your message to the incoming freshman class later this year?
A: Bruins are compassionate, empathetic, resourceful and creative. What sets our students apart is their sheer strength and intelligence. We are confident that these new Bruins will rise to the challenge and confront this pandemic with composure, ingenuity and perseverance. Our entire UCLA community will emerge from this experience even stronger and more dedicated to learning, research and service. Go Bruins!

Q: Some companies and colleges are working with hospitals and first responders to help with logistics, manufacturing, or other forms of assistance. Is UCLA Samueli helping or working with any hospitals or communities?
A: We are working closely with UCLA health and the Geffen School of Medicine to produce Personal Protective Equipment at our Makerspace, including face shields that are badly needed by our health-care workers.

Q: How are you addressing anti-Asian sentiment at the school? If we witness it or are victims of it, where should we go to address our concerns?
A: Cases of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, ancestry or color are handled by the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. If you have experienced or witnessed acts of discrimination, email: . Resources to report electronic abuse, including UCPD, can be found here.

Q: Is there a general email or phone number regarding campus issues related to COVID-19?
A: Faculty, staff and students can email with any questions regarding UCLA’s response to COVID-19. UCLA has a student support line for general student support at (310) 825-3894, which is available from 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Melissa B Tran
Bioengineering

Lesly Navas
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Stacey Fong
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Leticia Ortiz
Computational Medicine

Cassandra Franklin
Computer Science

Jaqueline Tran
Electrical and Computer Engineering

Alisa Janesajawan
Master of Science in Engineering Online

KaiShan Li
Materials Science and Engineering