In Tough Financial Times
Some Signs of Hope
While UC Merced continues to keep financial controls in place after the coronavirus pandemic swamped the nation’s economy last year, there is cautious optimism as the university rolls into 2021.
Possible salary and time reductions for university employees in the 2020-21 fiscal year were taken off the table by Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz.
“Although we have elected not to implement this austerity measure, the decision should not be taken as a signal of an immediately positive financial future for our campus,” Muñoz said in a message to campus, noting that the university’s financial health will be tracked through spring semester and reductions could be revisited.
“Salary and time savings should always be viewed as a last resort,” he said.
More recently, UC Merced’s outlook got a shot in the arm with the UC system announcing plans to return to primarily in-person instruction in fall semester. The Office of the Provost is working on plans for the potential return, in coordination with county health officials and campus representative groups.
Meanwhile, the university continues to employ cost-saving measures, such as holding vacant positions, evaluating contract renewals, and reviewing high-level expenditures. The effectiveness of these measures and others are continually evaluated, Interim Chief Financial Officer Kurt Schnier said in a message to campus.
“These are tough financial times for many,” Schnier said. “I have no doubt if we pull together and work together in the same direction, we will persevere."
Although we have elected not to implement this austerity measure, the decision should not be taken as a signal of an immediately positive financial future for our campus. Salary and time savings should always be viewed as a last resort.
Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz
These are tough financial times for many. I have no doubt if we pull together and work together in the same direction, we will persevere.
Kurt Schnier Interim Chief Financial Officer
Staying Vigilant Amid Signs of Hope
The UC Merced community continues to face the global pandemic with eyes wide open. Whether it is insisting on consistent mask use or mounting a new test for on-campus employees and students, the university is balancing vigilance with hopeful signs that we’ve reached the beginning of the end.
The outlook for 2021 is headlined by the intention to return to mostly in-person instruction for fall semester, following a systemwide plan announced Jan. 11 by the University of California. The announcement was to give advance notice to prospective and current students, along with their families.
UC Merced’s pandemic plan, led by the COVID Response Center in cooperation with departments, schools, Merced County health authorities and countless individuals, has numerous moving parts.
Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing
The new test protocol, conducted onsite, employs a saliva test that is less invasive than the commonly known nasal swab. UC Merced has partnered with UC Davis to produce the test results, which usually come back in 24 to 48 hours. The tests are free to university employees and students who are not presenting COVID-19 symptoms.
Campus Vaccinations
Plans are in the works to establish a vaccination site for the campus community, in partnership with UC Health and the Merced County Department of Health. The plans are contingent on several factors, including efforts to improve vaccine distribution in California and nationwide.
Campus Notifications
In accordance with state law, when a positive test that potentially involves on-campus contact is reported, a campus-wide notification is sent that lists what buildings the individual had been in. Those with whom the individual had contact are notified by the university’s tracing team; otherwise, the email notices are for general information.
Pandemic Recovery Team
The campus needs contact tracers, test observers and worksite monitors. These and other COVID-created tasks can be assumed by non-represented employees. The system, which uses the Job Exchange Bank created early in the pandemic, allows colleagues to temporarily use work time for these important roles.
Campus Ready
The Campus Ready website remains the source of fresh information about the university’s pandemic guidance. Get the latest about testing and vaccinations, along with details about ongoing programs such the Daily Health Check, campus entry checkpoints and symptom reporting protocols.
Campus Town Halls
Staying connected and maintaining a dialogue across the campus community is important, particularly now, given our physical distancing arrangements. University leadership this year has continued biweekly town hall meetings that began in 2020. Topics include COVID-19 response and planning, financial responsibility, and campus climate.
The next town halls are scheduled for Feb. 12 and 26. Each run from 11 a.m. to room. Watch your inbox for more information and Zoom links.
