May 14, 2020

Dear UCSF Research Community Colleagues:

I am pleased to share the much anticipated plans for gradually increasing activities in UCSF research units on campus. The steps we have outlined are designed to help PIs and their teams plan their return to onsite work safely, with the health and welfare of the UCSF community in mind.

We will formally start the process of increasing the number of researchers onsite, beginning the week of May 18. To return to onsite work, you must be approved to do so by your PI. Those who are able to work remotely should continue to do so. 

Prior to returning to campus, PIs and their research teams should review the detailed directives and safety information found in documents at the following links:

UCSF researchers at other locations (Fresno, ZSFG, BCH Oakland, the VA) may be receiving guidance from their leadership that is specific to their location.

Later today you will receive information about parking and transportation. On Friday, you will receive details about the required daily employee health screening. Also on Friday, I will follow up with a link to a UCSF page with important protocols and information, including: physical distancing, face coverings, hygiene, building sanitation, and safety.

Research support services, such as cores and animal resources, are working to gradually restore their operational capabilities. Please keep in mind that not all such services will be immediately available, with some taking a longer period of time before they are able to support researcher needs. I ask for your patience and flexibility as capacities are being increased.

Faculty members are asked to distribute this message to their research group members, and to coordinate regarding individual authorizations to return onsite, including any “shift” assignments to enable physical distancing. Faculty members are also asked to coordinate with their departments to manage the level of activity in shared/common spaces at safe levels.

In addition to faculty, department administrators are also available to answer questions that are unique to your department. My office, in collaboration with the Academic Senate, will also be hosting a Town Hall on Wednesday, May 20, to answer questions about the new guidance. Zoom information to follow.

I appreciate everyone’s partnership in this monumental effort to safely and gradually increase our research activities, and extend my sincere wishes for your health and well-being in these challenging times.

 

Regards,

Lindsey Criswell, MD, MPH, DSc 
Vice Chancellor of Research 
Professor of Medicine and Orofacial Sciences