Return to Campus Toolkit
Most UCSF students either have returned or will return soon to campus following the long pandemic. You've probably received lots of information from your school or program, but – in the interest of having resources in one place for you and saving you some Google time – we created this online toolkit.
Coping With Return Anxiety
You're not alone if you feel uneasy about coming back to campus. In a recent UCOP post, Amanda Smith, director of Medical Student Support and Wellness at UC Riverside, offered the following advice for students.
Anxiety is fear of the future and the unknown. It is often a feeling of worry and nervousness about events and outcomes that feel uncertain. We have been living through very uncertain times; therefore, it is completely normal to feel anxious about yet another change: returning to campus. Many are beginning to feel anticipatory anxiety, which arises when we begin to think about what “may” or “could” happen and is usually tied to the most negative outcome we can think of. Remember that a sense of adjustment will take time just as it did with the initial experience of quarantine. Remember that people will need to adjust according to their own needs. When feelings of anxiety begin to arise, consider:
- Acknowledging that you are experiencing a moment of anxiety and sit with it. Practice a few moments of focused breathing and not attaching to the story of the thought. This can reduce the time in which the feeling of anxiety is experienced.
- Planning and developing what habits you would like to maintain as you transition back to campus — for example, quiet morning routines, walks, and exercise. Consider what has benefited your overall well-being and make these things non-negotiable.
- Accepting that things will look different. Gaining support — from friends, family, therapy — can be vital to adjustment.
Remember to take it one step at a time. Having boundaries and awareness of what can help you “ease back in” is an excellent place to start. Remember also that all thoughts are not facts.
A reminder that UCSF Student Health and Counseling Services offers mental health services to all students.
Safety and Security
In the past two years, we have all had a heightened concern about protecting our health. On top of pandemic concerns, you may also worry about increased crime or even racially-motivated threats. Here are some resources, on and off campus, that may help:
Safety and Security Awareness Guide (UCSF PD publication)
Campus security escorts: Request a safety escort (for example, to get to your car or a destination within a reasonable distance) at a campus location, either call or stop by any security service desk, or call 415/476-1414 and a police officer will provide the service. Depending on call volume, there may be a delay in response times. Safety escorts are also available at all UCSF Medical Center locations (Parnassus Heights, Mission Bay, and Mount Zion) by contacting UCSF Security Services at (415) 885-7890.
COVID Related Concerns
UCSF carefully follows all public health guidelines issued by the City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health and the UC system. Here are some FAQs from UCSF's Coronavirus website relevant to on-site activities.
Do I have to complete the UCSF Digital Screener every day I am working on-site?
Yes. The UCSF Digital Screener is required prior to coming on-site for all UCSF employees and learners, regardless of vaccination status.
Does UCSF still have social distancing requirements?
UCSF no longer requires social distancing in indoor settings or classrooms unless food and/or beverages are being consumed. When eating or drinking indoors safe physical distancing of six feet should be maintained if possible.
Can I eat or drink at my desk or workstation?
Eating and drinking at your personal workspace are allowed. Be sure to keep your face covering on in shared spaces (open cubicle or break spaces) unless actively eating or drinking. Safe distancing of six feet should be maintained when eating at your desk or in a common dining area to the degree it’s feasible.
Are there dedicated spaces where I can eat outdoors?
Yes. UCSF has set up outdoor eating areas at Parnassus Heights and Mission Bay campuses.
Are UCSF buildings equipped with proper ventilation/filtration?
UCSF Facilities has reviewed the ventilation and filtration in each campus building. Fortunately, due San Francisco’s moderate climate and enhanced laboratory ventilation, many building systems were already designed for 100 percent outside air. In other cases, office ventilation has been adjusted to maximize the amount of outside air and limit the amount of recirculation wherever possible.
All classrooms, office areas, and conference rooms have been checked to ensure they meet the minimum amount of air changes per U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. In almost all instances airflow was adequate or met the CDC guidelines. Air scrubbers have been deployed in a handful of areas where the airflow was found to be below guidelines.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Custodial service staff have been working hard to prepare the campus for the community to return, deep cleaning common areas and installing hand sanitizer dispensers in many areas. Custodial Services will continue to maintain a safe campus by:
- Disinfecting high-touch common spaces including restrooms, elevators, stairwells, conference and classrooms, hallways and corridors every day
- Cleaning between classes
- Providing office cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant and hand sanitizer, available upon request
- Offering event set up and cleaning support
BEING VACCINATED IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF. All UCSF students (as well as faculty and staff) must be fully vaccinated, including having a booster shot. Review the COVID care and testing resources on the Student Health and Counseling website.
Commuting
Campus Life Services offers substantive information on transportation and commuting, from parking and campus shuttles, to bicycling and vanpools. UCSF has lifted capacity limits on campus shuttles, but riders should still wear masks or face coverings and refrain from eating and drinking while on a shuttle bus.
Try plugging in your points A and B on mycommute.ucsf.edu and see if there's a better way for you to get to campus.
Getting Food On or Near Campus
- Most campus eateries are open and eager to serve students again.
- Consult the Basic Needs for Students website for information and tips on free and affordable food options.
- Grocery stores within easy walking distance from UCSF's two main campuses include:
Parnassus
Mission Bay
Accessing On-Campus Services
Our staff are looking forward to connecting with you in-person. Although we are still available remotely, check out our latest in-person office hours.
