returning to a new normal

There have already been many messages about what to expect this summer and fall, whether you're working on campus or remotely. Kudos if you've been following along, but we're all busy and may have missed details.

The Digest aims to provide you with a useful list of tasks and updates you may need to consider during this period of change.

You can expect one more Digest email to be sent to all employees, closer to the start of the fall quarter.

/work remotely

• When will most people return to campus? Between July and September, plans for fall are gradually being implemented, and managers are encouraged to provide 30 days’ notice of any changes to current work arrangements. Explore the timeline.  
   
• What if I'd like to continue working from home? Employees who want to continue working from home should talk with their supervisors about the possibility of a long-term flexible work agreement. Consider your remote work preferences by taking the Remote-Ability Self Assessment.  
   
• If I work from home, will I still have a workspace on campus? When a remote employee works on site, a workspace (potentially shared) will be made available to them according to parameters defined at the school, college or division level. You can find discussion of this topic in the Workplace Reimagined webinar video and slides.

/get to campus

• How do I pay for parking? Parking is now paid for daily when you park, using the ParkMobile app on your phone or computer. Set up your account and find out how much daily parking costs.
   
• What about my payroll deduction permit? Employees who pay for a hangtag permit by automatic payroll deduction will be unenrolled in July. Learn about plans for payroll deduction returning in the fall and how to pay for parking in the meantime.
   
• What about goClub? Benefits for goClub members have changed and as of July 1 will no longer include complimentary parking passes. Find out about changes to goClub membership.

/in the office

• Do we need to contact Facilities before we return to unoccupied offices? Email custodial@ucdavis.edu to let them know the timing and frequency of your return so they can staff appropriately, as they prepare buildings for your return. Find out how they are walking through buildings to prepare for fall occupancy.
   
• What if I need my building unlocked this summer? The Facilities team will have all buildings unlocked by the start of the fall quarter. If your building needs to be unlocked earlier, call 530-752-1655.
   
• Does my building have compost now? Maybe! Eleven buildings now have access to compost bins as part of a pilot project with new, centrally located “zero waste” bins that will expand to more buildings soon.
   
• Find where the new compost bins are located.
• Will common areas continue to be cleaned during the day? During the pandemic many custodians switched from night to day shifts, which will continue even after the fall quarter starts because they can respond more quickly if a problem comes up. Learn more about the custodial faces you’ll be seeing around your building.
   
• What happened to our building’s COVID-19 signs? Some signage has been removed regarding public health practices that are no longer mandated, but we have some new signs for you to post if you need them. Learn about the new COVID-19 signage.

/what's new on campus

• What’s open on campus? As some campus locations change their practices and entry controls this summer and fall, find updates about what is open.
   
• Are there any road detours I need to know about? This summer there is a road closure near Orchard Park, in addition to a closed pedestrian overpass over Highway 113. Find out about campus road closures for construction.
   
• Are there are any walking or biking detours on campus? Construction that is part of the Big Shift has multiple closures and detours on the Davis campus. Check out the live detour map before you show up.
   
• Remember that we're in a drought this year: Learn ways you can help campus conserve water and save at home too, with water-saving tips from the new Sustainability website.
   
• What’s happening with The Pavilion? You can call it the University Credit Union Center beginning July 1, as signage gets updated per a new 10-year campus partnership.
   
• What is that new building I just saw? Construction has continued throughout the pandemic, so you may notice some changes around here. Get a preview of the latest construction updates.

/stay healthy

• Continue to take the Daily Symptom Survey: You will still need to take the Daily Symptom Survey this summer when you come to campus: https://symptomsurvey.ucdavis.edu  
   
• Declare your vaccine intentions by July 15: Make sure to answer the one-question survey about how you intend to comply with the University of California’s vaccination mandate. Log in to Health-e-Messaging and click on Surveys to respond to the COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Survey now.
   
• If you are fully vaccinated: Make sure to get your vaccine information verified in Health-e-Messaging so you can skip the routine testing requirement and only be required to wear a face covering in limited situations. Read the updated health policies.
   
• If you are unvaccinated: You will need to declare your intentions regarding getting vaccinated, requesting a medical exemption or requesting a religious exception, and then get tested every four days and continue to wear a face covering indoors and also outdoors in crowded spaces. Read the updated health policies.
   
• Find wellness resources available this summer: As webinars transition to a mix of online and in-person services, you may want to dig into this updated list of health and well-being resources that are available to employees.

/updates to your benefits

• UC will observe Juneteenth on Monday, June 28 this year: We’re thrilled to celebrate Juneteenth, but the short notice may be challenging for some units where work must continue, so supervisors are asked to demonstrate maximum flexibility with work assignments and deadlines to enable more employees to celebrate. Find out more about UC’s celebration of Juneteenth.
   
• Can we still use special types of leave for COVID-19 issues? For Davis campus employees, Expanded Paid Administrative Leave (EPAL) expires on June 30, but Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) is available through Sept. 30. Get updates and learn about the differences between these types of leave.
   
• New paid family leave options are now available: As of July 1, all University of California employees will have access to Pay for Family Care and Bonding, a new program which provides up to 70% of earnings for up to 8 weeks for certain situations. Find out more about UC’s commitment to family-friendly policies.
   
• UCPath has updated service options: New options now make it easier for employees who have questions or encounter problems when making changes. Find out about improvements to Ask UCPath and appointments.

/updates to your tech

• What’s happening with Microsoft Teams? On June 30, UC Davis will transition Skype users to Microsoft Teams, as Microsoft prepares to retire Skype for Business Online. Learn more about how to use Microsoft Teams.
   
• Are UC Davis websites getting a redesign?  Don’t be shocked if campus websites look a little different starting July 12, as the SiteFarm team has been working with website managers to launch a redesign of most UC Davis websites to match new campus branding. If you’re curious about the technical details, dig into the redesign process.