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ESS updates in response to COVID-19

Updates

December 2

FAQ: COVID-19 impacts on 2020-21 student policies

November 30

Academic Senate modifies Pass/No Pass grading option for College of Engineering

November 13

Deadline to change grading option (letter grade or P/NP) for non-degree tech courses and H/SS courses (except R&C) has been extended to Thursday, December 3 at 11:59 p.m. Students can change their own grading options in CalCentral.

November 3

COVID-19 accommodations and support update

September 21

Deadline to change grading option (letter grade or P/NP) for non-degree tech courses has been extended to Friday, October 30.

July 21

Fall semester update, student resources for remote instruction

July 14

Fall 2020 instruction FAQ for GSI concerns

June 17

Campus has announced plans for limited in-person classes for Fall 2020. Officials will announce decisions about which courses will be offered in-person in July.

The staff of Engineering Student Services hope you are staying healthy during these unprecedented times. We would like to inform you of some actions we are taking in response to COVID-19.

Spring 2021 schedule adjustments

We want to make sure you are aware of a few of our policies that may apply to you during this unusual and challenging time.

Reduced course loads

(fewer than 12 units for the semester)
Unexpected challenges that may warrant a reduced course load during the pandemic include: taking care of a vulnerable or sick family member, homeschooling children, unreliable or inadequate internet/access to technology/learning space, working more due to a family member’s loss of income.

Dropping a course after the deadline

We want to make sure you are aware that there is a petition process for dropping courses after the deadline (Friday, January 29 for EDD courses, Wednesday, February 10 for all other courses). The deadline to submit a late drop petition is Friday, April 30.

Pass/No Pass grading option

The Academic Senate has approved temporarily lifting restrictions on pass/no pass grading policies for College of Engineering undergraduates; see details. Grading option changes can be made in CalCentral, and the deadline is Thursday, April 29, 11:59 p.m.

Incomplete

In some cases it may be appropriate for you to ask your professor for an incomplete in a course if your work in the course has been of passing quality and you are unable to complete the course for reasons beyond your control.

We encourage you to make an appointment with your ESS adviser to discuss pursuing a reduced course load or dropping a course after the deadline.

COVID-19 vaccines

According to COVID state guidelines, persons at risk of occupational exposure to COVID-19 through their work in any role in education settings are eligible to be vaccinated, further referenced by those guidelines as all staff of universities. This may include faculty and staff and also may include postdocs, graduate student instructors, graduate student researchers, readers, tutors, student assistants, and any other form of campus employee. Please note that eligibility requirements are set by the vaccination provider and UC Berkeley is not able to guarantee eligibility. More information is available on the campus COVID-19 vaccine update page.

Basic needs

The Basic Needs Center is continuing to provide services during these challenging times. Students and staff may be facing increased vulnerability to basic needs insecurity during disruptions in school, work, transportation, and family care. The website is frequently updated with resource information on access to food, emergency housing services, and wage/work accommodation issues.

Student emergency needs fund

If you are experiencing unexpected financial hardships due to the COVID-19 situation please visit the Student Emergency Needs Fund page.

Mental health resources

Student parent resource

UC Berkeley is offering highly-subsidized in-home and center-based back-up child care for UC Berkeley student parents with different levels of service, locations, hours and costs.

Remote resources