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) |
Dropping a course after the deadlineWe 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 optionThe 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. |
IncompleteIn 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
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- UHS Mental Health Resources website
- UHS Be Well website
- Stress & Anxiety Management
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
- ESS virtual front desk is available for quick questions or help in finding the correct resource(s).
- ESS advisers are available for online-only appointments.
- Academic support, including group tutoring, is available online.
- UHS counseling for engineering students is available for online appointments.
- University Health Services has mental health resources available online.
- Career counseling is available online. For details about specific services, visit their website or contact them via email.
- UC Berkeley libraries have remote resources available.