Finals Week Resources

Dear Tritons,

This has been a difficult quarter. The COVID-19 pandemic and the move to remote instruction has challenged you in new ways, and we are very proud of how you have risen to the occasion. However, in the past week we have seen very disturbing events that remind us that our nation continues to be torn by the legacy of racial injustice. We understand that many of us – particularly African-American students and other students of color – may be greatly affected by this. Indeed, most students, regardless of background, are shocked and saddened.

We understand that students have recently expressed a desire for flexibility and leniency during final exams. The administration and the Academic Senate continue to work to make members of the campus community aware of the stressors impacting students and ensure that resources are available to support students. Please be aware that the faculty are ultimately responsible for instruction, and no single campus entity can mandate how individual courses are conducted.

As you prepare for final exams during these challenging times, we want to share an overview of student resources that are available.

First and foremost, we encourage you to practice self-care and get enough rest. Consider tuning in on Thursday, June 4, to the Live Well, Be Well Podcast with a focus on resilience or make an appointment with a health educator to participate in the health coaching program (email hps@health.ucsd.edu for an appointment).

Utilize Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for remote, confidential psychological counseling and crisis services. CAPS also provides a variety of remote groups, virtual workshops, and drop-in Zoom forums. You will find a calendar of CAPS programs and services at https://wellness.ucsd.edu/caps. You can also visit The Playground to stay on track with your fitness and nutrition needs.

If you need flexibility with final exams, please reach out to your College Dean of Academic Advising, your College Dean of Student Affairs, or your professor. You might consider taking an “Incomplete”; elect, by the end of week 10, to take any of your courses as Pass/No Pass; or work with your professor directly to find a resolution that works for both of you. Whatever you determine to be the best option for you, getting guidance form your Dean of Academic Advising, Dean of Student Affairs, a CAPS counselor or your professor will relieve stress and aid you in achieving your goals. Our Deans would be glad to hear from you and are available directly by email:

Deans of Student Affairs:

• Josh Brimmeier, Seventh College - jbrimmeier@ucsd.edu
• Kafele Khalfani, Earl Warren College - kkhalfani@ucsd.edu 
• Diane LeGree, Sixth College - dlegree@ucsd.edu
• Sherry Mallory, Revelle College - slmallory@ucsd.edu
• Trish Scott, Eleanor Roosevelt College - plscott@ucsd.edu 
• Jason Thibodeaux, Muir College - jjthibodeaux@ucsd.edu
• Amber Vlasnik, Thurgood Marshall College - avlasnik@ucsd.edu 

Deans of Academic Advising:

• Doug Easterly, Muir College - douge@ucsd.edu
• Christine Fraser, Sixth College - cfraser@ucsd.edu
• Clare Harrington, Marshall College - charrington@ucsd.edu
• Jake Lacy, Warren College - jlacy@ucsd.edu
• Katie Michel, Revelle College - kmichel@ucsd.edu
• Shannon O'Brien, Seventh College - s2obrien@ucsd.edu
• Sarah Spear-Barrett, Roosevelt College - sspearbarrett@ucsd.edu

Connect with a campus resource like OASIS’ drop-in Zoom mentoring, remote academic resource workshops, or 1-on-1 writing workshops. The Teaching + Learning Commons also hosts remote study groups, a writing hub, and remote learning strategies workshops, and provides virtual supplemental instruction support for a number of courses. You can find additional information about these resources as well as others on the VCSA COVID-19 Information for Students webpage.

Finally, advocate for yourself. Every student’s circumstance is unique and we are here to support you.

Sincerely,

Alysson M. Satterlund 
Vice Chancellor - Student Affairs

John Moore
Dean of Undergraduate Education