Updates, Survey, COVID Report

Dear Students,

We would like to give you a few important updates on:

1. On-ramp to the semester, Stage 1
2. Student Survey -- closes tomorrow!
3. COVID-19

Stage 1 Updates

Last week we shared communications from University administrators describing Stage 1 plans.  Stage 1 provides that the fall semester will start almost fully online except for very few “hands-on, in-person” components of the law school clinics and externships.  All 1L classes are fully online during Stage 1.   

Building Access:

Following university guidance during Stage 1, the only permissible in-person activities are “hands-on” courses and courses scheduled for outdoor spaces.  As a result, the College of Law will be open for students only when they are engaged in “hands-on, in-person” clinic or externship components.  And all College of Law services and activities will only be available remotely during Stage 1. 

Thus, after this weekend, there will no longer be 24/7 Catcard access for students to the College of Law buildings -- this includes the Law Library. If you have exceptional circumstances and need to enter the College of Law buildings, please initiate a discussion with Dean Jordan-Curtis.  Indeed all exceptions to the New Safe Return Plan should begin with Dean J-C.

Only those students participating in the in-person clinic or externship components or who have been given permission by Dean J-C may enter College of Law facilities during Stage 1.

In order to protect our community -- some of whom will be working on campus even during Stage 1 in order to support law teaching and College operations -- and to stay on track to return in person, we must all follow the latest CDC, City of Tucson, University of Arizona, and College of Law directives and guidelines.  We do this for each other, and for our larger university, Tucson and Arizona community.  Please review the College’s New Safe Return Plan for directives requiring face coverings, social distancing, and other measures.

Student Survey

Many thanks to all who have completed the super short student survey. It is proving very helpful information as we plan for the fall term.

We are creating red/blue teams as we speak, so if you’d like to be on the same team as your roommate(s), be sure to complete the survey! It closes tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 5. 

COVID-19 Reports

College of Public Health:

As we do each week, we have included the most recent report by Dr. Joe Gerald of the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health.  Dr. Gerald’s informative and authoritative forecast models reports are shared widely among the University’s deans and administrators.  Indeed, Pres. Robbins referred to this report in his press briefing a couple of weeks ago.  We share them with you so that you have critical information as you make decisions for yourself and your family in the days, weeks, and months ahead. 

This week’s report positively notes that viral transmission continues to slow in Pima County; but testing capacity is inadequate and “deaths have yet to clearly moderate.”  Dr. Gerald further concludes that “Government-mandated social distancing restrictions and mask-wearing will be needed for the foreseeable future to relieve overcrowded hospitals.” 

UCSF Grand Rounds:

We also watch the weekly UCSF School of Medicine Grand Rounds during which experts discuss the latest studies and developments in COVID treatment and best practices.  Two weeks ago, the UCSF team hosted a fascinating discussion of droplets, face shields, and face masks.  Last week, they shared the latest science on antigen (and antibody) testing, COVID treatment, and vaccine development.  We think you might find these sessions interesting -- and you don’t have to be a scientist or doctor to follow the discussion (usually). 

We hope you are able to relax and enjoy these last few weeks of summer.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

Marc, Bernadette, and Teresa

on behalf of the New Safe Return Committee