October 30, 2020

This message is distributed to SBFACU-L, SBNSF-L, SBNSACAD-L.  (Click here to view description of distribution groups.)  

The following is being sent on behalf of Jeffrey Stopple, Associate Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education, Susannah Scott, Chair, Academic Senate, and Mary E. Brenner, Chair, Undergraduate Council
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To:         All Faculty

From:    Jeffrey Stopple, Associate Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education
              Susannah Scott, Chair, Academic Senate
              Mary E. Brenner, Chair, Undergraduate Council

Re:         Election Day – Tuesday, November 3

As we approach mid-Fall quarter, we write to thank you for all you continue to do to support our students, colleagues, and one another.

Next Tuesday is Election Day. Regardless of the outcome, we expect the aftermath of the 2020 election to be tumultuous, and we should anticipate that many of our students will be strongly engaged. If possible, we ask instructors to please be flexible with their assignment deadlines and exam scheduling, keeping in mind that the results of the election may not be determined on Tuesday (or even next week).

We want to make you aware of some resources associated with the election that may be useful to you and/or your students. The Division of Student Affairs will host a comprehensive election website, including a statement from our Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Margaret Klawunn and links to campus events. You also can find a calendar of election-related events on Shoreline. Please share this information with your students as appropriate. If you or your department will host election-related events or would like to add activities to these websites, please share this information with Miles Ashlock, Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Planning and Administration in the Division of Student Affairs (miles.ashlock@ucsb.edu).

There is also the possibility that large virtual meetings may see an increase in Zoombombing attempts.  You can find guidance on making your Zoom meetings secure on the UC Santa Barbara Information Technology website. 

The campus will be closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.  As a reminder, the Student Affairs homepage has a comprehensive guide to all SA resources; this is also included in Shoreline. If you have concerns about the mental well-being of your students, our Student Mental Health Coordinators can help. 

Thank you again for your dedication and efforts during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

   Jeffrey Stopple, Associate Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education
   Susannah Scott, Chair, Academic Senate
   Mary E. Brenner, Chair, Undergraduate Council