Dear Students,

From the collective efforts of the Office of Undergraduate Education, College of Letters and Science and Student Affairs, we want to acknowledge the emotional and physical impact of the systemic injustices that have occurred once again. We understand that the Black community is deeply impacted by police violence fueled by anti-Black racism and the recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless others. We know, unequivocally, that this is impacting you in unimaginable ways and want to respond to the request for additional academic support options.

Office of Undergraduate Education, College of Letters & Science:

The UCSB Academic Senate extended the deadline to choose the P/NP option to Friday, June 5, 2020. In addition, many (but not all) majors are allowed to take courses for Spring 2020 for their major P/NP. The list of these departments is attached. Taking courses P/NP is a good option for many students. We encourage you to talk to an academic advisor particularly, if you have unique additional circumstances (i.e. GI Bill benefits, law school admission eligibility, etc.).

Many students have inquired about canceling finals. Some kind of final is required by Academic Senate regulations. Some faculty offer a reasonable accommodation, the ’no fault’ final, which can only improve your grade. Decisions like this are up to the faculty, not the administration. You may want to ask your professors if they are willing to consider this option.

As you contemplate what you may need, academic advisors are available to assist you in exploring all options.

To get ‘in line’ with College of Letters & Science Advisors via the QLess software, go to https://kiosk.na1.qless.com/kiosk/app/home/100100000100. You will receive a text telling you how long you can expect to wait. An advisor will call the number that you provide. Zoom sessions may be arranged, if needed. To meet with an academic advisor in the College of Engineering, contact coeinfo@engineering.ucsb.edu and in the College of Creative Studies, contact info@ccs.ucsb.edu.

Monday: 9:00 am - Noon & 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday: 9:30 am - Noon & 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Thursday: 9:00 am - Noon & 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am - Noon & 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Student Affairs:

Here are a few advocacy and advising resources that can provide additional support. For full department offerings, visit http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/

Office of Black Student Development: obsd@sa.ucsb.edu

In response to a strong culture of Black student activism, the Office of Black Student Development (OBSD) strives to advance the experiences of all Black students, advocate for their needs, and foster their personal and academic achievement through graduation and beyond. Please reach out directly to Director, Dahlia Hylton at dhylton@ucsb.edu or Assistant Director, Kareen Louis at klouis@ucsb.edu for personal and academic support.

Educational Opportunity Program: eop.sa.ucsb.edu/about-us/staff

EOP remains committed to supporting students. In this volatile moment, EOP reaffirms its commitment to Black/African/African American identified students. Although our entire staff of career counselors are exceptionally trained and capable, we want to remind our community of the presence of Aaron E. de Santiago-Jones, Director, and our veteran Counselors Mr. Jones and Luther Richmond, all of whom identify as Black/African American and are making themselves available. EOP will provide support, and advising to the Black/African/African American student community as well as our entire EOP/UCSB family. To make an appointment, visit eop.sa.ucsb.edu/about-us/staff.

MultiCultural Center: https://mcc.sa.ucsb.edu/

Director Zaveeni Khan-Marcus is available to meet with students and assist in any way. The Center is considered a “home away from home,” for many students from marginalized communities. The MCC also holds space for processing, dialogue and support. We avail ourselves, and our respective offices to be of support to you. Please let us know if we can assist you further.

Sincerely,

Katya Armistead

Assistant Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students

Student Life

Dahlia Hylton

Director

Office of Black Student Development

Aaron E. de Santiago-Jones

Director

Educational Opportunity Program

Zaveeni Khan-Marcus

Director

MultiCultural Center

Margaret Klawunn

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Division of Student Affairs

Kareen Louis

Assistant Director

Office of Black Student Development

Lupe Navarro-Garcia

Assistant Vice Chancellor

Student Academic Support Services

Jeff Stopple

Associate Vice Chancellor

Office of Undergraduate Education