Dear Students,

While the coronavirus continues to impact all aspects of our daily lives, we are looking forward to welcoming you back to UC Davis, whether in person or virtually. Over the past few months we have been evaluating the overall impact of COVID-19 on the campus budget and, at the same time, exploring opportunities to be responsive to students’ needs and alleviate some of the financial burden for students.

Campus-Based Student Fees Update

UC Davis typically adjusts many of its campus-based student fees each year to help fund a variety of costs, such as increased operating expenses and salary and wage increases for career and student staff, respectively. For the 2020-21 Academic Year, while the annual fee adjustments were initially deemed appropriate and recommended by the Council on Student Affairs and Fees (COSAF), due to the evolving circumstances, the campus has decided to keep the majority of campus-based student fees flat for the year. Increases to the ASUCD Fee and Unitrans Fee passed by student referendum this year and last, respectively, will continue to be implemented for fall 2020.

Expanded Services

We are also continually assessing ways to enhance programs and services to assist with some of the unique challenges for students during this time. We recognize that many of our students will not be back on campus in the fall and have identified opportunities to expand services and better support you, regardless of your location. Some of those services are listed below.

Medical and Counseling Resources

• We have secured funding to continue to offer Live Health Online access at no cost to all students for 2020-21. Live Health Online provides both medical and mental health care to all students residing in the United States.
• We are increasing funding for the Health Equity Fund proposed by students and approved last spring. This fund will help students with financial challenges offset out-of-pocket healthcare costs (copay, deductible, transportation costs). More information will be available prior to the fall quarter on how students can apply to receive funds.
• Student Health and Counseling Services will offer free shipping of medications (some exclusions apply) to students who are not able to pick up their prescriptions at the Student Health and Wellness Center.

Instructional Resources

• For students participating in the Equitable Access Program, the campus bookstore will offer free shipping for those unable to pick up their hard copy course materials at the bookstore.
• Campus will continue to waive course materials and services fees for the fall quarter. Shipping costs will also be covered for any materials that instructors need to send to students.
• CARES funding has been allocated to help expand tutoring and academic support provided by the Academic Assistance and Tutoring Centers.

Whether in person or virtually, your UC Davis experience this fall will be out of the ordinary. We hope that the expanded resources highlighted in this email will help to support your academic success and personal well-being this year, wherever you are located. We will continue checking in with students and finding additional ways to enhance existing and create new services in response to evolving needs. Additional updates and information can be found on the Information for Students and Families page on the Campus Ready website.
 

Kelly Ratliff
Vice Chancellor
Finance, Operations and Administration

Pablo G. Reguerín
Vice Chancellor
Student Affairs