Page last updated December 1, 2020, at 9:20 a.m.
Please check back regularly for the latest on this rapidly-changing situation.
UC San Diego campus updates can be found at coronavirus.ucsd.edu.
The current public health emergency associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will impact Extension on-campus offering through Spring Quarter 2021. Approximately 70 percent of Extension courses were offered via online instruction before the pandemic and that number is now nearly 100 percent.
Until the public health crisis subsides, Extension will exercise federal, state and local mandated precautions to mitigate the spread of infection in order to lessen the number of associated deaths.
But we are here to support your personal and professional educational goals in every way possible.
As local, national and global public health recommendations shift, we are proactively taking steps that will help to protect the UC San Diego Extension staff, instructors, students, and greater San Diego community.
We encourage you to direct specific questions to your instructors or program departments which can be found here. As you know, this is a fast-evolving, situation that has required many adjustments and adaptations. Guidelines and protocols are being updated frequently and we will send out updated communications as needed.
Below you will find the following FAQs associated with our programs
March 31 update at 10:30 a.m.
The situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) is evolving rapidly around the globe.
As local, national and global public health recommendations shift to include mitigation of transmission, we are proactively taking steps that will help to protect the UC San Diego Extension staff, instructors, students, and greater San Diego community.
We know you have questions about news of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and its implications for the health of you and your loved ones. Our leadership and health care experts are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health and San Diego County Public Health to ensure your ongoing safety at the university.
With that in mind, effective immediately, we are implementing the UC San Diego guidelines to mitigate exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19).
For students, we encourage you to direct specific questions to your program department which can be found here. We will answer some of the most common questions for General Extension Students and International Extension Students that you might have below.
This is a fast-evolving situation. Guidelines and protocols are being updated frequently please check back often and watch for email updates.
Extension Student FAQ
International Program Students FAQ
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Is it safe to travel to San Diego?
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The data show that community spread of infection is of increasing concern across the State of California. Please follow CDC prevention guidelines carefully, both to preserve your own health and the health of those around you. California residents have been asked to stay at home as much as possible and wear masks in public. Please read the California Department of Public Health guidance on face coverings for more information on where masks are required.
As of July 2020, travel restrictions are still preventing people from many countries from entering the U.S. As global conditions improve, however, we expect restrictions will lift for some regions.
UC San Diego has a very comprehensive plan, Return to Learn, for a safe return to studying on campus, starting Fall Quarter 2020. This plan was developed in consultation with top public health experts in the United States, who are medical faculty at UC San Diego. Extension International Programs will continually assess the changing situation with COVID-19 and offer a combination of classes (in-person and online) that meet the strict health guidelines in place.
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What kind of health and safety measures is the University of California San Diego taking?
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UC San Diego continues to safeguard the health and wellness of our students, staff and faculty by carefully monitoring the global progression of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our leadership and health experts are in constant contact with the CDC, the California Department of Public Health, and San Diego County Public Health to ensure your ongoing safety at the university.
UC San Diego Health and Student Health Services have developed triage screening (by phone and at front desks) and implemented additional protocols to help identify possible cases of coronavirus to provide optimal care for those with symptoms and to protect other patients and staff.
UC San Diego has a plan, Return to Learn, for a safe return to campus life in Fall 2020. UC San Diego researchers have developed a substantial SARS-CoV-2 testing program for students, staff, and faculty, which will accelerate the resumption of in-person activities on campus. Campus clinicians, public health experts, molecular biologists, infectious disease specialists, epidemiologists and bioinformaticians are using statistical modeling to help speed early detection and shorten the duration of outbreaks, which could result in fewer infected people. The University will hold fewer classes in-person, with a reduced number of students in classrooms. Other safety measures, such as mandatory face coverings on campus, are in place as well.
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Once I arrive to the U.S., will I need to self-quarantine for 14 days?
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On July 21, 2020, the San Diego County Public Health Services issued an Order that now requires a 14-day quarantine period for individuals arriving or returning from travel from ALL international locations. In addition, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines recommend that individuals arriving in the U.S. from ALL international locations should quarantine (stay home) for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing. Please reference the CDC guidance on Returning from International Travel.
Because of the San Diego County Public Health Services order requirement and CDC guidelines, newly admitted and continuing Fall 2020 students coming from international locations will be required to self-quarantine for 14-days after arrival in San Diego. Please plan your travel and housing so that you arrive in San Diego at least 14 days before your program start-date and have a place to stay during this time.
Attendance
Do not attend class or visit the UC San Diego campus until you have completed your 14-day quarantine.
We understand that there may be difficulties that prevent you from arriving in the U.S. in time to complete your 14-day quarantine before your program starts. If you will not be able to attend in-person classes because you need to quarantine, please inform us at ipinfo@ucsd.edu so that your absence does not affect your grade. You will still be expected to attend any online classes in your program at the scheduled days and times.
Additional Housing
See our housing page for details on quarantine housing options.
Additional Medical Insurance
To purchase health insurance to cover any medical needs during your 14-day quarantine period, please contact our student health and welfare advisor. Extra UC San Diego Extension health insurance costs $45 per week.
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If I purchase the mandatory UC San Diego Extension medical insurance, will this medical insurance cover testing and treatment for COVID-19?
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Almost all students who are enrolled in Extension International Programs (IP) have the UC San Diego Extension medical insurance policy for international students. For students who have purchased the UC San Diego Extension IP medical insurance (Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield), testing and treatment for COVID-19 is covered:
- Coronavirus testing: Hospital, emergency department, urgent care, and provider office visits, where the purpose of the visit is to be screened or tested for COVID-19, have zero cost-share (no copay).
- Coronavirus treatment: If a member is diagnosed with COVID-19, the plan will pay based on the plan benefits outlined in the policy, i.e. members will pay any out-of-pocket expenses that the plan requires, such as deductibles, copays, and OON coinsurance, just like any other illness would be treated (at least until otherwise mandated)
If you think you might have symptoms of the Coronavirus, call your doctor or urgent care before going in so they can prepare for you. Email ipinfo@ucsd.edu or your adviser if you are unable to attend or participate in classes.
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Are there health facilities that can assist students who think they might have been exposed to COVID-19?
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Our Health and Welfare advisers provide students with information regarding area hospitals and medical facilities, which are covered in the UC San Diego Extension’s medical plan. If a person is infected with COVID-19, UC San Diego hospitals have protocols and procedures according to the seriousness of the person’s symptoms, and of course that will include quarantining and monitoring to assure full recovery from the illness and to protect others from becoming infected.
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Are international programs at the University of California San Diego’s Extension cancelled? Are any programs postponed?
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Please check the International Programs Dates and Prices page for program cancellations due to COVID-19 and updates on program offerings this year and in 2021.
English Language Programs
All English language courses will take place online, with live instruction, until Fall 2020. Starting in October 2020, the English Language Institute will transition to a hybrid format, with some classes held in-person and some classes held remotely.
University and Professional Studies and Certificate Programs
All UC San Diego classes which are lecture-based or discussion-based will be delivered online until Fall 2020.
UC San Diego plans to offer Fall Quarter 2020 courses through a combination of in-person and remote instruction. University leaders are working closely with public health officials and will continue to refine the balance between in-person and remote class offerings as the situation evolves. Depending on the public health context, it may become necessary to transition our classes back to exclusively remote learning.
In Fall 2020, in-person course availability across UC San Diego departments will be limited due to campus public health measures. Extension is offering a short list of Business classes, which are also relevant for many other fields of study. Check the University and Professional Studies (UPS) webpage for more information on UPS this fall. With the exception of the Paralegal Certificate, all of our Certificate Programs that are normally offered in the fall will adopt a hybrid model, with a combination of in-person and online courses.
Campus directives may change at any time, so please check this Extension webpage frequently.
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If my classes are delivered online, will that affect my F-1 visa status?
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U.S. immigration authorities advised schools that a fully online schedule of classes during the coronavirus situation will be permitted if you are already on campus and currently studying in our programs or in the U.S. and transferring from another U.S. institution. Please note: Guidance from U.S. immigration authorities is subject to change.
IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION NOTICE for students enrolled in FALL PROGRAMS (updated July 29, 2020):
New students:
New students who have not yet started studying with us, who are outside of the U.S., will not be able to obtain an F-1 visa or enter the United States to enroll in a U.S. school if they are taking a 100% remote course load. Since Extension International Programs will be offered in a hybrid format, our students will take a combination of in-person and online classes for full-time study. This format meets the SEVP requirements for new international students.
Transfer students:
Transfer students who are already in the U.S. will be able to start programs in the fall that are held online or a mix of online and in-person classes and maintain their F-1 status. Since Extension International Programs will be offered in a hybrid format, our students will take a combination of in-person and online classes for full-time study. This format meets the SEVP requirements for transfer international students.
Continuing students:
Continuing students with an active SEVIS record, including those who are outside the U.S., are eligible to enroll in a fully remote course load for the Fall quarter, maintain their F-1 status, and seek re-entry to the U.S. They will also be permitted to temporarily count online classes towards a full course of study in excess of the regulatory limits. However, since Extension International Programs will be offered in a hybrid format, our students will take a combination of in-person and online classes for full-time study. This format meets the SEVP requirements for continuing international students.
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When will U.S. Consulates and Embassies resume student visa services?
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As you may know, the U.S. Department of State suspended routine visa services worldwide in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As global conditions improve, U.S. Embassies and Consulates are beginning a phased resumption of routine visa services.
Please see the individual website for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your region for information regarding its operating status and the services it is currently offering. To find embassy or consulate websites, go to https://www.usembassy.gov/. The embassy links get you to the right embassy website, but you will have to do some clicking to find relevant COVID-19 information, as each embassy website is structured a bit differently.
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Will UC San Diego Extension International Programs issue original, hard copy Forms I-20 or DS-2019, or can I use an electronic form to apply for a visa and travel to the U.S?
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Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is allowing issuance of the electronic I-20 (see question 8) for the duration of the emergency. SEVP has coordinated with both the U.S. Department of State and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding the policy to allow electronic I-20 issuance. Both agencies support the issuance of electronic I-20s (for F-1 visas).
J-1 students are required to have a physical, original DS-2019 document.
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I am about to complete my program but would like to extend my stay. Can I enroll in additional classes?
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There are multiple program options available to students who would like to continue their studies, including English language, University Professional Studies, and Certificate programs. Please contact ipinfo@ucsd.edu as soon as possible to discuss options.
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I have been admitted to an international program, but I am concerned about traveling now. Can I delay my program start date? Will I need a new I-20?
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In the event that your travel must be delayed, there is no cost to defer enrollment as long as you notify us in writing before the program’s published start date. At the time of deferral, we will need to know the new start date and the program being requested. See our dates and prices for published start dates.
You will need a new Form I-20, which reflects your new program start date. At the same time you notify us that you want to delay your studies, you will also need to let us know the new start date you would like.
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I am concerned about traveling now. Can I cancel my program and still get a refund?
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If you decide to cancel your studies, we will refund or defer all tuition and fees, except the express mail fee, as long as you notify us in writing before the program’s published start date. See our brochure for published start dates: https://extension.ucsd.edu/international-programs/international-programs-brochure/2020.
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I want to return home early. Can I receive a refund?
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If you decide to withdraw from your current studies, our policy remains in place. We will refund or defer all tuition and fees, except the express mail fee, as long as you notify us before the program’s published start date. If you decide to cancel your studies after the program start date, you will not receive a refund. See our dates and prices page for published start dates.
UC San Diego OTI Education Center and Occupational Safety and Health Department FAQ
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How do I get in touch with the OSHA Department?
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Due to government mandates, the UC San Diego OSHA team is currently working remotely.
For assistance with OSHA courses please send an email to oshatraining@ucsd.edu.
For assistance with the 10/30 hour OSHA Outreach Training Program please email oti-outreach@ucsd.edu.
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I was registered for a class, but it was canceled. Can I receive a refund, or can I transfer to another class?
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If for any reason a student is not able to attend a class, or the class has been canceled, the UCSD OTIEC/OS&H Department will issue a full refund or will offer a transfer to another course section. All requests must be received in writing (oshatraining@ucsd.edu). Please provide the student’s name, student ID number, section ID and course name in which the student was enrolled and the reason that the student cannot attend the class. Please specify if you prefer a refund or a transfer.
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My Outreach Trainer authorization has expired or will be expiring. What are my options?
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Outreach trainers registered for update courses or those trainers whose authorizations will expire during an OTI Education Center closure will be afforded a 90-day grace period after classes resume to enroll in a new update class. These trainers may continue to conduct 10- and 30-hour Outreach training classes until the end of the 90-day grace period. Those trainers who have not completed the standards course within the past seven years will not be required to take the standards course under this scenario.
Additionally, if a trainer has been restricted to travel during this time and is not able to reauthorize prior to his/her expiration he/she will also be afforded the same 90-day grace period.
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I am still able to conduct 10/30 hour Outreach classes. Will I receive the cards so I can issue them to my students?
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Yes, you will still receive your cards. You may expect a slightly longer turnaround time, so please continue to issue an OSHA Training Program Report immediately after you have taught a class. The online reporting portal can be found here: https://storefront.ucsd.edu/osha/login.php. It is also highly recommended to issue a Certificate of Completion to your students.
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Will OSHA allow Outreach Trainers to conduct online training?
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Unfortunately, the Directorate of Training and Education (DTE), OSHA, will not grant any exception requests to conduct the OSHA 10/30 hour classes online. OSHA has authorized nine vendors to conduct Outreach Training classes online. For more information visit: https://www.osha.gov/training/outreach/training-providers.
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UCSD and UCSD Extension has changed the Spring Quarter classes to be online, where feasible. Will the OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTIEC) courses be online?
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Unfortunately, the OTIEC courses are not authorized to be conducted in an online format; however, there are UC San Diego Safety classes available online: Introduction to Fire and Life Safety, Safety Leadership I and Safety Leadership II.
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Will the Pacific Coast Safety Fest be rescheduled in 2020?
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The immediate plan is to move the event to a future date to be announced in the coming weeks.
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Will the classes that were canceled in March and April be rescheduled in 2020?
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We are actively in the process of rescheduling select classes and we expect to have resolution and communication in the coming weeks. Please join our email list or frequently visit the website for the most up-to-date information. Students can also view the remainder of the 2020 classes on osha.ucsd.edu.
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Will the OSHA classes in May and June also be canceled?
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At this time we have not made any decisions to cancel classes beyond May 1, 2020. For the most up-to-date information, please check our website osha.ucsd.edu.
Sally Ride Science & Pre-College Department FAQ
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Are Library NExT programs at San Diego Public Libraries still running?
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All in-person Library Next programs have been canceled through June 2020, including STEAM workshops and the Admit One Test Prep Academy. The Libraries may be closed, but you can still experience workshops online by visiting the Library NExT page of the Sally Ride Science website.
Admit One: During this trying time, UC San Diego Extension remains committed to helping you achieve your goals. In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have transitioned all of our Summer courses to an online or hybrid format. Hybrid classes are fully online with live virtual class meetings each week using our Zoom conferencing system.
Futures: All Futures courses being held at San Diego Public Library locations have been converted to online courses through UC San Diego Extension.
Please contact precollege@ucsd.edu for more information.
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Will in-person Futures classes be canceled?
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We know these are uncertain times and we are continuously monitoring developments and following guidelines, mandates and recommendations from federal and state officials to ensure your ongoing safety. At this time, this summers’ Sally Ride Science Junior Academy will take place as scheduled. If in the coming months, workshops are canceled, we will notify participants immediately and full refunds will be provided. For questions please contact precollege@ucsd.edu.
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Will Sally Ride Science Junior Academy still take place this Summer?
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During this trying time, UC San Diego Extension remains committed to helping you achieve your goals. In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have moved this summer’s Sally Ride Science Junior Academy workshops online. These online STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) workshops for students entering 4th-12th grade will be conducted through virtual class meetings using the Zoom conferencing system and the learning platform Canvas. For questions please contact precollege@ucsd.edu.
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Will the new online classes be delivered at the same time as the previous in-person classes?
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The online class will be conducted through virtual class meetings using the Zoom conferencing system and the learning platform Canvas. Please contact precollege@ucsd.edu with questions or concerns.
Teacher Education FAQ
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Are you still accepting/receiving physical transcripts in the mail for my application or recommendation?
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Mail is being delivered to our offices and staff is attending to hard-copy transcripts for applications and recommendations on a weekly basis. We are experiencing a slight delay in processing applications and recommendations while California’s Stay-At-Home order is in place.
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Are you still processing recommendations?
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Yes, although there may be a 1-2 week delay. Once your Request to Recommend form, transcript verifying completion of required coursework, and any required supplemental documents are received, we will initiate the recommendation process. You will be contacted via email if there are any missing documents. Once recommended, you will receive an email directly from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
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Can I have my transcripts emailed instead of mailed?
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You have the option to submit electronic transcripts if they are sent directly from your college or university. Scanned copies of transcripts are considered unofficial and not valid for admission purposes. Please have your college/university email transcripts directly to submittranscript-debs@ucsd.edu.
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How do I request a transcript from UC San Diego Extension for my recommendation?
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Please fill out a Transcript Request Form and submit it directly to Student Services. There is no charge when transcripts are sent internally to Education and Community Outreach (ECO).
Please use the address below when completing the form:
UC San Diego Extension
Education and Community Outreach
Attn: Credential Analyst
9500 Gilman Drive, #0170-N
La Jolla, CA 92093-0170
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What do I do if my credential is about to expire or has recently expired and I am just submitting my recommendation?
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We can expedite processing in this situation, on a case-by-case basis. Please submit a short note with your Request to Recommend form explaining your situation. Please make sure to provide an email address so we may follow up with you directly.
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Where should I send my hard copy Request to Recommend form?
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Please continue to send your forms to
UC San Diego Extension, ECO
Attn: Credential Analyst
9500 Gilman Drive, #0170-N
La Jolla, CA 92093-0170
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Who should I contact if I have any questions?
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Please send an email to unexeduc@ucsd.edu should you have any additional concerns or questions.
UC San Diego Updates
Additional Resources