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Dear Students, Staff and Faculty, I am writing to provide today’s update on air quality conditions, as well as news about decisions regarding classes and campus operations during the days ahead. Over the weekend we have been closely tracking air quality data, as well as forecasts for Berkeley. Throughout the day today readings from the closest monitor, located in Aquatic Park, indicate that the Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained below 200, the level at which we, in concert with our medical and environmental experts, consider the cancellation of classes. (According to the EPA, a 200 AQI is the level at which everyone, not only those who are medically sensitive to degraded air quality, may experience adverse health effects.) According to current forecasts for tomorrow from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the National Weather Service, it remains uncertain as to whether current conditions will persist. After consultation with the Academic Senate, we have decided to cancel all classes for Monday and Tuesday. (Wednesday is not an instructional day.) Many students have already left for home, and we want to provide those who remain on campus with predictability and adequate time for travel planning prior to the Thanksgiving break. Tomorrow we will provide additional information and suggestions for how students and instructors will be able to compensate for lost class time this semester. It is already clear we will need to take time from Reading, Review, and Recitation Week (12/3-12/7) to make up for missed classes and are therefore encouraging students to plan accordingly and use the days ahead for reading and review, if possible. For students remaining on campus , please be aware that the following buildings have the best air filtration systems, with air quality that can be 20-40% better than outside conditions: the East Asian Library, the Bio library in VLSB, the stacks of Doe, the Haas Business School complex, the Law library, and the Hargrove library. Given current conditions, the campus will otherwise be open and operating. However, our medical experts continue to urge those with existing medical conditions that may make them particularly susceptible to the impact of degraded air quality to remain indoors to the extent possible. Staff with individualized health issues and concerns should consult with their respective managers. I would also like to express my ongoing appreciation for the staff who have come to work to provide services essential to the campus community. For additional information about how to protect yourself, indoors and out, from wildfire smoke, see this guide provided by the Centers for Disease Control Even as the heroic efforts of firefighters are containing and controlling fires burning across the state of California, the death toll continues to mount, the number of those unaccounted for continues to increase, and the scale of loss and suffering continues to grow. Now, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I know we will all consider how, in our own ways, we can express and provide support for our friends and neighbors across the state who are struggling to cope during the most difficult of times. If you are interested in helping out, the state of California is providing information about qualified volunteer opportunities and vetted organizations that are collecting financial contributions. That information is available on the state’s website I wish everyone a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. Sincerely, Carol T. Christ
Chancellor
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