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The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) will resume in-person classes on Tuesday, following a temporary shift to online instruction due to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County. The decision was announced by UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk in a campus-wide email on Thursday.

“We are optimistic about how things are trending: emergency responders are making progress in combating the fires, wind speed is diminishing, and projections show continued safer air quality on campus,” Frenk said. “Based on all the latest available information, we are ending emergency status on Friday, Jan. 17, at 5 p.m.”

Although multiple fires continue to burn across LA County, including one in the Pacific Palisades that has spread 23,717 acres and is 22% contained, Frenk assured that the university is closely monitoring the situation and will revisit its plans if conditions shift.

In-person work is expected to resume as normal on Saturday, with supervisors asked to offer flexibility when possible. The UCLA Academic Senate is yet to decide on pushing deadlines to drop or add classes, and academic accommodations on specific assignments are up to class instructors.

Students are advised to stagger their return to campus to avoid congestion. Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck said, “We do encourage people to come back in a staggered format because of the number of individuals that did leave.”

The air quality on campus has been rated as “good” for over 72 hours, according to UCLA’s air quality website. Despite the emergency status, UCLA Housing front desks and Bruin Plate have remained operational.

UCLA has been assisting with government responses to the fires, including donating space for a Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Center. The university is also offering reduced rates at it’s hotels for those impacted by the wildfires.

The UCLA community has come together to support those affected by the fires, with the undergraduate and graduate student governments allocating $30,000 to a relief initiative. 

The university’s efforts to support those affected by the fires also include temporary housing for students and faculty who have lost their homes. Additionally, the UCLA Police Department has aided other agencies in patrolling evacuated areas and stationed staff at the Zuma Beach Incident Command Center.

The federal government has also pledged its support, with President Joe Biden promising a 100% reimbursement for all disaster-related costs incurred by the City and County of LA in the next 180 days.

As the UCLA community prepares to return to normal, Chancellor Frenk emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and compassion. “Should conditions shift, we will revisit our plans,” he said. “We are not letting our guard down. We will remain vigilant and communicate promptly with you with any important changes.”

The university’s decision to resume in-person classes has been met with a mix of relief and caution. Students are eager to return to their normal routines, but many are also aware of the ongoing risks and challenges posed by the wildfires.

As one student noted, “I’m excited to get back to class, but I’m also worried about the air quality and the potential for more fires. I just hope the university is prepared to keep us safe.”

Despite these concerns, the UCLA community remains resilient and determined to support one another through this challenging time. As Chancellor Frenk said, “Bruins have tapped into their reservoirs of kindness.

Chancellor Frenk expressed pride in the community’s response, saying, “The wildfires have been a painful tragedy for our communities, but we also have seen a great upswell of generosity and support for one another… This compassion is what will enable us to recover and rebuild—together.”

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