For 18 months, the most consistent signs of life at the UC Riverside campus have involved spitting nocturnal sprinklers.
That’s about to change. The campus is preparing for a full return in fall quarter, for which classes begin on Sept. 23. Long-shuttered dining halls and coffee joints are opening, along with essential student services.
The progression of openings continued Wednesday, when the Highlander One-Stop Shop opened to offer in-person help for questions related to undergraduate admissions, registration, financial aid, and Student Business Services. The Well — which offers student health education and promotion services — opened daily on Wednesday, though director Devon Sakamoto said walk-ins won’t be accommodated until the quarter begins. Sakamoto said a new appointment system will complement walk-in hours. Among other essentials, The Well will provide a COVID Wellness Kit on demand.
Student-facing services falling under the umbrella of Campus Business Services that opened for in-person service Wednesday included Card Services, Mail Services, and the Highlander Service Station, now located in the UCR Bookstore building. The bookstore will expand its hours to 8 a.m.-5 p.m. beginning Sept. 7.
Scotty’s market at the HUB opened on Aug. 23, answering the call for an on-campus food option. Wednesday, Panda Express at the HUB opened, with 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday hours. Hospitality Services also opened its catering services.
Sept. 8, Chronic Tacos will open, followed by the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on Sept. 13; Habit Grill on Sept. 15; Market at North District convenience store and Market at Glen Mor-Starbucks on Sept. 17; Glasgow residential dining hall on Sept. 18; Lothian residential dining hall and Savor at Glen Mor on Sept. 19; and Ivan’s at Hinderaker Hall and Hibachi-San on Sept. 20.
Robin Hungerford, senior director of Dining & Hospitality Services, said because of staffing challenges the opening dates for the recently renovated Barn and “pop-up” eatery Emerbees — among other facilities — will be announced later.
The UCR Library is hosting open house hours this week, with remaining open house events today and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Curbside delivery of books ends Sept. 3. From Sept. 7-19, the Rivera and Orbach Science libraries will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Longer opening hours will begin Sept. 20. For complete reopening information, visit the library’s web site.
This past week, additional guidelines for fall instruction were communicated by the provost. For full information on fall instruction, as well as the latest fall return news and updates, visit campusreturn.ucr.edu.
