UC San Diego’s student housing crunch didn’t have to happen
There are more than 269,000 students who are homeless in California, including one in every 20 students within the prestigious UC college system.
For the fall of 2021, UC San Diego accepted the enrollment of a record number of approximately 43,000 students, despite realizing that housing density must be significantly reduced due to the ongoing pandemic. Those who don’t have a home now have to fend for themselves in one of California’s most expensive housing markets: La Jolla.
So I ask, if UCSD has experienced enrollment numbers that are much higher than forecasts in previous years and they are aware of the housing reductions due to the pandemic, why has this not been prevented or even communicated in a more transparent way?
In my first quarter at UCSD, I’ve seen my peers grapple with housing uncertainties. I’ve seen professors visibly stressed by unfair working conditions, which almost resulted in a two-day strike. In my short time at UCSD, I have constantly questioned whether the university’s priorities lie with their students and professors.
However, we as a community can still use our voices by contacting the UC board at regentsoffice@ucop.edu.
What’s on YOUR mind?
Letters published in La Jolla Light reflect readers’ views on community matters. Submissions of related photos are also welcome. Letters reflect the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the newspaper’s staff or publisher. Letters can be edited for brevity, clarity and accuracy. To share your thoughts on this public forum, email them with your first and last name and the city or neighborhood you live in to robert.vardon@lajollalight.com. You can also submit a letter online at lajollalight.com/submit-a-letter-to-the-editor. The deadline is 10 a.m. Monday for publication in that week’s newspaper. Letters without the author’s name cannot be published. Letters from the same person are limited to one in a 30 day period. ◆
How long is housing guaranteed at UCSD?
Housing will be offered using the following order of priority: Scholars in programs that offer a four-year housing guarantee or an on-campus mandate as a condition of their offer.
Will UCSD be open Fall 2021?
The campus plans to provide primarily face-to-face learning with normal classroom occupancy in the fall of 2021 in accordance with public health guidelines. … Dealing with county/state/CDC restrictions on classroom occupancy and; To meet specific faculty needs.
Is housing guaranteed at UCSD?
There is no guarantee of housing or receiving an offer if you sign up for the Undergraduate Waitlist. Send your questions to ucsdhousing@ucsd.edu.