UCOP Human Resources Executive Director Nancy Pluzdak and Building and Administrative Service Center Director Steven Murray sent the following message to all UCOP staff on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021.

Dear colleagues,

The recent and increasing violence across the nation against members of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is deeply troubling and goes against our values as a UCOP community. We want to acknowledge the concerns and fears our AAPI colleagues feel for themselves and their families and friends.

We know that recent violent acts in the Oakland Chinatown community are of concern for staff who currently come to work in our Oakland offices and for others as we continue to discuss more of us returning to on-site operations.

Increased Oakland-office security

Leaders from the state of California, Oakland and surrounding cities are taking steps to protect our community. We are in contact with Oakland city leaders, the Oakland Police Department and the UC Berkeley Police Department to stay abreast of emerging issues and related actions. In addition, UCOP has heightened security in and around our Oakland offices as follows:

• UCOP security officers patrol the Franklin and Broadway buildings 24/7.
  • Franklin Building: UCOP security officers patrol all floors as well as the Franklin Garage during and after regular business hours.
  • Broadway Building: UCOP security offices patrol UCOP floors and the Conference Center throughout the day. The 1100 Broadway lobby, garage and exterior of the building are patrolled by 1100 Broadway building Security staff throughout the day.
• Security cameras are present at the exterior, parking and common-circulation areas in both buildings and are monitored for employee safety.
• The Franklin Garage entrance has and will continue to be closed with access monitored by Security staff.
• If you come to the Franklin or Broadway buildings on a regular basis, you are encouraged to ask for a new parking tag that lets you enter the garage without leaving your car. Contact the Work Management Center at (510) 987-0600.
• Staff can request an escort to their car or BART in one of the following ways:
  • UCOP Security escorts are available between 6:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. Contact UCOP Security at 510-987-9700 at least 30 minutes in advance.
  • Security escorts are available as part of the city of Oakland’s Block-by-Block Ambassador program. Call (510) 898-8592 or go to downtownoakland.org/clean-safe/

Safety tips

It is important for each of us to remain vigilant at all times. For your safety, please follow the guidelines below and in this printable Safety Tips sheet (PDF), especially when entering or leaving the building.

• Stay off your cellphone when you’re on the street
• Be aware of people near you or following closely
• Take only well-traveled, well-lit routes when walking
• Park your car in a garage or on a well-lit street
• Keep your belongings somewhere secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Be alert in crowded places
• Carry bags, purses and packages in front of rather than behind you
• Use caution in public restrooms
• Report incidents quickly if you are a victim of a crime or a bystander
• Ask for extra protection whenever you believe it may be needed

In the face of cruel and cowardly acts of violence, we remain committed to fostering an environment where all are respected, valued, and appreciated. We are sharing the following resources in hopes that they are helpful.

Take care and protect yourself and others.

Sincerely,
Nancy Pluzdrak, MBA, Ed.D, Executive Director, UCOP Human Resources
Steven Murray, Director, Building and Administrative Service Center

Resources to support you

• Anti-Racism Resources: As part of our commitment to eradicating systemic racism in university life and operations, campus leaders have gathered anti-racism resources to share, including links to articles, books, podcasts and films; and listings of anti-racism trainings and webinars. These materials can guide all of us to become active participants in combating racism on our campuses and in our communities. Updated resources are added as they become available.
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP): All UCOP employees can access free behavioral counseling services through FSAP.
• UCOP Ombuds Office: Assistance dealing with workplace-related conflict and many additional resources.

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