As the coronavirus pandemic forced campus closure and the move to remote learning in late March 2020, and stay at home orders rolled out across the state and nation, Community Studies wrestled with the question of whether full-time field study could proceed on its regular timetable. By that time, the 2020 field study student cohort had made their field study arrangements, pre-pandemic. But would their field study organizations still be operating and able to work with students amid the disrupted landscape of social justice activism? There was so much uncertainty.

I won't put on a brave face here. For about a week last Spring, the uncertainty got the best of us. Then we had an epiphany.

The Community Studies Program has always confronted the world that exists. If the world is experiencing a pandemic and its cascading effects, then we don't wait that out for better times. Community Studies puts its efforts into making the times better through the energy, talents, and passions of our dedicated students. So with due diligence, precautions and guidance, we sent students to their field study placements in Summer 2020. A significant number of students worked remotely within their organizations and learned vital lessons about how organizations adapt to crises.

Following UCSC campus COVID-19 regulations and best practices, we have organized this year's poster session event as a live, virtual event. Our disappointment at not being able to gather in person is tempered by the realization that many more people will be able to attend a virtual event because they won't need to travel to campus to learn about the field study accomplishments of this year's "COVID Cohort." We're looking forward to seeing you the afternoon of Thursday, February 18!

Mary Beth Pudup, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Community Studies Program Director