BCC September 20, 2023: Unhealthy Air Quality - Please Stay Indoors, Continue to Monitor the Situation

BCC Community, on behalf of Dr. Richardson:

A Bay Area Air Quality Advisory Notification has been issued today as a result of wildfire smoke from the north. Currently, the air quality index (AQI) at Berkeley City College is approximately 125. This is an unhealthy level for “sensitive groups,” which means those with lung disease such as asthma, older adults, children and teenagers, and people who are active outdoors. If you are concerned about your health (as someone who falls under one of these categories), please contact your supervisor so that we can make appropriate arrangements for you to work remotely for the day. If the index climbs to 160 or greater, everyone has the option of leaving work and returning home without loss of compensation.

Also, per the Article 12 Section G of the Collective Bargaining Agreement faculty members have the right to dismiss a class without loss of compensation.

We will continue to monitor the situation and send additional reminders as needed.

Please, stay indoors and healthy.

Best,

Sean Brooks
Vice President of Administrative Services
Berkeley City College