Read the petition.

Dear

• Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Wellbeing Angela Andrade;

• Executive Director of Student Health Services Vejas Skripkus, MD;

• Student Health Medical Director Erin Moore, MD;

• Nursing Director Kristen Rodgers, NP;

• Manager, Health Information Systems Dana Huffman, IHIS;

• Administrative Services Director Yentran Tran, MPA;

• Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Michael M. Miller;

• Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life Suzanne Perkin,

We, the undersigned faculty, staff, students, and community members of the University of California, express our strong support for our physical therapists represented by University Professional and Technical Employees CWA Local 9119 (UPTE CWA 9119). We urge campus leadership to preserve this essential medical service for our students by restoring UCSB’s Physical Therapy Department and engaging in good-faith negotiations with UPTE.

Physical therapy is a critical component of patient care. Without access to on-campus physical therapists, students recovering from injuries, managing chronic conditions, or seeking rehabilitation face serious obstacles to their well-being and academic success.

The recent decision by the UCSB administration to eliminate the Physical Therapy Department and lay off our physical therapists by September 2025 will have a detrimental impact on our students. Referring students to off-campus providers creates significant barriers, especially for those without access to reliable transportation, flexible schedules, or the financial means to afford co-pays or higher out-of-network fees. Many of our students juggle multiple jobs and course loads while living on limited incomes, making it challenging to receive consistent treatment elsewhere. This gap in care will cause delays in treatment, risk prolonging injuries, exacerbate stress, and undermine students’ academic performance and overall well-being.

Eliminating a service so integral to student success without a viable alternative is unacceptable. Additionally, laying off two of our dedicated physical therapists who have longstanding relationships with our students and closing the clinic so suddenly is a loss to the entire campus community. Students deserve access to affordable, accessible, and student-centered health services on campus.

We respectfully urge UCSB leadership to negotiate with UPTE during the status quo period and reinstate UCSB’s Physical Therapy Clinic and staff. Supporting students' health is foundational to their academic success, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure those supports remain in place.