Dear members of the UC community:
Autumn is a special season. This time of year signifies a fresh start—the chance to set new goals and pursue exciting endeavors. These last several years, I’ve loved personally greeting incoming students as they arrived on campus each fall, eager to begin their classes and meet new people.
This year is clearly different. Our campuses are embarking on an academic year amid a global pandemic, with most of our classes and other campus activities happening virtually. Wildfires have ravaged California communities and polluted our air. And our nation’s struggle with racism and inequity continues to unfold.
Despite these challenges, the University of California continues to forge ahead with a clear mission: education, research, and public service for the good of the people of California, the nation, and the world. And each one of us has an important role to play in moving our university forward.
I am doing everything I can to ensure that UC students, faculty, and staff can continue their work, achieve their goals, and stay healthy and safe. I am grateful to our faculty members for their extraordinary efforts to transform the way we teach, and I am impressed by our students and staff for their adaptability, patience, and grace in the face of obstacles none of us have ever confronted before. This is a difficult time for many of us. As you begin this year, please remember to take care of yourselves and don’t hesitate to make use of the available UC resources.
I very much look forward to the day when we can all return to normal and go back to studying, living, and working together in person. Until then, we will make every effort to support you and find new ways to provide a meaningful UC experience for all. I wish you a healthy and productive academic year.
Stay well, and Fiat Lux,
