Dear Friends and Colleagues:
As we continue to navigate the challenges and changes that shape our academic and personal lives, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible strength, adaptability, and dedication each of you has brought to our community. This year has tested us in ways we could not have predicted, but through it all, I have seen that your resilience has been nothing short of inspiring.
Resilience is not simply about enduring hardships; it is about growing through them. It is the steady commitment to our students, to each other, and to our mission. It is found in the extra time you take to support a struggling student, in your collaborations with colleagues to solve new problems, and in the grace you extend to yourselves and others on the hard days.
And alongside resilience, there is hope. Hope does not ignore reality; it helps us reimagine it. It fuels our belief that our efforts matter, that change is possible, and that the work we do today lays the foundation for a brighter, more equitable tomorrow. It is the conviction that what we do today, even in scarcity, can build a stronger, more just, and more resilient educational environment for our students. As educators, you model these values every day, and in doing so, you shape the culture of care and courage that defines UC San Diego. I am deeply grateful for your unwavering commitment and the heart you bring to your work. Please know that your efforts are seen, appreciated, and impactful.
We may not have all the answers yet, but we do have each other. And that solidarity is powerful.
Academic Senate Seminars
This past Friday we had an insightful seminar by Professor Benjamin Noble discussing what politicians say and how they say it, and the increasing polarization in our nation's political institutions. The recording of this seminar is found on the Senate web site. My gratitude to Ben for his contribution to our seminar series.
As we wrap up the academic year, I share the exceptional news that our final Academic Senate Seminar is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., and it will be in collaboration with the Associated Students and the Graduate and Professional Student Association. It is exciting to be collaborating with our students in this way! Our two outstanding speakers will be Professor Fonna Forman and Professor LaGina Gause, and it will focus on the topic of immigration and electoral representation. An announcement on this seminar will be sent shortly. Mark your calendars. Join the conversation!
Protecting Our Values
The systemwide Academic Senate Assembly has issued a statement in defense of the University of California. It is a beautiful call to action and a reaffirmation of the University’s public mission in the face of threats to higher education nationwide. Our own Chancellor has issued a statement to uphold free expression and the principles of community, and has contributed as signatory to the AAC&U Call for Constructive Engagement.
Also, in the last three weeks, here at UC San Diego the Academic Senate passed three Resolutions (the full text of the resolutions can be found on our Senate web site):
Resolution 1: Resolution to support UC San Diego students, faculty and staff who have had their visas or green cards revoked
I am aware that many of you are concerned about the revocation of student visas on our campus. Rest assured that the UC Office of the President and our UC San Diego Chancellor have established mechanisms to protect our students. And rest assured that the Academic Senate will support these efforts. Perhaps not necessary to state that all revoked visas have now be restored, as you may already know, and we are very glad of this. Unfortunately, this does not mean the problem has gone away. If we find ourselves in this situation again, we have and will use the support structures that were recently established in the UC to fight back.
Resolution 2: Resolution to refrain from sharing the personal information of UC San Diego students, faculty and staff unless compelled by warrant or subpoena
and,
Resolution 3: Resolution to defend UC San Diego’s commitment to free speech and academic freedom
A resolution is a statement of values and an exhortation to act. I entreat us to focus and use these resolutions, to develop specific responses with actionable items that we can implement together. Words without action are not as persuasive or rewarding. Here at UC San Diego, we are people of action. This is a time to share, not to look away, but to acknowledge each other's strengths and develop solutions that can effect positive change.
Silent Tree Dialogues
As a next step, I invite you once again to join me at the Silent Tree, in front of our library, for dialogue and community on the following dates and times:
