Dear Colleagues,
Conventional wisdom suggests that one benefit of travel is a shift in perspective that occurs when we encounter different cultures and experiences. But this year, in my summer travels, I attended a meeting for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences focused on leading for higher education equity. My purpose wasn’t to see things differently but instead, to share a California point-of-view with other university leaders.
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decisions about affirmative action, leaders from institutions around the country want to understand how to honor the value of diversity while facing legal restrictions. When we talk about diversity, we often say it’s woven into the foundation of UCR. But what does that actually mean?
Well, for one thing, it means that we value the diverse perspectives that co-exist in our state and on our campus. We not only look for a range of thought and skill when recruiting students but also when hiring. The result, then, is a campus that offers a chance to experience something akin to travel—seeing things anew—through the interesting mix of people who choose to make UCR the place where they work or study.
Whether you’re staying at home this summer or vacationing in parts unknown, we appreciate the perspective you bring to our community as we prepare for the start of the fall quarter.
Faculty and Staff Picnic
All UCR employees are invited to join me for a complimentary picnic lunch to kick-off the new academic year on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the HUB Dining Patio. UCR Staff Assembly will again provide desert.
Seating will be available outdoors in the HUB Dining patio and lawn area as well as indoors in the HUB Dining Room. Please feel free to bring picnic blankets if you would like to enjoy your lunch on the lawn!
Come to socialize with colleagues, enjoy music provided by KUCR Radio, and learn about UCR programs at info booths.
To ensure that enough food is ordered for everyone, please RSVP to attend no later than Friday, September 1st. Please register here using Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari (Internet Explorer is not supported). For any questions, please email specialevents@ucr.edu.
Completion of New Buildings
There’s another big event happening on Tuesday, September 12, starting at 12:00 p.m. and continuing throughout the day—the grand opening for the Student Health and Counseling Center. The new space allows us to expand our physical and psychological heath offerings.
This year we celebrate the School of Medicine’s 10-year anniversary. One of the markers of progress will be a ribbon cutting for the School of Medicine Medical Education II building on September 26 at 10:30 a.m.
We hope you’ll join us at these events to learn more about the ways we support our students’ health and educate tomorrow’s physicians.
Beyond Brilliant
Less than two years ago, we announced a new fundraising initiative to support student scholarships, experiential learning, and wellness and basic needs. The Beyond Brilliant fundraising initiative, named in honor of the brilliance exhibited by our students, exceeded the stated goal of $50 million dollars this past June, two years ahead of schedule. Please enjoy this video which shows how those funds are making a positive impact in student lives. And, thank you, to all who contributed to this important effort.
Finally, I am sure most of you, like me, were horrified by the tragic fire in Lahaina, Hawaii. Not only do we have students and employees who are from Hawaii, but many of us have visited the historic town of Lahaina. While Student Affairs and Human Resources typically take the lead in contacting individuals who may be affected, I speak for the entire community in saying we are with those of you who are directly impacted or experiencing grief.