Dear Colleagues, 

Each year in March, I naturally find myself thinking about change—change of light, change of seasons, the end of one quarter, and the beginning of another, which leads to the end of the academic year.  In 2020, the change was maybe most pronounced as we transitioned from in-person to remote teaching, an anniversary I acknowledged a few weeks ago.

This year, change is on my mind once again. 

Most notably, there has been a shift in state and federal budgets, which are expected to impact the University of California for the next fiscal year. The 2025-26 California state budget, which won’t be finalized until June, calls for substantial cuts. We hope the final budgets will decrease less than currently estimated.

Additionally, federal actions through executive orders, policy changes, and proposed cuts have created uncertainty in many areas of campus. Changes to research funding, federal financial aid, and Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement are but a few examples of federal funding that hit UCR’s budget.  

Through prudent planning, we have managed to avoid some of the drastic situations other universities have faced, but the current situation will require more.  President Drake announced a systemwide hiring freeze earlier this month. Last week, UCR leaders shared how we will implement that freeze.  In the coming months, we will likely need to identify additional savings in existing core budgets, as well as means for additional revenue.  The most important element of the latter is the need to increase enrollment, which has the greatest impact on our state funding.

We are awaiting the revised May budget for California, with the hope that the state budget cuts are not as deep as anticipated.  Once the state budget is finalized, we can then determine the precise impact on the UC and on UCR.

We are certainly not alone. Across higher education, other institutions are addressing similar situations. As a campus, as a system, and through organizations like the AAU, we are advocating for continued support of higher education. 

If you would like more information about how you can advocate for the University, please visit the UC Advocacy Network (UCAN) website to sign up for periodic emails and learn how to contact your lawmakers in support of the UC. 

Thank You, Gerry Bomotti

All this talk of budgets is a reminder of another change. As I announced in December, Gerry Bomotti, vice chancellor for planning, budget, and administration, will be stepping down in April. From the lighting of the Bell Tower and redesign of drainage systems to major construction and budget infrastructure, Gerry’s work has had a tremendous impact on every corner of the campus. 

Gerry is often quick to acknowledge the work of his teams, preferring to shine the spotlight on others rather than himself. But I know how much his careful attention to detail during his time here will benefit UCR long into the future.

Please join me in thanking Gerry for his service.

NPR’s Ari Shapiro to Speak on Campus

One thing that is not changing—the 56th Hays Press-Enterprise Lecture returns to campus on Monday, April 21, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at University Theater. Ari Shapiro, award-winning anchor of NPR’s All Things Considered, will address the campus, followed by a question-and-answer session moderated by Susan Straight, professor of creative writing and National Book Award finalist. 

The event is free to attend, but registration is required. The event is quickly approaching capacity. Register soon if you wish to attend.