Dear Colleagues,

This fall, we are expecting the largest first-year class in UCR’s history. This is good news—not only for our mission to expand access to world-class education but also for our financial stability. As you have heard me say before, nearly 90% of our core operating budget comes from tuition and enrollment-based state allocations. In the current climate of adverse federal actions, sustaining strong enrollment has become even more critical.

Nine years ago, in Fall 2016, UCR welcomed an incoming first-year class that was about 30% larger than the year before. We expect to see a similar increase this fall compared to last year. As was the case in 2016, we need everyone’s help to ensure members of our class of 2029 get a strong start on the path to success.

Expanding course capacity. Continuing students are currently registering for fall classes, and new students will register this summer. Departments are already working to increase seat availability in high-demand courses. Please continue reviewing where additional seats might be added to meet student demand and help our students make timely progress.

Maximizing course scheduling. We have added more than 4,000 new instructional seats since 2018. To maximize the use of this space, we must utilize both peak and non-peak hours. Department chairs and instructors are encouraged to work collaboratively with their deans and the Registrar to make full use of available class meeting times.

Connecting students with resources. Our campus is actively expanding support systems to help students thrive, but faculty play a key role, too. Early engagement, clear expectations, practicing an ethic of care, and consistent encouragement can help bridge preparation gaps and set the tone for student success. Please consider:

• Including Academic Resource Center (ARC) resources and other support services in your course
• syllabi and/or Canvas pages, especially in first-year courses.
• Expanding office hours to offer more opportunities for student engagement. This can have a profound impact on students’ sense of belonging and academic success.

Of course, this is not just a faculty effort. Staff across the university – including those who advise, house, support, and serve our students – are also central to enrollment growth and student success. Whether you’re helping students navigate financial aid, managing classroom spaces, providing academic services like tutoring, peer mentoring, or supplemental instruction, coordinating orientation, or processing enrollments, your role is essential to helping our students persist and succeed.

We all know that growth takes effort, and I deeply appreciate your partnership.