Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
In the aftermath of a hectic spring quarter, I want to report on a few recent milestones and update you on two imminent decisions of importance to the UC Santa Cruz community.
We continue to wait for definitive word on next year's state and UC budgets. During a visit to Sacramento earlier this month, legislators assured me that they will fight to preserve additional funding for the University of California. It's not yet clear when we'll know for sure, but signs so far are encouraging.
Lawmakers were also aware of the impacts that budget cuts are having on students. Several expressed concern that students can't get the classes they need to graduate--a challenge UCSC's academic deans are tackling this summer. Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories. I believe UC advocates are making a difference.
Also, a note about the Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor search: Although I expect to finalize the selection shortly, UC policy requires formal approval by the UC Regents for appointments at this level. It is possible that the Regents will be unable to consider this matter before their September meeting, which could postpone our public announcement until then. I will keep you informed on this, and other matters, throughout the summer.
In early June, I was invited to give a keynote address and was hosted by a gathering of international leaders of higher education in London. You can view my remarks about the state of higher education in California online. My trip was brief, because I wanted to return in time for commencement. I hope you'll take a minute to check out this slideshow and a new video compilation of highlights of the 20 Grads/20 Days interviews produced by our communications office. Student Achievement Week also highlighted the accomplishments of many of our students, some of whom you can read about online.
A couple other highlights of Spring Quarter for me included attending performances of HAIR and the UCSC Opera Theater's production of The Elixir of Love--though I apologize to any of you who were subjected to my dancing during the curtain call of HAIR. Suffice it to say that will not be remembered as my finest moment! Now, I'm looking forward to Shakespeare Santa Cruz. I hope to see you in the Glen or in the Mainstage Theater this summer.
