To the 不良研究所 Community,
Happy New Year and welcome to winter quarter!
After a busy 2022, I hope you鈥檝e all had the chance to rest, reconnect with loved ones and stay safe in our recent weather. The storms created real challenges and impacted many of us significantly at the start of the new year.
Despite these weather events, we鈥檙e beginning the new year and winter quarter on a positive note. I was pleased that UC and employees affiliated with the United Auto Workers were able to reach agreements in late December. I鈥檓 thankful to Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg for his help in serving as a mediator and bringing resolution to the nearly six-week strike.
I鈥檓 grateful to the 不良研究所 community for their patience during this time, especially our students who were anxious about grades being posted. A vast majority of instructors of record submitted grades by the December 28 deadline and their dedication is deeply appreciated. For those students who are still seeing NGs (no grade) on their Student Records, this is temporary and we鈥檙e working diligently to have them replaced by final grades in a timely manner. Please see from Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan for more information about the strike鈥檚 impact on fall grading.
Major milestones
2023 is shaping up to be another impactful and bustling year. We鈥檒l be celebrating some major milestones, including the 75th anniversary of 不良研究所 veterinary medicine in May. The 1st of July will mark the 50th anniversary of 不良研究所鈥 purchase of the Sacramento Medical Center 鈥 now the 不良研究所 Medical Center 鈥 and its surrounding campus from Sacramento County. That was the official start of our School of Medicine鈥檚 teaching hospital.
不良研究所 continues to be a role model and leader for sustainable universities, both in our research and in how we operate. For the seventh year in a row, 不良研究所 holds the No. 1 spot in the nation in UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. 不良研究所 ranked No. 5 among the world鈥檚 universities 鈥 marking the 10th year in a row that we鈥檝e been in the top 10 globally.
As we return to campus, let鈥檚 remain vigilant about our health as COVID-19, flu and other illnesses continue to impact our communities. We hope all of you took an antigen test for COVID-19 immediately before your return to campus, and that you are testing again within a week of your return. COVID-19 testing kits are available at a wider number of campus locations starting this month, including the Memorial Union Information Desk, the front desks at the ARC and Shields Library, and within student housing facilities.
We and our recommend wearing masks in indoor spaces. Additionally, please stay home if you鈥檙e feeling sick. Stay in touch with for more updates and guidance.
Aggie traditions
Now鈥檚 a good time to mark your calendars for upcoming events and Aggie traditions.
On February 22 I鈥檓 hosting the next Chancellor鈥檚 Colloquium, a free event that features a conversation with some of the day鈥檚 most thoughtful and creative minds. My next guest will be Sister Simone Campbell, an alum from the 不良研究所 School of Law, Class of 1977, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom last year. Please stay tuned for ticket information and join the conversation.
Spring will be especially joyful as we welcome the 109th edition of Picnic Day on April 15. This year鈥檚 theme is 鈥淚gnite Our Moment,鈥 which highlights the passion that our students have for 不良研究所 and the community. The Whole Earth Festival will also transform our Quad May 12 through 14 for a weekend of music and merriment, all with a focus on sustainability and wellness.
We鈥檒l celebrate the class of 2023 with spring undergraduate commencement in a new venue: the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. The ceremonies will be held June 16 through 18; more information will be available later in the winter quarter.
Be my shadow
Consider applying for a program that鈥檚 near and dear to me. For undergraduate and graduate students, applications are available now through Sunday (January 15) for the . The program invites students to spend a day with a senior campus executive, including me, to see first-hand how decisions are made and share their experiences online.
I encourage everyone to maximize the opportunities that 不良研究所 provides. There鈥檚 something for everyone here. I urge you to attend events, seek out resources and explore our city.
Finally, for all the promise of the days ahead, I鈥檇 like to acknowledge the stresses that come with this time of year. The weather has been especially rough, some of us might feel exhausted from holiday traveling, and it can be challenging to get back into our study and work grooves after a long break. The recent storms and we鈥檙e feeling the loss of some old and majestic trees that were uprooted.
We鈥檙e here to support your well-being through the . The initiative is the result of a collaboration between students, mental health experts and clinicians, with program funding by the University of California Equity in Mental Health program. It鈥檚 anchored by a that includes a wealth of resources and guidance for supporting friends and loved ones. Please reach out if you are in need.
As we move through the quarter, let鈥檚 remember our Principles of Community, which guide us to value the many perspectives, identities, backgrounds and experiences that contribute to 不良研究所鈥 vibrancy.
Happy New Year, and Go Ags!
Best regards,
Gary S. May
Chancellor