Dear Students,
Welcome to the 2017-18 academic year! It has been a busy start, with 2,200 new students joining the Bobcat family. Our student body is diverse in beliefs, values, and identities but bonded through curiosity, diligence, and a desire to make a difference during their time here and beyond. There is a special Bobcat spirit at UC Merced, rooted in care for others and community, and I thank each of you for your contributions to UC Merced and the town and region in which we are located.
This year, the University of California is celebrating its first-generation students —and that includes over 70% of you! As a first-generation student myself, I know how important your success is to your families, and the extra pressures this can create for you. What worked for me was to make ample use of student support services—from academic advising, tutoring and counseling services to clubs and groups that provided me with a network of friends and support.
Students—particularly new students—often ask me, “What’s a chancellor?”—and “what do you do?” While the title “chancellor” has different meanings in different countries, here in the United States at an institution of higher learning, a “chancellor” is a leader of a college or university, the executive and ceremonial head of the university campus. Some would compare me to the CEO of a large and complex organization, responsible for managing billion dollar budgets, thousands of employees and cultivating individual, foundational, and corporate donor support.
My role takes me off campus for a good portion of my time but students are never far from my work and mind. When I meet with donors, it is because I hope to bring new dollars to the campus for student financial support and support for academic and student success programs. When I meet with politicians, it is because I want them to understand the incredible story of UC Merced and to support legislation that benefits our students and faculty. When I meet with business and non-profit leaders, it is because I am seeking internship opportunities for students and research and development opportunities for students and faculty alike. When I serve on boards such as the Climate Action Network, it is because of the networks I can leverage to help our campus commitment to consume zero net energy, and produce zero waste and zero net greenhouse gas emissions.
When I am on campus, meeting with students is the highlight of my day. I hold monthly office hours with students, visit with various student groups, and sometimes just hang in different locations on campus. If you ever have any questions and want to stay connected, you can tweet and follow me on twitter at @UCMerced .
Your success is important to our faculty and staff, as well as the campus administration. On behalf of all of them, it is my honor to officially welcome you at the beginning of the academic year. The year will be challenging, but will also lead to growth and success. We are here to offer support and guidance along the way and to also celebrate your ultimate achievement on the commencement stage.
Wishing you a great year! Go Bobcats!
Sincerely,
Dorothy Leland
Chancellor
