2011-12

MERCED, Calif. — Chancellor Dorothy Leland of the University of California, Merced, has issued the following statement on the retirement announcement by Congressman Dennis Cardoza:

"Congressman Dennis Cardoza has been a strong and valued supporter of the University of California, Merced, since the earliest days of his career in public service, dating back to his tenures on the Atwater and Merced city councils and in the California Assembly.

Chancellor Dorothy Leland of the University of California, Merced, has issued the following statement on recent protest incidents at other UC campuses:

"Free speech and nonviolent protest have an honored place in American society and on college and university campuses. In light of recent incidents on several sister University of California campuses, I met last week with senior leadership to review our protocol for managing protests on campus and to plan for a campus teach-in related to the concerns of the Occupy movement.

Chancellor Dorothy Leland of the University of California, Merced, has issued the following statement on protests held on campus today:

"Today marked a milestone of sorts for UC Merced, when one of our first significant peaceful assemblies was held. The university community gathered together — in solidarity with sister campuses throughout the UC system — to express its frustration with the state's continued disinvestment of public higher education.

Dear Campus Community,

It is a distinct pleasure to be back on campus and officially begin serving as your new chancellor. I've been eagerly anticipating this moment since my introductory visit here in May, shortly after the UC Board of Regents confirmed my appointment. I met so many great people during my brief stay and gained so much respect for what you’ve accomplished that I could hardly wait to get back here to join the team.

Dear Faculty Members:

Welcome to the 2011-12 academic year. I am excited to be back in my home state and serving at the helm of this fine institution. I'd like to extend a special welcome to new faculty who are joining the university. This year promises to be filled with opportunities as well as challenges, and I'm eager to help our campus progress to its next level of development.

Dear Staff Members:

Welcome to the 2011-12 academic year. I am excited to be back in my home state and serving at the helm of this fine institution. I'd like to extend a special welcome to new staff and faculty who are joining the university. This year promises to be filled with opportunities as well as challenges, and I'm eager to help our campus progress to its next level of development.

Dear Campus Community Members,

As the 10^th anniversary of the September 11 tragedy approaches, I hope you will join me in taking time to reflect on both the lives lost on that fateful day and where we stand as a global community a decade later.

In a university setting where the free exchange of ideas is not only accepted but also vigorously encouraged, we are in a unique position to explore ways to bridge cultural, religious and political differences, and build bonds of friendship and respect that triumph over fear and hatred.

Dear Faculty and Staff,

I have been off campus more often than not recently, tending to university business in the Bay Area, meeting with our Foundation Executive Board and the UC Board of Regents, and then meeting this week with various members of our federal delegation in Washington, D.C. But even as I conduct work away from campus, I want to provide you with updates on some important campus news and developments.

Dear Colleagues:

Signs of autumn—shorter days, cooler temperatures—are gradually more visible, and our faculty and students have successfully pushed through mid-term assignments and exams. In my fourth month on the job, I continue meeting with individuals to learn about their areas of focus, and I remain impressed by all that has been accomplished in the campus' short history. And yet, as you know, there’s still much more to be done to move UC Merced from a start-up entity to a mature research university.

Dear Campus Community,

UC Merced brings people from diverse walks of life together to learn and engage in the processes of discovery that will help us build a better world. Some UC Merced community members are veterans, and even more of us have veterans as relatives and friends. On November 11, thanks to the federal holiday known as Veterans' Day, we as a campus and a nation have an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices that veterans have made, the causes and possible solutions to war, and the ideals that we believe must be defended, often at great cost.