Thank you for hard work on first day of classes

9.30.09

Dear UC Davis Faculty, Staff and Students:

We write to thank all members of the UC Davis community who worked hard to ensure minimal disruption to our students' first day of classes last Thursday, and to express our appreciation to all of you who held firmly to our Principles of Community during challenging times. Those principles affirm the right of freedom of expression but within an environment of civility toward all.

The University of California does indeed need our collective help to address today's major budget cuts, which come as a consequence of the state's decades-long disinvestment in higher education.

We should not and cannot allow these difficult financial times to divide us; indeed, we must stay united in our efforts to stabilize our budget. Together, we can make a more convincing case to our legislators, the governor and to the people of California that cuts to the University of California place at risk the future of our children, our university and our state.

Academic Senate Chair Bob Powell said it well at last week's Fall Convocation: we can shape a more positive future for UC Davis by emphasizing four essential qualities -- civility, community, collaboration and creativity. Those qualities have long been associated with UC Davis and, if they continue to be embraced, will enable us to solve today's problems while we preserve the quality of this wonderful state and national treasure, the University of California.

Again, thank you for being part of the UC Davis family.

Sincerely,

Linda P.B. Katehi
Chancellor, UC Davis

Enrique Lavernia
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, UC Davis