Welcome to a new academic year at UAA

by kbolmstead  |   

Dear UAA Community,

Welcome to the start of the new academic year. This week, as students, faculty and staff return to campus, I want to assure you UAA is an institution that celebrates its diverse community of thinkers, teachers and learners.

Recently our nation has seen hate-filled violence erupt in our cities and on our college campuses, most notably in Charlottesville. Racism, bigotry, discrimination and violence are antithetical to UAA's core values and we reject them as repugnant to the very concept of a university. We also reject the behavior displayed and ideas espoused by neo-Nazis and white supremacists. Oppression will not be tolerated at our university. UAA must remain a safe and welcoming campus for everyone. For that to occur, we all must commit to the principles of justice, tolerance, equity and diversity of all kinds. I hope you will join me in continuing to build our inclusive community where these principles are modeled in our actions as well as in our words.

UAA is a vibrant, strong university. This academic year we will continue to move forward initiatives of our institution: Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan; UAA 2020; Strategic Pathways; efforts to increase our enrollment, retention and completion rates; and the reaffirmation of accreditation.

To all new and returning students, the faculty and staff at UAA are here to help you succeed. As we begin a new semester, we are reminded that UAA's mission is to serve students and to serve you well. It is the duty and privilege of the faculty and staff here to help you progress as students. We wish you all the best as you study, learn and grow into citizens and leaders. Please enjoy your first week back in the classrooms and labs at UAA and enjoy the many co-curricular and extracurricular programs offered.

UAA faces challenges and as always, we embrace opportunities. The Cabinet and I commit to support all you do to best position UAA for its future. I ask each of you to continue working hard as you have, lead where you can, and help us get there together.

Sincerely, Samuel B. Gingerich Interim Chancellor

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