Navigating Challenges, Celebrating Progress, and Moving Forward Together
Dear Faculty and Staff,
This week, I attended the UC Board of Regents meeting where several significant matters were discussed. I want to begin by sharing some inspiring words from President Drake highlighting UC Merced’s achievements and the importance of our work. You can watch his comments in the short video below:
President Drake opened his remarks by acknowledging the successes and the challenges the system faces: "…we have both things to celebrate and difficult issues to consider during this week’s meeting. I will start with some good news. Last month, UC Merced earned R1 status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing us among the nation's top research universities.”
President Drake emphasized, "Earning this distinction affirms what we’ve all known: That UC Merced has a stellar research enterprise and exemplifies what the University of California is all about – cutting-edge research that benefits the local community, the state, and the nation. Achieving this level of research activity at a new university while simultaneously being recognized as one of the — if not THE leading institution — in the nation for social mobility is a first-of-its-kind achievement for our youngest campus. Congratulations to Chancellor Muñoz and the entire Merced team for this great accomplishment!"
As the week comes to a close, I felt it was important to share this to remind us all of the tremendous progress we have made together, as a campus and a community.
In the face of recent challenges—including federal directives impacting higher education, a potential state budget cut to the UC system, planned campus budget reductions, and this week’s announcement of a systemwide hiring freeze and changes to hiring practices regarding diversity statements—I want to acknowledge the concerns these bring to our community. More information on these recent announcements will be forthcoming.
These are not easy times, but I have every confidence that, as we always do, we will come together to navigate them with resilience, purpose, and holding true to our mission and values.
Even amid these uncertainties, we have much to celebrate. The UC Regents gave final approval to proceed with Classroom and Office Building 3 (COB3), marking a critical step in expanding our academic and student spaces. Our recent Carnegie R1 research designation affirms the incredible work of our faculty and staff in advancing discovery. Soon, we will break ground on Promise Housing, in partnership with Merced College, reinforcing our commitment to student access and success. And in just a few weeks, we will welcome thousands of prospective students and their families to Bobcat Day, showcasing all that makes UC Merced extraordinary.
While challenges lie ahead, our collective strength, innovation, and dedication will carry us forward. Together, we will emerge stronger, ensuring UC Merced continues to thrive.
Thank you for all that you do.
Fiat Lux,
Juan Sánchez Muñoz, Ph.D.
Chancellor
