Update and spring break greetings

 Dear students, faculty, and staff,

While many of us will still have items on our to-do list, I understand that next week, the campus will be quieter with spring break. I hope you can find some time to relax and recharge for the final push through the academic year.

I am aware of the mix of uncertainty and stress that many members of our campus community feel given the recent federal communications and executive orders. I want to echo what University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham said in her message earlier this week. While there are many unanswered questions, we will hold true to our mission and values to fuel discovery and provide valuable learning opportunities today and into the future.

The federal landscape continues to evolve and we are closely monitoring activity to understand impacts and be prepared with scenario planning. I recognize the challenges that come with this uncertainty and that there is a desire to know what the effects of those decisions may look like on our campus. Our intention is to approach any updates methodically while staying true to the university’s mission of research and discovery, teaching and learning, and outreach and public service.

You may not hear from university leadership weekly. As mentioned above, there are teams monitoring information continuously. For the latest information and continued updates, please visit our Rapid Response website. This website covers a range of issues, including diversity, equity and inclusion, research funding, immigration, and activity within the Department of Education.

Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this together. I want you to know that the work we do matters, in the region, state, nation, and world. You matter. And together, we will continue to make a difference.

Sincerely,

Charles Nies Chancellor

System strategic planning 3/31, campus conversation 4/7, awards and recognition 4/17

 

Dear Colleagues, I wanted to share a few dates with you and hope that you are able to join us. Please mark your calendars. System Strategic Planning - Maroon, Gold, and Bold listening session - March 31 President Cunningham is working to set the stage for a bold future at the University of Minnesota—one that pushes boundaries and redefines what is possible. Your participation will help ensure our systemwide strategic plan reflects the many voices that make up our University community. Please let us know if you can join us on Monday, March 31 from 10-11:30 am in the Kirby Student Center Ballroom to share your thoughts, ideas, and perspectives on your vision for the University’s bold future as part of the Maroon, Gold and Bold strategic planning process by submitting your RSVP and adding to your calendar. During the session/meeting we will discuss several key questions: From your vantage point, what will distinguish the University of Minnesota System as a leader in higher education in 2035? How has the University of Minnesota System (as distinct from each campus) impacted you? What do you see as the University of Minnesota System’s biggest strengths? What can the University of Minnesota System do better? In what fields of research do you imagine we could most make an impact? How should we aspire to serve our nation, world, and/or state differently across the next decade? What do you think the University of Minnesota System should do to improve and excel in its educational offerings and opportunities? What barriers prevent the University of Minnesota System from accomplishing its full potential? What changes in the world should the University of Minnesota System meaningfully influence? I encourage you to visit president.umn.edu/maroon-gold-and-bold to learn more about the University’s strategic planning process. Campus Conversation - April 7 Members of the Senior Leadership Team and I will host a campus conversation on April 7 at 9:00 am in the Kirby Ballroom. This will serve as a follow-up to our fall conversation around values and provide other updates as we make our way through the academic year. Faculty, Staff and Years of Service Awards - April 17 Please join us for the faculty, staff and years of service awards on April 17 at 3:00 pm in the Kirby Ballroom. I’m looking forward to engaging, inspiring and productive discussions. Best,

Charles Nies Chancellor