Welcome back to campus

 

Dear colleagues, Welcome to the new academic year! New student move-in starts on Wednesday and Thursday and classes begin Monday. We are off to what feels like a quick start. You can find the Welcome Week schedule online. I’d encourage you to join as you’re able, including the Bulldog Welcome Week Kickoff! in Romano Gym on Thursday at 4 p.m. We’ll be cheering students on as they enter at 3:45, replicating the same way we celebrate them as they graduate and creating a wonderful full circle connection. It would be great to have you there to welcome our new Bulldogs. Whatever way you’re able to participate in welcoming our community back to campus this week, thank you for being a part of it. Many of you joined us at the faculty and staff welcome event yesterday for a chance to connect and make generous contributions to Champ’s Cupboard. At the event, I shared reflections on the incredible energy and momentum at UMD. I'm filled with optimism about where we're headed as a community. UMD has a powerful story to tell. My first year was about listening, learning, and understanding that story—so I can share it widely and proudly. Yesterday, I shared just a few recent stories that I’ve heard or been witness to, from joining our faculty and student scholars on Lake Superior to see some of the work that exemplifies why UMD has earned its Carnegie Research University classification, to witnessing our students present on impactful research and perform in the arts, to community events like Concerts on the Pier at Glensheen. Our campus is thriving – U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Duluth among the top 15 college towns in the Midwest. Duluth is the only city in Minnesota to receive this distinction. Our campus received national recognition as an opportunity university, highlighting both access to UMD and strong post-graduate earnings. We’ve expanded our research profile with increased support for faculty and students to engage in groundbreaking discovery, and earned national recognition as a community-engaged university because of our sustained commitment to and deep partnerships throughout Duluth and the surrounding region. This recognition speaks to the vibrant community we've built together. UMD’s distinctive strengths—our research, our student experience, and our deep ties to the northland and region—are central to the University of Minnesota’s collective future. As I think about the beginning of this academic year, I recognize that ​​we have much to celebrate, from our academic excellence to community engagement and student successes. Much of that can be distilled to the real connections that we can make here at UMD. We’re the right-sized institution—big enough to offer a rich collegiate experience, to foster abundant curiosity and discovery, yet small enough for students to build meaningful relationships with faculty and fellow students. Students consistently share how those connections open doors and shape their futures. I’d encourage each of you to find those opportunities where you can connect with students within and beyond the classroom. While final enrollment statistics will not be available until later in the semester, early indicators suggest positive momentum, with growth in both undergraduate and graduate enrollment. I look forward to sharing those figures with you soon. Every interaction, moment, and adventure our student scholars have while attending UMD is a step toward their future and a learning opportunity. Those experiences provide the groundwork for a lifetime of achievements, while also offering something that is unique to this institution, community, state, and region.  Thank you for being a part of this amazing place, for supporting our student scholars as they pursue their goals, and for making UMD what it is. Have a great start to the year.

Sincerely,

Charles Nies Chancellor

Vice Chancellor for Advancement search

 

Dear colleagues, I am excited to share that we have launched the search for the vice chancellor of advancement (VCA). This important UMD leadership position serves as the lead development officer for the university and provides visionary leadership to advance our mission. The VCA is responsible for the coordination of campus fundraising efforts, annual giving campaigns, donor stewardship, and alumni relations. This leadership role will focus on strong partnerships across the university and will work closely with the University of Minnesota Foundation.  Director of Athletics Forrest Karr, has agreed to serve as chair of the search advisory committee. Other committee members include: Donna Goeden (director, scholarship and financial aid), Tracy Ketchem (associate vice president, UMN Foundation), Wendy Reed (dean, Swenson College of Science and Engineering), Burke Scarbrough (chair, teaching communication arts & literature/faculty senate rep), and Steve Wick (grant administrator, sponsored projects/staff assembly rep). Jean Neibauer will provide support for the search and is available if you have any questions. We will be working with Greenwood Asher & Associates to provide executive search firm support for our process.  Please share this posting with leaders who may be interested and will help us advance the great work at UMD. Our goal is to have candidates on campus in September with the hope that our new colleague will join shortly thereafter. Sincerely,

Charles Nies Chancellor

You’re invited | Inauguration of Chancellor Charles Nies

Dear Colleagues: You are cordially invited to join us as we celebrate the inauguration of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s 10th Chancellor Charles T. Nies, PhD, on Friday, September 5, 2025. The ceremony will take place from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Marshall Performing Arts Center on the UMD campus. Following the inauguration ceremony, you are invited to stop by the community celebration in Ordean Court from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m., which will feature live entertainment, interactive stations, light refreshments, and photo opportunities.

Register for all events

Seating at the ceremony is limited. Register for tickets as soon as possible but no later than August 25. To request disability accommodations, please email chan@d.umn.edu or call 218-726-7106. Thank you for sharing in this historic moment for the University of Minnesota Duluth. For updates on inaugural events, including live stream information, visit the inauguration website.

Chancellor's Welcome Breakfast - August 18, 2025

 

Dear colleagues, I invite you to join me the morning of Monday, August 18, as we kick off the 2025-2026 academic year. As we did last year, I'll have a short welcome message and we will use the rest of the time to mingle and connect with each other. Here are the details: Monday, August 18, 2025 10:00 - 11:00 am Kirby Student Lounge Breakfast foods will be available As has been done in the past, we will be collecting nonperishable food and other items for Champ's Cupboard, the UMD Food Shelf located in 245 Kirby Plaza. Cash donations are also accepted. Unused/unopened/unexpired items specifically needed are: Pasta (gluten-free pasta as well) Pasta sauces Condiments (sauces, peanut butter, jelly, mustard, ketchup, ranch dressing, vegetable oil, etc.) Cereals Canned tuna and chicken Baking items (sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking mixes, etc.) Rice Toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, detergent

I look forward to seeing you! Best,

Charles Nies Chancellor Note: if you have disability-related accommodations or dietary requests, please contact Carlee Williams at cwillia1@d.umn.edu or 218-726-6202 at least two weeks prior to the event.

UMD budget update (6/26/25)

 

Dear Colleagues, Over the last couple of weeks you have received communications from University of Minnesota leadership about our budget for the upcoming fiscal year. These messages and the approved budget represent a new strategy to navigate the financial challenges facing the university. This balanced budget addresses the constrained state funding, cuts to federal investments, and rising inflation. The budget includes solutions to meet the challenges of our current financial reality and to ensure the long-term well-being of UMD.   UMD FY26 Budget Under the approved University of Minnesota budget, UMD’s budget for FY26 is $301.1 million for all non-sponsored programs and operations, which is 4% higher than FY25. Net tuition revenue and state-appropriated operations and maintenance (O&M) funding represent about 58% of non-sponsored resources. Those critical resources remain relatively flat.  Navigating the profound challenges facing higher education will require difficult choices as well as investment in the people and programs that enable UMD to fulfill its mission. In particular, the U of M budget calls for a 7% reduction in O&M expenses over FY26 and FY27. That budget also invests in our outstanding faculty and staff, student success priorities, buildings and infrastructure, and research. Scope reductions will be uncomfortable and will affect every campus, college, and unit across the University. These changes will enable us to focus our resources on the programs and investments that are most essential to our identity and most impactful for those we serve. In partnership with UMD leaders, I will continue over the next several months to fine-tune our strategy and reduce our budget to meet the challenges of our current times.  Fall 2025 Tuition UMD’s resident and Midwest tuition rates will increase by 4% beginning fall 2025. With the increase, resident tuition will be nearly 12% lower than it was in 2014 after adjusting for inflation. That tuition adjustment helps sustain the experiential learning and research experiences that prepare our students for successful careers and lives. The value of a UMD education remains strong, and I am pleased that we were able to keep our change in tuition lower than the increases experienced at many other universities. We remain firmly committed to accessibility and affordability through the University, state, and federal financial aid programs. Additionally, University and donor-supported scholarships continue to make education accessible and affordable, so that our students graduate with an average loan debt far below the national average. Financial Path Forward I am grateful to the deans, research directors, and all unit leaders for their creativity and engagement in the UMD budget call process earlier this spring. We also appreciate the insights and guidance of shared governance leaders, department heads, the academic revisioning committee, and many others in campus conversations throughout this last year. There is no shortage of passion for this campus and for our students.   I ask for your continued participation and support as we navigate these financial challenges together. Working in partnership, I am confident that we will remain a strong institution for many years to come.  Thank you,

Charles Nies Chancellor

Announcing our new executive vice chancellor and provost (June 6, 2025)

 

Dear UMD community, I am excited to announce Rebecca Ropers as our new executive vice chancellor and provost. She has been serving in the interim role since July 1, 2024, and I am grateful for her leadership this past year and excited about the future. Dr. Ropers has been a scholar and educational leader for nearly three decades, first at Louisiana State University and for the last 18 years at the University of Minnesota. Beginning with her PhD at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she has prioritized faculty development and organizational change to facilitate inclusive and engaged communities. She has held many leadership roles, including department chair, chair of the faculty governance executive body, and vice provost for faculty and academic affairs. Before joining UMD, she served as the senior advisor for academic leadership and conflict resolution on the Twin Cities campus. As EVC/Provost, Dr. Ropers serves as the chief academic officer for the campus and senior advisor to the chancellor. Provost Ropers will provide visionary leadership for academic programs and processes while collaboratively fostering a culture of connection, excellence, and innovation. Dr. Ropers has proven to be a thoughtful leader with tremendous dedication to our UMD community. I’m thrilled that she will continue to share her talents, insights, and curiosity with us into the future. Please join me in congratulating Rebecca on this important appointment, which will officially begin soon, upon approval by the Board of Regents. I also want to express my gratitude to the search advisory committee for their work in this process. The search was chaired by Matt Massman. Other committee members included Kim Dauner, Abel Knochel, Ryan Goei, Catherine O’Reilly, Brianne Vigen, and Aidan Zeissler. The search was supported by Jean Neibauer. Sincerely,

Charles Nies Chancellor

Envisioning UMD’s Mission and Values

 

Dear Colleagues, We write to follow up on the experience of nearly 200 faculty and staff who shared their views during our May 12th forum on Our Mission, Our Values, Our Community. Our time together was filled with honest reflection, powerful storytelling, and thoughtful connection. We are grateful for the insights, deep engagement, and generosity of spirit of those who attended. We’re excited to share two pieces that capture the heart of what emerged at the May gathering: The summary report by Jen Mein describes what we heard throughout our time together, including key themes, quotes, and collective hopes for UMD’s future. The graphic recording by Viola Clark brings our conversations to life in visual form in a way that is full of truth, clarity, and inspiration. This forum was part of a larger effort to align our mission and expressed values with who we are and where we’re headed. What was shared will shape how we plan our future and live into our purpose with clarity and care. Whether or not you attended, please know that we are in the process of co-creating UMD's future. You will receive invitations to join our strategic planning efforts, which will begin in earnest in the fall. We’re grateful for your voice, your vision, and how you show up for our campus community. Please reach out if you have thoughts, questions, or reflections you’d like to share moving forward. With deep appreciation, Charles Nies, Chancellor Rebecca Ropers, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs