October 2006

Welcome to a new academic year at UC San Diego.  It’s nice to see all of the bright faces and feel the energy that everyone brings to the campus.  This year, we have a total of 26,970 students enrolled for fall quarter, including 4,550 new freshmen and 1,500 transfer students.

Welcome Convocation
I was so happy to see nearly 1,000 students, faculty and administrators at our first Convocation on September 17 at the Sun God Lawn.  Our goal was to officially welcome freshmen and returning students to campus and to share the theme that defines the UC San Diego community - “Uncommon Scholars, Global Citizens.”  Our students are unique.  Their interests cross disciplinary lines; they’re engaged, community-oriented, curious, adventurous and natural leaders.  They think, learn and act with passion.  They make a difference and transform lives, whether they’re volunteering, studying abroad, teaching their peers to surf, working on research projects, collaborating on a team project or making new discoveries that could change the world.  All of our students are forever a part of the UC San Diego community dedicated to innovation and exploration. 

California Native American Day
Another first will occur on our campus this fall.  We’ll hold our inaugural California Native American Day celebration on September 28 and 29.  Thanks to the passage of a bill by the California State Legislature, the fourth Friday of September is now an official holiday celebrated by our schools – from elementary to university.  We’re holding a two-day celebration in order to accommodate all of our students, with their varying schedules, who would like to participate.  For years, the California tribes have celebrated the fourth Friday of September as a day to renew their ties to the Earth and to keep alive the ways of their ancestors.  If you’d like more information about campus events planned for California Native American Day, visit www.diversity.ucsd.edu.

Chancellor's Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars
I’m looking forward to the 11th annual Chancellor’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars on Friday, October 20.  This is a fun event that raises money to fund much-needed scholarships.  Over 10 years, the 5K has generated $1.5 million to support more than 600 UCSD undergraduate students.  I encourage everyone to participate - students, faculty, staff, alumni and our friends in the community.  We had more than 1,500 participants last year, and if we can beat last year’s number of walkers and runners, I’ll personally donate $5,000 for scholarships.  For more information about this year’s event, visit http://www-chancellor.ucsd.edu/5k/

UCSD Rocks!
UC San Diego will hold an Open House on Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Everyone is invited to campus to learn more about our great university.  This event is for current and prospective students, community members, faculty, staff and anyone wishing to be a part of the UC San Diego family.  This year’s theme is UCSD Rocks!  Activities will range from a Kids Zone and job fair to faculty demonstrations and health care information.  We’ll offer tours of the campus for prospective students and their families.  For more information on Open House, visit www.openhouse.ucsd.edu

Online Chat with Students
One of my favorite things about being the Chancellor of UC San Diego is interacting with students on campus, in the classroom and at various events.  Every quarter, I also hold a live, online chat session with students.  The next one will be held on Tuesday, September 26, at 5 p.m.  I invite all students to log on to www.chancellorschat.ucsd.edu to ask questions and tell me what’s on your mind.

Biomedical Research Library Dedication
The Biomedical Research Library is back in business.  The newly renovated and expanded building was dedicated on September 14.  It features soaring ceilings, natural light, spectacular views, and beautiful, modern art.  It also has much more user space including wired seating areas; a grand reading room; large and small study areas; a presentation room; and a 24-hour study facility for School of Medicine and Biology graduate students.  The original library was constructed in 1969, in the era of card catalogs, and was designed to accommodate 950 patrons.  This new library will serve more than 10,000 students, faculty, staff, physicians and community members.  The library provides a single site to house current and future biomedical collections, and it is the only Biomedical Research library in San Diego and Imperial Counties. 

Once again, I want to say how wonderful it is to have our returning students, staff and faculty back on campus.  And, to our newcomers, welcome to UC San Diego.

                                                                        With warm regards,

                                                                        Marye Anne Fox
                                                                        Chancellor