Chancellor Block provides an update on accomplishments of the Bruin community, the impact of the budget crisis and a new long-range strategic plan. I am writing to share news of some remarkable accomplishments by our Bruin community over the past year, to brief you on the impact of the budget crisis on UCLA, and to…
Chancellor Block provides an update on the financial situation facing the University of California. I know that all of you have been following the increasingly complex and worsening financial situation facing California and its impact on present and future funding for the University of California. The purpose of this letter is to lay out the…
Chancellor Block shares three possible plans under consideration for reducing the pay of all UC employees. During town hall meetings with staff and faculty, and in several recent campuswide communications, Executive Vice Chancellor Scott Waugh, Vice Chancellor Steve Olsen and I have discussed with you the need for the University of California and UCLA to…
Chancellor Block announces new gateway for civic engagement. When I was inaugurated as chancellor, I pledged that UCLA would build upon its commitment to public service. Civic engagement and community involvement are core values of our institution, and at a time when volunteer participation is viewed increasingly as a national priority, it is critical for…
Chancellor Block provides a budget update to students and their families. I realize that your summer is starting at a time of great uncertainty about the California state budget and its impact on UCLA. I’m sure you have heard about possible proposals to eliminate Cal Grants and academic preparation programs, among others. Although the governor…
Chancellor Block expresses concern over the two scenarios presented for the 2009-10 state budget. Last Thursday, Governor Schwarzenegger released two scenarios for the 2009-10 state budget. University of California President Mark Yudof has said that the scenarios outlined by the governor “would have serious consequences for the level and quality of service provided by the…
Chancellor Block shares resources for taking precautions against swine flu. As you may know, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified cases of swine flu in humans, and the federal government has declared a national public health emergency. While the situation is evolving quickly, at least 40 cases have been confirmed in…
Chancellor Block announces new scholarship program. As you know, civic engagement is one of UCLA’s high priorities. So I am pleased to announce an innovative new program that provides scholarships for undergraduate students who participate in civic engagement research with a community partner and a faculty mentor. With funding from the UCLA Foundation, we have…
Chancellor Block reiterates UCLA’s commitment to laboratory safety. The recent death of a research assistant from burns sustained in a chemical fire serves as a tragic reminder of the critical importance of campus laboratory safety protocols, procedures and training. As we mourn the death of Sheharbano (Sheri) Sangji, we all must redouble our efforts to…
Chancellor Block reaffirms UCLA’s commitment to academic freedom and individual expression. UCLA is a public institution with core values of academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas on its campus. These principles have always been the pillars of university life, though adhering to them has not been without occasional controversy. Such was the case…