Good afternoon colleagues and thank you, Alison and Senator Bella Esbeck, for your remarks and updates. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to address the University Senate during Week 8 of what has been a turbulent term. We have all been navigating challenging actions at the federal level, faculty and student bargaining, and on Monday one of our students was severely injured by a falling tree during the windstorm that moved through campus late in the morning. Our hearts are with this student and her parents during this difficult time. 

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We gather in a period of uncertainty, frustration, and pain, yet, in times such as these, my personal practice is to do everything I can to pause and reflect so I can be present to the moment and act with intentionality. 

Let me begin by acknowledging that last week, United Academics declared an impasse after more than a year of collective bargaining. Today, Mark Schmelz and I sent out a letter outlining the University’s offer and some of the data that informs it. As the university’s chief academic officer, I recognize that our faculty is the beating heart of the university, and I am deeply grateful for the dedication and talent you bring to your work every day. Your work is vital, and it needs to be rewarded. I also understand the budget realities of the University of Oregon -- indeed, we have been having difficult conversations this winter with our deans on the Provost Council as we work to ensure the long-term financial health and viability of our university. I remain hopeful that we can reach agreement since mediation continues even after an impasse has been declared. 

Earlier in the term, I joined one of the mediated bargaining sessions. I heard there the concerns and demands of the United Academics bargaining team. I know colleagues on both sides of the bargaining table recognize that finding a way to resolve our differences is in the urgent and shared best interest of our university community. 

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We are undertaking this difficult work of bargaining during a period of uncertainty caused by the actions and stances of the federal administration which are replete with real risks for our institution and to higher education as an endeavor.

The unrelenting noise coming from Washington captures too much of our attention, and through it, our precious energy. That is why I am working hard personally to set boundaries and maintain focus on what is most important, to sift through the noise that is coming from the federal government, while still tracking and responding to the concrete changes that may be on the horizon.  

President Scholz and I, along with colleagues across the University of Oregon, have been regularly engaged with our extensive network of connections through the AAU, Big Ten Academic Alliance, APLU, and our Oregon delegation to Congress. We are working to gather as much information as we can about the implications of every development, as we deepen these critical relationships. I was on a call last week with the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission about the “Dear Colleagues” letter from the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. 

It is important to remember that, while alarming, that letter is not much more than a statement of intent at this stage; it does not hold the same power as legislation, a court ruling, or even executive regulations.  

Our efforts throughout this term have been animated by a desire to respond deliberately and with intention to what is unfolding rather than to react reflexively in the wake of actions clearly designed to be unsettling and distressing. We are clear-eyed about the challenges and risks we face. As you all know, federal funding for future research is not something that can be switched on and off arbitrarily, with no disruption or repercussions. It would represent a true crisis for higher education and academic freedom.  

We have taken actions to support those in our community who are feeling isolated in this climate, through our Student Health Center, the Division of Global Engagement’s Immigration Information and Support Session, and existing communities of practices and strategies groups.  

I applaud the Senate for organizing the Teach-In on Oregon Sanctuary Laws next month, to help provide our community with nuance and guidance on this complex issue. I am grateful for the Senate’s partnership as we continue to navigate these difficult times. This moment of shared anxiety can help us to bring our community together to advance the broader mission of the university as a public good.  

Thank you and I am happy to take your questions.