Dear UO community,

As we begin a new year, I am grateful for each of you and for your deep commitment to our students and to the educational and research work of the University. I hope the interval between terms provided you with time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with loved ones.

Over the break I had an opportunity to reflect on my first fall term as provost, on the warm welcome you provided me and my family, on your openness to our conversations about intentional practice and values-enacted leadership, and on our shared commitment to creating a culture of trust in which each member of our community can do their most meaningful work. Engaging with many of you this term has helped me better understand the people who make this university the special community it is.

As we begin a new term, I am confident that we will come to an agreement with United Academics. Our faculty is the beating heart of the university, and I am grateful for the dedication and talent you bring to your work every day. Both the UO and the UA bargaining teams have my complete confidence as they work through the collective bargaining process to identify shared interests, discuss differences, and chart a course to agreement. 

Looking ahead, let us continue to pay attention to what we practice. The ambitious goals we have set in the Oregon Rising strategic plan to enhance pathways to timely graduation, become a leader in career readiness, create a flourishing community, and accelerate scientific impact cannot be accomplished if they are not woven into the fabric of our university culture. Institutions, like people, have habits, and good habits align with purpose and are cultivated intentionally through mindful practice.

One of the highlights for me this fall was the charge meeting we held for the Hispanic-serving Institution (HSI) Advisory Implementation Workgroup led by its chair, Professor Chris Chavez. As we committed to working toward creating a community in which all our Latinx students, staff, and faculty truly thrive, we set our intentions to enact the values of collaboration, trust, accountability, good faith, and care in our work together. I am grateful to everyone who has moved this effort forward over the years, and I look forward to working with you all as we continue these efforts.

In closing, let me wish everyone a successful winter term and encourage you to take time to experience the beauty of our campus, walk among the trees or along the river, and connect with one another. And if you see me on campus doing the same, please don’t hesitate to stop and say hello.

Sincerely, 

Christopher P. Long 
Provost and Senior Vice President