A message from UC President James B. Milliken

Dear UC colleagues:

Today I'm joining the hundreds of thousands of faculty, students and staff who make the University of California what it is - the premier public research university system in the world. I am honored by my association with all of you.

As we all know, we face very significant headwinds. While not unexpected, the suspension this week of a large number of research grants and contracts at UCLA was deeply troubling. The research at UCLA and across UC more broadly saves lives, improves national security, helps feed the world, and drives the innovation economy in California and the nation. It is central to who we are as a teaching and learning community. UC and campus leadership have been anticipating and preparing for the kind of federal action we saw this week, and that preparation helps support our decisions now.

This is a difficult moment for higher education generally, but I am convinced that its role - educating students for success in the 21st century, conducting life-saving and life-changing research, and treating millions of patients with the best care available - is more critical today than at any point in history. It is fundamentally important for California, America and the world that UC and other colleges and universities are able to continue their essential work.

I look forward to working with the entire UC community as we support our programs and our people, and build on this university's rich and successful history.

With gratitude for all you do,

James B. Milliken

President, University of California

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