Dear Campus Community,
 
Earlier this month, I sent a video message about the importance of taking care of ourselves and staying in communication with our friends and colleagues. It’s been more than seven months since we moved into modified operations while learning how important hand washing, face coverings, and physical distancing were to our individual and collective health. 
 
Some of you might be thinking, it’s only been seven months? Sometimes it feels as if it’s been much longer. For this reason, we have reached a point where we have to think deliberately about resiliency and complacency. This far into the pandemic, it could be easy for those of us who haven’t contracted the virus to think we can slip back into our old ways. Of course, science and the results of spreader events show us how important it is to remain mindful of masks, hand sanitizing, testing, distancing, and self-care. 
 
As we step carefully through the next couple of months, please continue to prioritize our health—your health, the health of friends and loved ones, the health of our communities. Please watch this Thanksgiving break message and know how thankful I am for each of you and all you are doing to protect yourself and others.
 
Winter quarter operations
Last Friday we sent out an announcement about winter quarter. Essentially, we are maintaining the same operational structure that was in place for fall quarter. Thank you for the ways you are adapting and adjusting so that we may continue creating and sharing knowledge.
 
Virtual Office Hours
Last spring, we organized a series of office hours to provide access to senior leadership who answer questions from the UCR community. We are holding another series of Virtual Office Hours. Below you will find dates and times as well as links to register for these sessions and submit questions in advance.
 
10/29, 4-5 p.m.: Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox and Gerry Bomotti, Vice Chancellor for Planning, Budget, and Administration
 
11/9, 3-4 p.m.: Brian Haynes, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; and Mariam Lam, Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer
 
11/13, 2-3 p.m.: Deborah Deas, Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences & Mark and Pam Rubin Dean of the School of Medicine; and Rodolfo Torres, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development
 
11/20, 9-10 a.m.: Thomas Smith, Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor; and Peter Hayashida, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement
 
Provost search
Last Friday we also held our first of three vision seminars from finalists in the search for our next Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor. An announcement from Monica Carson, Provost Search Committee Chair, contains details about virtual visits. Also, on the Executive Searches website, you’ll find recordings of vision seminars, candidate information, and links to register for upcoming vision seminars.  
 
We encourage all of you to participate in the process and provide feedback on the candidates. Your input is important in helping us make decisions. Also, thank you to the entire search committee for their work and diligence.
 
Again…
I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating often—you inspire me. The work you do to support our mission is seen. Thank you for being a part of our community. I’m grateful for everything you do to support the Highlander family.