As the new academic year begins, UC Berkeley leadership has welcomed students, faculty, and staff back to campus. In a message sent on August 20, university officials extended greetings to both returning and new members of the campus community.

The message highlighted Berkeley’s ongoing commitment to “courageous inquiry, passionate engagement, mutual respect, and safety.” It emphasized the importance of every individual’s role in supporting the university’s mission to serve the public good. The statement read:

“Each year, we celebrate what it means to be part of the UC Berkeley community – a campus dedicated to courageous inquiry, passionate engagement, mutual respect, and safety. Whether you’re exploring new ideas in the classroom, conducting ground breaking research, or inspiring or supporting students, each of you contributes to Berkeley’s mission of serving the public good.”

This year is expected to feature significant opportunities for learning and dialogue on issues affecting local communities as well as national and global matters. The message noted that Berkeley has a longstanding tradition of encouraging robust discussion and challenging established views:

“This year promises to be particularly rich with learning, discovery, and meaningful dialogue on issues impacting our communities, nation, and the world. Berkeley has always been a place where big ideas are born from challenging convention and robust exchange of diverse perspectives. We encourage this tradition – it’s fundamental to who we are and what we aspire to be.”

Campus leaders also encouraged participation in various forums available at UC Berkeley such as peaceful gatherings, debates, organizations for students and staff/faculty committees.

“Our campus offers countless ways for students, faculty, and staff to make their voices heard: peaceful gatherings, campus forums and debates, student and staff/faculty organizations, committees, and other avenues for meaningful engagement. We encourage everyone in our community to contribute their time and voice to the issues that matter to them.”

The administration reaffirmed its commitment toward creating an environment where all can fully participate in academic life without facing harassment or discrimination. Guidance about free speech was referenced through mention of Campus Community Standards.

“As we foster this tradition of open inquiry and challenging convention, we’re also committed to ensuring that everyone can engage fully in learning, teaching, work, and research. This means fostering a community free from harassment and discrimination... Our Campus Community Standards [and] Summary of Free Speech Rules provide detailed guidance on how we exercise freedom of expression consistent with our shared responsibility to one another.”

Additionally, members were encouraged to use “Supportal,” an online resource hub containing policies and support services information.

The letter concluded by wishing everyone a successful academic year: “Here’s to a vibrant year of learning and discovery! Fiat Lux and Go Bears!”