To: Other Academic Appointees
From: Katherine Baicker, Provost
Subject: Preparing for the Autumn Quarter
Date: September 24, 2024
Note: This message was shared with other academic appointees. A similar message was sent to faculty including information tailored to them.
Whether you’re returning or one of the many new academics joining us this year, I am delighted to welcome you to the start of the Autumn Quarter next week. I know that I still feel the “back to school” energy and anticipation in the fall—the excitement is truly palpable across campus!
Before the quarter starts in earnest, I want to reflect on the last year and the opportunities ahead. Last year brought new challenges, from addressing the University’s budget deficit to navigating campus protests. Facing these challenges brought discussion of our values into sharp relief. I am deeply grateful for the high level of engagement during these times—many of you reached out to share perspectives and ideas. A common theme emerged in these conversations: during challenging times, the University must uphold our core values of academic freedom, free expression, and the pursuit of knowledge. Even when principles are clear, though, putting them into practice is often not straightforward. Interrogating nuances and exploring differences in perspective together as a scholarly community is a core part of the UChicago culture of serious inquiry.
It is in this spirit that we begin the Autumn Quarter. In his recent message to the University community, President Alivisatos reaffirmed our collective commitment—and responsibility—to uphold the values that guide our work together. Interim Dean of Students Mike Hayes also shared a message with students outlining updates to policies aimed at fostering a campus environment where academic freedom and free expression flourish in a place of respectful and constructive dialogue. Your leadership in these efforts is vital. I encourage you to continue sharing your ideas and feedback as we seek to uphold the values that define our institution.
To promote greater communication and collaboration between the Office of the Provost and academics, I’m hosting several opportunities for direct engagement. I want to hear from you about what you’re working on, along with your ideas for how the office and I can best support your efforts! We’ll have another Budget Town Hall this fall to update you on progress in addressing the deficit. Additional engagement opportunities will be shared soon. As always, feel free to email our office directly at officeoftheprovost@uchicago.edu with any questions—it’s your one-stop shop for answers (or at least to be connected to the right person!).
Finally, I’d like to recognize our vice provosts, whose ongoing work supports many of the initiatives we’re advancing: Erin Adams, Vice Provost for Research; Waldo Johnson, Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion; Katie Kinzler, Vice Provost for Academic Career Advancement; and Jason Merchant, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. We will also welcome a new vice provost later this term.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the University’s mission. I wish you a productive and rewarding academic year!