The new academic year always begins with a celebration: October is National Arts and Humanities Month, and it is fitting for our entire community to come together to honor artists, historians, writers, philosophers and professors.

It is indeed an exciting time at UC San Diego and the Division of Arts and Humanities. With a campus that is expanding both physically and intellectually   ---    our humanities faculty are planning now for the move to the North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood   ---    we are deeply honored to be invited to join the American Council of Learned Societies leadership consortium in the humanities. Based on research and engagement, new academic growth and a strong future, the invitation is a great opportunity for us and the university as a whole.

I have been delighted to travel with Chancellor Khosla, hosting regional celebrations across the country for the Campaign for UC San Diego. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, New York City: The energy and momentum for arts and the humanities are palpable everywhere, as we engage meaningfully with our alumni, parents and friends.

Our division is also distinctive for its commitment to the student experience. As this year's Without Walls Festival shows, our students have direct access to faculty and the greater community, profiting from a vision based on learning by doing. And to help celebrate Arts and Humanities Month, we are hosting an undergraduate student contest around our mission: an education for the common good.

We are especially committed to social equity, diversity and inclusion across cultures and disciplines because we know active inclusivity from our entire community gives us strength. We continue to promote the foundational, transferable and enduring values of the humanities and the arts in a comprehensive university, and look forward to celebrating with you the entire academic year.