Dear Colleagues,
This moment in the quarter is a natural time for us to pause and reflect. Last week, we observed Veteran’s Day, a holiday when we recognize the service that so many of our colleagues, students, and neighbors have provided to the nation. At present, we are still following the progress of our national elections, which provides a time to think about the processes and ideals that underpin our democracy. And next week, we will observe our Fall Break, including the Thanksgiving holiday that is often centered around the appreciation of friends and family.  

As I exchange emails and engage in discussions with many of you over the course of each week, I have been noticing that several themes frequently recur: 
First, a desire for open reflection on just how challenging and fatiguing our professional (and personal) lives are right now. Things are not easy, and it is important that we acknowledge this as part of having authentic conversations about current realities and in order to support fellow Tritons who are feeling overwhelmed. 

Second, expressions of gratitude for the many instances where colleagues are supporting one another and being actively, intentionally, thoughtfully kind. That time you recently answered a colleague’s questions about remote teaching, lent a piece of lab equipment, praised someone’s work, or simply acted with patience has probably had far more positive impact than you may have imagined. 

Third, a determination to take the hard-won lessons of 2020 and use them to transform UC San Diego. Even while dealing with more pressures and complications than usual, people are generously stepping up to do the work required to dismantle systemic racism, make our educational system more resilient, and unleash creativity across many areas of endeavor. This is an extraordinarily concrete expression of their belief in the importance of our mission as a university.

Thank you for the many ways you support one another, our students, and the university every day. I greatly appreciate my opportunities to work with you and to learn from you.

With best wishes for a restorative Fall Break,
Elizabeth H. Simmons