October 1, 2015

Dear students,

Welcome to the 2015–16 academic year! Whether you are just starting classes at the UO or are well on your way to earning your degree, I am pleased to welcome you to the University of Oregon for what I believe will be a transformative year.

As you may know, I joined the UO as president in July. I am very excited and honored to be entrusted to lead this university. I spent the summer months preparing for your arrival, meeting some of you at IntroDucktion, and getting to know the faculty and staff who will teach and guide you here at the UO. Sunday, I spoke to those of you who are new students during my Convocation welcome. We are off to a great start!

Your pride, passion, and enthusiasm for the UO is impressive and contagious. I’m so proud to be a Duck and you should be too!

As we begin this journey together, I want to reiterate my commitment to you and your success. I will work every waking moment to make the UO even greater. I am focused on expanding our academic excellence through faculty hiring, providing you with an accessible and affordable education, and ensuring you have a world-class education experience.

When you chose the UO, you chose to be part of an amazing community, a family of Ducks. We are a community of scholars with high aspirations, and we pride ourselves on being welcoming to all and taking care of one another. I hope you will take advantage of all this great institution has to offer both in the classroom and out. You are here to learn and question, to expand your mind and your worldview. I challenge you take a variety of classes, to meet new people, take part in the activities on campus, and get involved with some of the UO’s three hundred different student groups.

We are also a community that expects and demands respect. That means listening to each other’s views, not abusing drugs or alcohol, seeking consent, and doing something if we see someone at risk of harm.

We have a vast system of support focused on helping you be successful. If you need assistance―in the classroom or beyond―we urge you to ask for help. Start with the Office of the Dean of Students―they will help answer your questions and get you assistance. We are all here to help ensure that your time at the UO is exceptional.

Have a great fall!

Sincerely,

Michael H. Schill
President and Professor of Law