August 4, 2023

Dear University of Oregon community,  

I am pleased to share that the University of Oregon will join the Big Ten Conference in August of 2024. I am thrilled we have the opportunity to join the nation's preeminent academic-athletic conference. Our student-athletes will participate at the highest level of collegiate athletic competition, and our alumni, friends, and fans will be able to carry the spirit of Oregon across the country.  

The connections we will make with some of the leading public research institutions in the world will lead to new opportunities for our students, staff, faculty, and university stakeholders through the Big Ten Academic Alliance and other venues. We look forward to a long, robust partnership. 

In coming years, the UO will prioritize the long-held traditions of competition across all sports with Oregon State University. We also know the Big Ten shares our commitment to prioritizing student-athletes’ well-being and academic demands. We seized this opportunity considering many factors, including the reach and visibility afforded the University of Oregon by joining a nationwide conference that includes more of the country’s leading public research institutions. 

I want to thank our University of Oregon community and our passionate Duck fans for their unmatched love and devotion to the UO. We are excited for the future ahead. 

Sincerely, and Go Ducks! 

Karl Scholz
President