President Scholz sent the following message to faculty, staff and students on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Dear University of Oregon community,
Welcome as we begin the 2025–26 academic year. Campus is alive again, and full of energy, ideas, and possibility.
The start of the year always brings a special kind of excitement. Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the privilege of greeting the Class of 2029 at Convocation, joining Unpack the Quack, welcoming new faculty, and meeting new students and their families as they begin their journeys at the University of Oregon. Moments like these are a powerful reminder of what makes universities remarkable. We create communities of curiosity.
To our students, new and returning: You belong here. I hope you will dive into all this university offers, from classrooms and labs to studios and beyond, and find the support you need to thrive. Take care of yourselves and each other, and don’t hesitate to seek help or advice from staff, faculty, or friends.
To our staff: Your commitment makes this place work. The University of Oregon depends on you. People who show up with purpose and who make a lasting difference for our students, our community, and the world.
To our faculty: Your scholarship and teaching are foundations of our mission. Thank you for pushing the boundaries of knowledge, inspiring our students, and sustaining excellence that defines this university.
These are challenging times for higher education and the university. But what we do is precious. We bring together people from all corners of life. Each community member carries their unique perspective to campus. What brings us together is a shared drive to seek knowledge, to explore new ideas, and to grow. Universities are one of a few places in American society where that occurs. We create opportunities.
The UO has a long and proud history of engaging with the issues of the day and supporting members of our community in exercising their right to free expression. Doing that requires us to grapple with complexities. We use science, reason, and deep understanding of what it means to be human to interrogate truth. A flourishing campus requires we engage together, thoughtfully. As we welcome our newest Ducks to campus and begin another academic year, let us extend empathy, respect, and care for one another.
I wish you a fantastic fall term and look forward to what the year brings us.
Go Ducks!
Karl Scholz
President