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Take a break, be mindful

Campus Community, It sometimes feels like the middle of a semester sneaks up on us. So, as we prepare for midterms and all that accompanies this halfway mark, I hope you consider this advice. Be mindful.

Monitoring federal funding negotiations and impact on university

Campus Community,     The University of Kentucky is closely monitoring negotiations in Congress regarding funding for the federal government and a potential government shutdown. The government’s authority to spend money expires at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30. If funding legislation for the new fiscal year is not passed by then, the federal government will shut down.   

Listen to your body, be healthy

Campus Community,   As we continue to settle into the academic year, I encourage you to prioritize taking care of yourself.   Be healthy.   Listen to your body. Pay attention when you don’t feel well or when something doesn’t seem right — when in doubt, check it out. We have an outstanding, world-class health care system that is here to take care of you.  

Be informed, open your mind

Campus Community, In my message last week, I shared with you the first suggestion I gave to the class of 2027. I asked you to connect, take action and commit to your passions. I asked you to be bold. This week, my challenge to you is simple. Be informed.

September 2023 Board of Trustees Meeting

Something more … for our students, for Kentucky “I want something more.” That was Ashton Martin’s sentiment this summer as he stood on the terrace of an 18th-century Neoclassical complex dedicated to arts and education in the heart of London. Overlooking the River Thames, and some 4,000 miles from his home in Breckenridge County, Kentucky, Ashton remarked that “since I’m first generation, I wasn’t really pushed to go to college.” “But I want something more.”

Connect, act and commit to your passions

Campus Community,    Last month, I had the opportunity to share advice with some new students. I gave them five suggestions to consider as they start their journey, and I’d like to share them with all members of the Wildcat Family over the next few weeks. Be bold. 

The importance of finding, building community

Campus Community,  

Sharing the Stories, Promise of the University of Kentucky

Campus Community,   At UK, there is evidence that we are on a trajectory of ascent to advance Kentucky. We do this with an uncommon commitment to the common good of our state.

The Promise of the University of Kentucky

Campus Community, The University of Kentucky is more than a place. It is more than a team. It is more than a beautiful campus. It is a promise. A promise to educate another record-setting class of incoming students. A promise to support every Wildcat inside and outside of the classroom. A promise to discover solutions to problems that challenge our Commonwealth, this nation and the world. A promise to ensure Kentuckians receive the health care they need in Kentucky.

Work Location Update and Next Steps

Last year, the Work Location Workgroup began a thoughtful process to ensure we support our residential campus while remaining flexible, where appropriate, with remote and hybrid work arrangements. Today, I am pleased to share the final step in that process.