In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, we at UCLA
committed ourselves to making a positive contribution to the campus
and global communities, and that commitment endures.
Immediately after Sept. 11, I established three important goals
for UCLA: (1) to ensure the physical safety of all students,
employees and campus visitors; (2) to maintain our diverse
community as a beacon of tolerance and mutual respect; and (3) to
be a prominent forum for rational discourse on the Sept. 11 tragedy
and its aftermath.
All of us at UCLA were profoundly saddened by the loss of life
on Sept. 11. One eventful year removed from those catastrophic
events, the 2002 fall quarter begins on a somber note, with the
tragedy’s anniversary in mind.
But we can take pride in UCLA’s achievements in each of
the areas mentioned above over the past 12 months. The university
has been a safe haven for everyone within its borders, and we are
maintaining a heightened vigilance, in concert with campus, local,
regional and national organizations, in order to promote security
throughout our enterprise and beyond.
Tolerance and respect for divergent points of view are hallmarks
of academic freedom and essential features of a learning community
such as UCLA’s. Another point of pride is, despite the
passion with which strongly differing opinions are held and
expressed, the debates that have taken place on our campus since
Sept. 11 have been substantive and constructive. We must ensure
that such discussions continue to be characterized by mutual
respect and the freedom to express all perspectives and ideas. And
we must maintain our zero-tolerance policy with regard to any
behavior that is motivated by hate.
UCLA’s role as a forum for rational discourse has also
been exemplary. Within weeks of the terrorist attacks ““ in
time for the start of classes in fall quarter 2001 ““ the
College of Letters & Science instituted a series of
undergraduate seminars in which small groups of students met
regularly with faculty members to analyze, interpret, and
understand the events of Sept. 11 and their repercussions. I had
the privilege of conducting one of those seminars, focusing on
national security.
Building upon that success, the College is expanding the seminar
program with an eye toward making it possible for every
undergraduate to enjoy this highly interactive, small-class
experience. The new initiative being launched this fall carries the
name “Fiat Lux””“ the University of California
motto, which means “Let There Be Light.” Course
offerings span wide-ranging topics in the arts and humanities,
culture and society, and science and technology.
“Fiat Lux” is just one of numerous options available
at a major research university that provides a vast array of
academic, cultural and social opportunities. In this extraordinary
environment, learning takes many forms.
It occurs, of course, in traditional classroom settings,
laboratories and libraries. It also takes place during informal
interactions with professors and fellow students; in research
projects undertaken independently or with faculty members and
graduate students; and through participation in extracurricular
activities that develop leadership skills while providing outlets
for fun, creativity and community service.
Opportunities to participate in service activities abound at
UCLA. Public service is an integral part of the university’s
mission, inseparable from teaching and research and embedded in
UCLA’s obligation, as a public university, to serve the
broader community of which we are a part.
Under the leadership of Professor Frank Gilliam, the newly
appointed Associate Vice Chancellor for Community Partnerships,
“UCLA in LA” seeks to extend existing partnerships and
create new ones, with the goal of making a real difference in the
lives of the people of greater Los Angeles.
Each quarter, at least one-third of our students ““ along
with many faculty, staff, and alumni ““ participate in some
200 UCLA programs that serve the greater Los Angeles region. To
further strengthen the university’s ties with the surrounding
region, we have launched “UCLA in LA” ““ a major
umbrella initiative intended to focus the University’s vast
resources, knowledge, and expertise on critical community issues
such as health care, child and family wellness, economic
development and the arts.
The start of fall quarter is an exhilarating time, as students,
faculty and staff immerse themselves in the traditions and
activities of another academic year. Joining the UCLA family this
month are 4,300 entering freshmen, 2,350 transfer students, 3,800
graduate and professional students, and 232 newly appointed faculty
members. I am delighted to welcome the newest Bruins to our campus
community.
I hope the 2002-2003 academic year is a fulfilling and
successful one for everyone at UCLA. And I urge our students to
pursue the full range of educational, research, and service
opportunities at UCLA. Doing so will open the doors to achievement,
self-discovery and excellence ““ and ensure a stimulating year
ahead.