Interim President Patrick Phillips welcomed the University of Oregon community to the start of fall term with a video, capping off a series of welcome messages from university leaders that offered hope, optimism and excitement about the new academic year.

“We once again have this wonderful opportunity to start anew, to mentor and guide our students, to discover and create, and continue to reimagine what it means to be committed to the greater good as a public university,” Phillips said in a new video greeting.

Janet Woodruff-Borden, acting provost, called on the campus community to work together to create an inclusive academic experience in classrooms, labs and studios.

“Additionally, I want to enlist your support in continuing to create a welcoming, supportive and positive environment for our students and colleagues,” Woodruff-Borden said while sharing reminders and guidance for academic personnel.

In a message from Chief Human Resources Officer Mark Schmelz, the Office of Human Resources provided a variety of resources for employees to keep in mind throughout the year.

“Employees are critical to the foundation of this institution, and their engagement and experience is important to our success,” Schmelz said. “I encourage all to seize every opportunity to make this the best year yet. Get involved, set goals, seek out professional growth and opportunity, and use available resources to make the most of your employee experience at the UO.”

Phillips summed up the beginning of a new academic year by asking all to remember the UO mission as they go about their day-to-day work and to commit to improving the human condition through the impact the university has on communities across the state of Oregon.

“Let us appreciate being together,” he said. “Because we are better together.”