MESSAGE FROM VC CARETHERS

OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR
FOR HEALTH SCIENCES

January 24, 2025

Health Sciences colleagues:

Every new U.S. administration transition brings change as it works to clarify and implement its priorities. Since earlier this week, we have been watching closely as information about executive orders and other presidential actions have been communicated. Some of these policy actions could impact the university, including issues related to immigration, research, and equity, diversity and inclusion.

Many people are experiencing concern and anxiety amid the uncertainty surrounding these orders and their potential impacts. I want to reassure you that leaders across UC San Diego are working closely with the Office of the President, professional organizations and agencies to assess these policies and what they mean for the university and our community. We will communicate to you as we have more understanding of these impacts.

In the meantime, I want to share information and resources that have recently been distributed through various UC and UC San Diego channels:

Research:

Pausing agency communications and agency activity at the turnover of a new administration is not without precedent. Short term disruptions should be expected as new leadership is put in place across the departments and agencies.
Our federal relations experts and Office of Research and Innovation remain in close contact with members of our congressional delegation to ensure related impacts to the research community are properly communicated and fully understood by lawmakers.
Members of the UC San Diego research community are encouraged to inform the Office of Research and Innovation at vcresearch@ucsd.edu of any communication you receive from your federal funders regarding your specific projects.

Immigration:

The UC San Diego Undocumented Student Services team is aware of concerns within the UC San Diego community about the well-being and safety of members of our undocumented and mixed-status community, including their families. The team has created an interactive guidebook with a variety of on-campus and off-campus resources to equip you with tools and information in support of members of our undocumented and mixed-status community.
Visit the UC Undocumented Students website for more information on systemwide resources for undocumented students.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

All programs and initiatives coordinated by the Office of Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and its units are designed and implemented in full compliance with Proposition 209 and the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy.

For those in our community who are working to make sense of these recent orders and how they affect higher education, your work, and your lives, please make space to take care of yourself and others and utilize the university’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program resources as needed.

Sincerely,
John M. Carethers, MD
Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences

This email was sent to mkarin@health.ucsd.edu.

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