Messages &
Speeches

I hope your summer is off to a good start. It’s always a special time on campus — when we get to take a breath, gear up for the fall semester, and welcome our incoming students to Longhorn life. Today, I want to update you on a few things that affect us all: this year’s merit pool, a leadership addition, a legislative review, and a note about our strategic planning process.

First, thank you for helping the university close on another successful semester. I hope you enjoyed some well-earned rest during the Memorial Day weekend! I’m writing to share an update on the fall 2021 semester, specifically in regard to flexible work arrangements (FWA.)

Congratulations — it’s official … you are graduates of the University of Texas at Austin. Graduates, this is a joyous moment at the end of a tough journey. But also a beginning.

During the past 14 months, our actions together have helped stem the tide of COVID-19 cases on our campus and in the greater Austin community.

You’ve nearly done it! Again! Like last semester and the one before, you’re pushing through and persevering during a(nother) one-of-a-kind academic year. I couldn’t be prouder!

Yesterday, UT Health Austin administered its 100,000^th vaccine shot. There are many people to thank as we mark this significant milestone.