Dear members of the McGill community,听听
The beginning of a new academic year always ignites a sense of excitement and opportunity. It is an absolute pleasure to see our campuses bustling with activity, as new and returning McGillians embark on a shared journey of discovery, connection, and intellectual flourishing.听
The return to campus this year is also marked by several challenges that are unfolding in Quebec, Canada, and internationally, which have a direct bearing on members of our community and on our university.听
These circumstances compel us to hold fast to the academic mission that unites us all 鈥� teaching, learning, and research 鈥� and to rededicate our energy and abilities to advancing society. We are reminded as well of McGill鈥檚 principles 鈥� academic freedom, integrity, responsibility, equity, and inclusiveness 鈥� which enable us to forge ahead as an institution.听听
As we enter this fall semester, a season that inspires hope and possibility, we are also invited to consider how, despite the forces that stand to be divisive, we can find ways to engage with one another with openness and compassion. No member of our community should experience any form of harassment or intimidation; when people are disrespected or threatened, they feel unwelcome and may react negatively. Strengthening an environment that recognizes our shared humanity, celebrates diversity, and centres empathy and compassion remains McGill鈥檚 top priority.听听
Whether under bright or stormy skies, our university has fulfilled its mission unfailingly, and we will continue to do so this year. After all, McGillians know that a challenge is an open invitation to raise the bar and achieve something incredible.听听
Let us continue to find new ways to collaborate and be innovative; let us reimagine McGill鈥檚 place as a locally anchored, globally preeminent university; let us elevate our discourse to be as rigorous and critical, as it is civil and respectful.听听
By working together, we will have numerous opportunities to reach new heights; and we will reach them thanks to what has distinguished us for centuries 鈥� our boundless curiosity and creativity, our respect for one another across differences, and our unrelenting commitment to excellence.
The start of a new academic year represents many things for many different people: it is a chance to set new goals, to expand horizons, to grow as individuals. For me, above all, it is a reminder of the privilege it is to belong to such a brilliant and engaged academic community.听听
I wish you all a wonderful year.听听
Warm regards,听听
Deep Saini
President and Vice-Chancellor
McGill University
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