Two Student Listening Sessions for Committee on Free Expression and Free Inquiry

To
All Students
From
Allen W. Groves, University Dean of Students

Dear Students,

As you may be aware, a committee has been at work to develop a statement that identifies the role that free expression and free inquiry play in UVA's academic enterprise and how they shape engagement with the ideas of others.

We both serve as members of this committee, and the committee is especially interested in hearing student input on the principles that are most important to you. To that end, we will be hosting two one hour open sessions for students this week, and would welcome your participation. These sessions will be held by Zoom and will utilize the waiting room function to allow students to drop in individually for brief, three minute opportunities to offer your own thoughts on this important topic. The sessions will be:

As Provost Magill said when she and President Ryan announced this committee, "Free expression and free inquiry are the lifeblood of universities; these principles underpin this University's educational missions of producing knowledge, developing citizen leaders, and serving. In a moment where the country is experiencing heightened conflict, we believe it's essential to concisely articulate those foundational commitments of University life."

Please consider joining us to share your input – we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Allen Groves, University Dean of Students
Mazzen Shalaby, Student Member of the Board of Visitors