University of California Updates on Antisemitism Campaign and Student Regents Initiatives

The University of California's Public Engagement and Development Committee convened on July 13, 2025, to discuss significant updates and initiatives aimed at enhancing the university's impact and engagement with the community. The meeting, led by Chair Sarris, featured a notable agenda change, prioritizing an update from the UC Student and Policy Center before addressing state governmental relations.

Senior Vice President Turner opened the meeting with a brief overview of the university's proactive response to the evolving federal landscape. She highlighted the launch of a new website dedicated to combating antisemitism, which aims to keep the UC community informed about relevant issues. Additionally, Turner emphasized the importance of showcasing the university's research contributions to California and the nation. This included a redesign of the UC homepage to better reflect these impacts and the initiation of the "Speak Up for Science" campaign, which seeks to bolster federal support for research and innovation.

A key highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of a promotional video designed to illustrate UC's extensive contributions to communities across the country. The video aims to foster pride within the UC community and encourage support for the university's initiatives. Turner urged committee members to share the video widely to amplify its reach and impact.

During the discussion, Regent Wang raised questions regarding the effectiveness of these campaigns, specifically in terms of metrics and audience engagement. Turner assured the committee that efforts are underway to track the success of these initiatives, including web traffic and social media engagement, to ensure that the university's messaging resonates with its audience.

The meeting also featured a presentation by student regents, marking the 50th anniversary of their role in UC governance. They discussed their key initiatives focused on student-centered policies, access, and engagement, as well as the challenges they faced and collaborative efforts to enhance student representation within the university's decision-making processes.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the University of California's commitment to addressing pressing social issues and enhancing community engagement through strategic initiatives. The discussions highlighted the importance of effective communication and representation in fostering a supportive environment for students and stakeholders alike. As the university moves forward, continued evaluation of these efforts will be crucial in ensuring their success and relevance in a rapidly changing landscape.