I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a second term as UVic’s president. Since 2020, I have been honoured to be UVic’s president, and I am grateful for the trust the committee and Board of Governors have shown in asking me to continue serving our university community.
As I reflect on our collective achievements over the past five years, I am keenly aware that our success has always stemmed from the dedication, innovation and collaboration of every member of our community—students, faculty, staff and alumni.
The university and the broader sector are facing increasingly complex challenges, both internally and in wider political and community contexts. To address these challenges effectively, I must balance my efforts to champion and advocate for UVic externally, with a renewed focus on the needs of our internal community. By listening closely, engaging deeply, and being an active participant in our day-to-day challenges and celebrations, I aim to better ensure we can work together effectively to achieve our goals.
My priorities
Students: The needs, ambitions and well-being of our students guide everything we do. I will foster and advance our identity as a student-centered university. I see this as both a privilege and a responsibility, and I pledge to uphold this commitment.
Collaboration: I look forward to working alongside each of you to strengthen the relationships that form the foundation of our university. I aim to enhance collaboration between faculty, staff and administration, and to ensure that collegial governance serves as a positive and constructive forum for mutual understanding and joint progress. Together, we can create an environment where ideas flow freely and decisions are made with a shared vision for the benefit of our university.
Research: Given the accelerating challenges in the world, universities play a key role in solving problems. I will champion the value that comprehensive universities and disciplinary diversity brings to society. UVic is leading the way in innovative and creative research that is driving change and making a lasting impact, locally and globally. I intend to devote significant energy to supporting and elevating our researchers—both faculty and students—and advancing work that drives our institution’s impact.
Financial Sustainability: As we navigate the challenges posed by global economies and government deficits, we must adopt a proactive approach to financial sustainability. This includes exploring innovative strategies for revenue diversification, which will allow us to reduce our reliance on traditional funding sources and create a more resilient economic framework for our institution. To this end, over the coming years, we will embark on a comprehensive donor campaign and begin to redevelop outlying lands to create a new multi-use University District.
Living our shared values
Addressing challenges like the increasing demand for academic accommodations and implementing institution-wide changes such as a new budget model require urgency and ambition. However, we must not lose sight of the collaborative planning they deserve and the shared values that guide us. These principles shape our identity, and I pledge to champion them throughout my second term. Together, we can build a university that upholds these values through concrete action.
Trust, transparency and active engagement are essential to nurturing relationships and fostering a constructive and productive environment at UVic. I’m committed to listening to your concerns and working together to address them.
Together, we can create a dynamic, inclusive and forward-thinking university. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to working with each of you to make our vision a reality. Your engagement and creativity will be vital as we shape the future of our institution.
Responding to a changing world
The landscape of higher education is evolving rapidly, with challenges such as rising tuition costs, increasing accessibility needs and mental-health concerns coming to the forefront. We must prioritize affordability by enhancing tuition-assistance programs and scholarships. We will explore opportunities to better support student mental health and an inclusive and accessible learning environment. In addition, we will work to ensure our curriculum remains relevant to the changing job market and incorporates skills that will best prepare our students for success in their future careers.
A foundation of trust
Trust is the foundation of any thriving community. To strengthen trust, I will communicate more regularly with the campus community and hold regular town hall meetings where members of our campus can share their questions, thoughts, concerns and aspirations.
We will establish feedback mechanisms that allow for greater input, while ensuring that everyone feels safe and heard. My commitment is to honour these inputs, address them transparently, and act on them wherever possible.
Collectively, we must be accountable for the culture change, capacity building, and change management necessary to respond to the challenges we are facing and to help us further the principles and priorities set out in Distinctly UVic.
A community of care, reconciliation and equity
At the heart of this community are the shared values that guide us: ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL, NEUEL, our commitment to respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things; inclusivity; respect for diversity; and striving for equity across all aspects of university life. These principles shape UVic’s identity, and I pledge to continue upholding them throughout my second term. Together, we can build a university that defends these values, not only in words but in actions.
Revenue diversification
Revenue diversification is essential for long-term sustainability. By developing new programs, expanding online learning opportunities, and enhancing our research capabilities, we can attract a broader range of students and funding sources. We will diversify revenue through active engagement of our alumni and donor community in our comprehensive campaign focused on key areas of impact – student support, climate action, health and reconciliation – and by proceeding with the University District, which will combine much-needed housing and commercial uses that will contribute to a vibrant community that will benefit not only UVic, but the broader region.
Restoring civil discourse
In our increasingly polarized society, fostering an environment of civil discourse is crucial. I will propose initiatives that promote dialogue among differing viewpoints, such as debate series, workshops on conflict resolution, and collaborative projects that bring together diverse groups. We will encourage student-led initiatives that focus on understanding and empathy, which will help bridge gaps and build relationships across our campus.
Together, we can continue to ensure we remain a dynamic, inclusive and forward-thinking university. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to working with each of you to make our vision a reality. Your engagement and creativity will be vital as we work together to shape the future of our institution.
With dedication and gratitude,
Kevin Hall, PhD
President & Vice-Chancellor
