September 2012
STUDENTS OF THE UNVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Dear Students:
As you begin the fall term, either as new or returning students, I want to welcome you and wish you much success in your studies for the coming year.
As President of the University of California and a scholar of the Constitution, I also want to take this opportunity to call your attention to "Constitution Day."
In 2005, the federal government enacted a law that requires all schools that receive federal funds to hold an educational program on the United States Constitution every year on Constitution Day, September 17.
Because most UC campuses begin their fall terms in late September, after Constitution Day, it is impractical for the University to conduct Constitution programming in person. Hence, I invite you to take a few moments to look over UC's Constitution Day website. I hope this brief exploration will spark your curiosity and broaden your knowledge of and appreciation for this historic and important document.
As students of the University of California, you are privileged to have ready access to a range of historical, political, sociological, and legal perspectives on the study of the U.S. Constitution. I urge you to explore UC's print and electronic library holdings on the Constitution, take a Constitution-related course outside your major, e.g., history, political science, law/legal studies, or engage in a research oriented enterprise such as independent study.
I hope you enjoy broadening your knowledge of the Constitution during the coming academic year.
With best wishes, I am,
Mark G. Yudof
President