We see you, UVA staff. As leaders of UVA’s Staff Senate, we cannot let 2025 end without acknowledging how far above and beyond you have gone this year. 

Over many months now, thousands of you from across the University’s two dozen administrative areas and schools have been especially generous in responding to moments where your input was needed. You have been thoughtful in sharing insights you have gained over years and decades spent working to advance the University’s mission. You have been courageous in voicing uncomfortable truths. 

Your engagement reinforces what we strive for every day: thoughtful, attentive representation on your behalf. You bring perspectives, experience, and dedication that are essential to UVA. 

Your level of engagement while fulfilling your professional commitments amidst acute instability has been extraordinary. We know this has taken a cumulative toll. 

Our University must be a place where you know the terrain under your feet will be firm each day when you log in or step onto Grounds, and where you return home with pride to your communities across the area knowing the University has a meaningful and positive impact on its neighbors. To move toward greater assurance of those things in 2026, we will be ready to amplify your voices when you are able to engage directly and to stay abreast of your needs and interests so that those sustain our efforts on your behalf at moments when engaging directly may be beyond your capacity. 

Going into the new year, we are taking with us tools honed, insights gained, and relationships built with your help over the course of 2025. Until then, take care to savor time with loved ones and know you have our thanks for your steadfast contributions to the work we share.