News & Announcements

Fall Issue | November 2026

Dear colleagues,

This quarter, I've been thinking about investment—in our infrastructure, in our processes, and in our long-term financial sustainability. In my letter for this issue, I share where we are, where we're headed, and why I remain confident about Berkeley's future despite the real challenges we’re facing in higher education. I hope you'll take a few minutes to read it.

As always, thank you for everything you do for this institution and the students, scholars, and ideas that advance our mission.

Regards,
Benjamin E. Hermalin
Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost

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Strategic Updates from Vice Provost for the Faculty Victoria C. Plaut

First Things First: Building on our momentum

We continue to make progress on improving the efficiency of the Senate faculty review process. The campus exceeded all four targets for issuing decisions or correspondence in on-time-tagged cases in June, July, August, and September this year. In fact, we reached 100% by September 30th. Moreover, we reviewed 52% more on-time-tagged cases by June 30th and by September 30th than the average since 2014.

I want to acknowledge both the continued efforts underway on this important project, as well as the contributions of the Academic Personnel Office, the Budget Committee, and many staff, faculty, and academic leaders across the campus in our collective progress thus far.

You can view snapshots of overall case status on the BMAP website, along with comprehensive information about UC Berkeley's processes and procedures for the advancement of Berkeley Senate faculty.

Leader Q&A

A conversation with Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Richard Allen

Meet the person currently at the helm for Berkeley's research powerhouse. Here's what he has to say about his focus and the work ahead.

Faculty Development

Nominate a faculty member for the Chancellor’s Award for Advancing Institutional Excellence and Equity

The Chancellor’s Award for Advancing Institutional Excellence and Equity honors faculty whose leadership in research, education and service has helped advance a more inclusive and equitable Berkeley. Submit your nomination by Dec. 4, 2026.

Ask the Provost

We have launched a direct channel for faculty and staff in academic units to share what’s on their minds with EVCP Ben Hermalin. Use this submission form to submit your questions and look out for answers to selected topics in our upcoming November issue and quarterly updates moving forward. Note that urgent or time-sensitive matters should not be submitted via this form. Please reach out directly by emailing: evcp@berkeley.edu.

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