A Message from the Dean of Students
Welcome to the 2025-2026 academic year! We are excited to see the energy on campus and to greet all of you, whether you are returning to campus or this is your first semester with us.
We are so grateful you chose the U of A. Know that you belong here, even if you don't know your way around quite yet.
Part of what makes this place such a welcoming community is our commitment to freedom of expression at the U of A. This commitment has been recognized nationally. The U of A ranks number 25 of 251 U.S. colleges and universities for protecting free speech, according to the 2025 College Free Speech Rankings. We are especially proud of this ranking because it is based on the perspectives and experiences of students. It also reflects our dedication to fostering creativity and innovation by valuing all voices and promoting respectful discourse.
As a university community, while we may not always agree with the ideas and opinions of others, we must honor their right to express them. Hearing viewpoints we disagree with can be challenging. However, with a mindset of “Fearless Inquiry,” you can navigate the many perspectives you may encounter as a student both in and beyond the classroom.
Watch this video on how you can develop a "Fearless Inquiry" mindset, an idea promoted by the College of Humanities, and take some time to explore the free expression and First Amendment resources on the Dean of Students website. If you have any questions, please email us.
We look forward to supporting your growth and learning as part of our vibrant community.
Chrissy Lieberman
Dean of Students
The University of Arizona