A Message to Students: You made this year count, Niners!
Dear Niner Nation,
As the 2025-26 academic year comes to a close, I encourage you to take a moment to think about everything this year held — early classes, late-night study sessions, group projects that somehow came together, big wins, tough moments and everything in between. However it looked for you, you made it through…and that’s worth celebrating!
Whether you’re getting ready to cross the Commencement stage or heading into a summer job, internship or well-earned break, you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished.
This year, you weren’t just earning credits, you were building something bigger. As part of an R1 research university, you’ve learned how to ask better questions, solve real problems and think in ways that set you apart.
As you head into summer:
- To our graduating students: This is your moment. You’re joining a powerful network of more than 189,000 Niner alumni making an impact in every field you can imagine. Take what you’ve learned, trust yourself and go after what’s next with confidence.
- To our continuing students: Your time to cross the stage will be here before you know it. Stay focused, register for your fall classes if you haven’t already, and keep your momentum going. (And yes, 15 credit hours per semester is still the fastest path to that finish line.)
Wherever this summer takes you, know that you carry the Niner spirit with you…curious, determined and ready for what’s next.
Enjoy your summer. You’ve earned it!
Go Niners,
Sharon L. Gaber, Chancellor