University of Redlands
Dear University of Redlands Students, Parents, Families, and Supporters,
On behalf of the University of Redlands, I welcome you to the 2023-24 academic year. We are excited to have our students join us on this journey of knowledge, personal growth, and discovery.
To our new first-year and transfer students, we are thrilled to have you join our campus community. Your arrival brings fresh energy and new perspectives that enrich the experience for everyone. We hope you’ll find a welcoming and supportive environment where you can explore and grow as individuals. Get ready for the excitement of the New Student Orientation, August 24 – 27. You won’t want to miss out on all the activities and events we have in store for you. Mark your calendars and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery and connection! And for those joining us at the Family and Supporter Orientation on August 24, we guarantee an unforgettable experience for everyone.
To our returning students, welcome back! We missed you during the summer break and are excited to have you back on campus. Your presence makes our campus feel like home, and we look forward to another year of shared experiences and friendships.
And last but definitely not least, to our wonderful parents, families, and supporters, thank you for everything you do to support your student. Your partnership with your student and with us is such an important piece to ensuring that your student thrives while they are here.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you on campus in just a few weeks. In the meantime, I wanted to reach out to you and provide you with a few updates before you arrive.
Campus Facility Upgrades
Students will see many significant upgrades to the Redlands campus. These include:
Residence Halls
Renovations are nearly complete for the University’s largest residence hall – Anderson – and include new carpet, windows, doors, floor tile, drywall, paint, furniture, heating, suite-style bathrooms, air conditioning, and more. You can see renderings and the latest floor plans here. Additionally, Merriam, Bekins, and Williams halls received several aesthetic upgrades, some of which include new flooring and paint and improvements to the common areas, bathrooms, and residential hall rooms.
Esports Center
We are also excited to unveil our new Esports arena as we welcome 20 incoming first-year students to our competitive varsity Esports team. Our new facility includes 30 PC gaming setups and 10 console setups, providing a totally immersive gaming experience. There will be a competition stage to watch live intercollegiate matches. The facility also includes a film review room and content creation studio, offering students space to analyze gameplay and get creative while producing content.
Please keep an eye on Redlands.edu in September for a schedule of matches and links to watch live gameplay.
WiFi
Significant work has been done to improve and upgrade WiFi on campus with a focus on the residence halls. We know you will appreciate the better connectivity and enhanced streaming capacity.
Currier Gym
A special thanks to University Trustee Jim ’65 and Althea Schroeder, as well as our dedicated Bulldog athlete families, for providing the funds needed to supply temporary air conditioning to the University’s historic Currier Gym during these hot summer months. Now we have a cool and comfortable space for our athletes and fans!
Campus Safety and Security
Prior to the beginning of the academic year, it is important for students to ensure their contact information is accurate in the UR Bulldog Alert system so that we may continue to communicate as effectively as possible in the event of an emergency. If a family member would like to receive these messages, students must go in and identify them as a delegate. For additional information, contact the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management at 909-748-8888 or via email.
Student Life and Campus Dining
You have likely received your room assignment and roommate information. If you have any questions or would like to review the most recent updates, please visit Residence Life and Housing.
You’ll also want to review the delicious on-campus dining options available through Harvest Table.
Ride the Rail
Students also have direct access to the new Metrolink Arrow Rail line, which has stops throughout the City of Redlands and further connects to Los Angeles and beyond. Through September 1, students can receive a 25 percent discount on an already reduced student pass. You can purchase Metrolink tickets directly through the Metrolink app, using the vending machine on the train platform at the south end of campus, or from the Public Safety office during business hours using this form. If you have questions, contact Public Safety at 909-748-8888 or via email.
Athletics
Welcome back to our Bulldog athletes! Last year was a banner year for Bulldog Athletics, and we can’t wait to cheer on our student-athletes again this year. For additional information, visit GoRedlands.com for game times, scores, and real-time updates.
New Mariachi Ensemble
Students will have the opportunity to participate in the University’s first mariachi ensemble within the Conservatory of Music, thanks to the generous support of Todd ’70 and Constance ’70 Lightbody.
We’ve Got Spirit!
We are also excited to announce the return of the University’s pep band! A great example of the town and gown spirit at Redlands, the pep band gives students the opportunity to play alongside local musicians to build fan and team spirit for the Bulldogs. Another thank you to University Trustee Jim ’65 and Althea Schroeder for funding this effort!
Thank you, Sjoberg-LaFourcade Family!
We are so grateful to the Sjoberg-LaFourcade Family for their recent donation from the Sjoberg Trust for updates to our track and field equipment. They are also endowing a residential scholarship! A huge Bulldog thank you to all 14 members of the Sjoberg-LaFourcade family who graduated from U of R and who are dedicated to paying it forward!
Reaffirmation of Accreditation
I am proud to announce that the University received its Reaffirmation of Accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ensuring that our University continues to meet or exceed accreditation standards. Accreditation is also required for our students to qualify for participation in federal financial aid programs.
This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our outstanding faculty and staff, who have contributed to the University’s excellence. Congratulations to everyone on this significant achievement!
My very best wishes for a fabulous year!
Go Bulldogs!
Krista L. Newkirk
President
