Through an inclusive process that involved faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members and others, the University of Arizona has identified a core purpose and values, which articulate why the University exists and what it stands for. "Together, they serve as a compass to guide our decision-making and our resolve to create meaningful impact," President Robert C. Robbins wrote in a letter to members of the campus community. "I invite you to think about how your work contributes to the fulfillment of our purpose and how you personally live our values as well as cultivate them in the students you serve."

Beginning Jan. 27, 2020, most nonfaculty UA employees will be unified under one employment category, called University Staff. Here's what you need to know.

Those lucky enough to escape the Southern Arizona heat for part or all of the summer will notice that parts of campus look a little different. To get you up to speed, here's a rundown of changes that happened over the summer, including new leaders, new buildings, new names, new eateries on and off campus, and progress on some renovations.

Don't let the heat fool you – summer is over. Students have returned, and so has the campus's familiar fall bustle. This also means the UA Master Calendar is chock-full of things to do and see. Happenings in September include a preview of a new Ken Burns documentary, a chance to meet the Cat in the Hat, the home opener for Arizona football, and a workshop series for parents of teenagers. Also this month: Learn when your UA videos need captions, hear a talk about one woman's life on the U.S.-Mexico border, freshen up your culinary skills, and catch a play by the Arizona Repertory Theatre.

Martin Pepper is a tinkerer, world explorer and photographer. He also has been an All-American athlete and a TV show host and contestant. At the University of Arizona, Pepper has taught courses in undergraduate geology, assisted in a geochronology research lab, and made videos for University Marketing and Communications. Pepper's life of adventure proves he's been living his motto: "If you're not experiencing something new, then you're not living."

The College of Engineering's new leader says he is excited to be at a university where the mission matches up perfectly with his vision for engineering education. "The University of Arizona has so much positive change going on right now, with a new provost, new deans and a new, visionary president," David Hahn says. "My vision for the college is fully aligned with the strategic plan of the University."

The UA's 2020 Master Plan, set to be finalized in May, will guide the physical development of campus in alignment with the University's strategic plan. "It's like a road map for campus and how we want to develop in the future," says Peter Dourlein, campus architect and assistant vice president for Planning, Design and Construction. A series of workshops and forums will be held to gather input on the plan.

Congratulations to these recent honorees: Erin Ratcliff, Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Dr. Marvin Slepian, Department of Medicine; Dr. Julie Bauman, Department of Medicine; Veronica Mullins, Department of Nutritional Sciences; and Darious Britt, School of Theatre, Film and Television.

A temporary pedestrian path provides safe access to buildings affected by the Student Success District construction. The path will remain in place for at least the first half of the fall semester.

Environmental educator Jessie Rack oversees the UA's Supporting Environmental Education and Communities program, bringing science to school gardens across Tucson. "The whole idea I try to get across is that everybody can be a scientist," Rack says. "My goal is to empower these kids so they can see a place for themselves in science, even if they don't end up in academic research. I want them to realize that it could be a possibility no matter who they are or where they came from."