Second, to ensure that all students are afforded a quality education, the University must work with the California State University system and the California Community Colleges to maintain the promise of the Master Plan for Higher Education. Third, the University must provide greater assistance to elementary and secondary schools to give young people the best possible start in life. Fourth, the University must forge new research partnerships with industry and government to ensure California's continued economic progress. Finally, we must develop new management systems for the University that promote efficiency and guarantee accountability to the people of California. Over the past several years, the Regents and President Peltason have held the University together through one of the most difficult periods in the history of California.
More challenges are ahead.
As we meet these challenges, I am convinced that the University will continue to provide rich dividends to the people of California who have so generously supported the institution throughout its history. This institution has a special place in my heart, and I will do my utmost to ensure its future.