Dear Colleagues,
I hope you are having an engaging and productive semester. Your ongoing work and strong commitment to our students and our institution is deeply appreciated. Thank you for everything that you do.
I know many of you are following recent federal actions related to higher education and their local and national implications. While their full impact on UAlbany is still unfolding, please know that we will continue to:
- Monitor federal developments closely
- Communicate with our campus community as necessary
- Coordinate with SUNY and the SUNY Research Foundation
- Plan across divisions
- Advocate for higher education broadly—and UAlbany specifically
- Take timely action to protect our community and uphold our values
Let me also emphasize four key points:
First, UAlbany is not retreating from our mission or our values.
Our mission is to develop the leaders, knowledge, and innovations that will build a better world. Our commitment to our values is resolute.
Second, we are not standing idly by.
My leadership team and I are fully engaged in understanding how federal policies could impact UAlbany and we are doing everything possible to mitigate their adverse effects. Together, we are assessing risk, identifying mitigation strategies, and seeking new opportunities as federal policies shift.
We’ve launched a Federal Issues Team—leaders from across campus tasked with monitoring federal, state, and higher education developments. We’ve also established a Federal Issues webpage, where you’ll find up-to-date information, particularly on research-related policies.
Third, UAlbany is not facing this moment alone.
We are working closely with SUNY, the Research Foundation, and our state and federal elected officials. We are also leveraging our relationships with national higher education organizations to stay informed and shape our response. (Including the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU), the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), Campus Compact, Excelencia in Education, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).)
Finally, we are responding proactively to the shifting landscape.
Since January, hundreds of public- and student-facing employees, including Resident Assistants, have been trained on how to respond to external law enforcement requests. We’ve made it clear that all such requests must be referred immediately to the University Police Department or Campus Counsel. We’ve also reminded our employees to strictly adhere to FERPA policies protecting student privacy.
Academic Affairs is communicating directly with international students. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is also available for members of the UAlbany community with specific questions or concerns about their immigration status or travel plans.
I understand the concern many of you are feeling. I take strength from the knowledge that our institution has weathered many storms since 1844. Even in times of upheaval, we have persevered, grown, and emerged stronger and more resilient.
Our work is vital, and your contributions are essential to our success. The University at Albany is a force for good—locally and globally. Let’s continue moving forward together with purpose, clarity, and commitment.
With my very best wishes as we approach the end of the Spring semester.
Sincerely,
Havidán Rodríguez
President