Dear UAlbany Community,
Over the past several weeks, we have seen a flurry of Executive Orders and other government directives about federal funding that have understandably generated many questions regarding their implications for our community.
UAlbany’s entire leadership team along with our partners at SUNY and SUNY’s Research Foundation are carefully reviewing each new development, including those related to research and student aid funding, to understand the potential impacts on our University. We also continue to work with our federally funded researchers to keep them informed of any significant changes from funding agencies that may impact their work. Students should know that there have been no changes to federal student aid or student loan programs.
Last week, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. sent a message to campus presidents about the federal actions, and I want to share with you some of his words:
“Let me be clear about where we stand: SUNY is proud to count as a member of our community every one of our students, our faculty, and our staff members – no matter their religion, their nation of origin or immigration status, their gender, their race or ethnicity, their sexual orientation or gender identity, or their political beliefs. We are proud of the groundbreaking research our campuses are leading – from international economic development to advanced battery power to eliminating health disparities."
“From our founding, SUNY’s mission has been “to provide to the people of New York educational services of the highest quality, with the broadest possible access, fully representative of all segments of the population." We have no intention of backing away from that mission and its inherent commitment to a diverse and inclusive university and society.”
Like Chancellor King, I am strongly committed to fulfilling our mission and supporting the important work that each of you does to benefit our community.
As I shared in my most recent message to the UAlbany community, we will continue to evaluate and respond – as necessary – to any relevant changes that may transpire at the federal level with our University’s mission and core values in mind.
Our commitment to upholding our institutional values is unwavering.
Sincerely,
Havidán Rodríguez
President