Dear UAlbany Community,
Welcome to the start of the Spring 2025 semester! I hope the holiday break provided you the opportunity to rest, recharge, and reconnect with loved ones.
As we begin a new year and a new semester, I am thinking about the powerful, positive impact the University at Albany has on our community.
Here are a few recent examples of that impact in action:
- A new report quantifies our economic impact as $1.1 billion annually. We are expanding that impact with the newly established President’s Industry and Economic Development Advisory Board, a group of regional and national leaders from industry, government, and business who will provide strategic guidance about regional economic development needs and industry trends and will create greater opportunities for our students and our colleagues across the university.
- Our research and scholarship amplify our impact, which was highlighted in the recent announcement that more than 40 UAlbany researchers were ranked among the world’s top 2 percent of researchers. This is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the remarkable work happening on our campus.
- Our community feels our impact through events like the recent Empire State Scholastic Esports Icebreaker Invitational, which drew more than 100 competitive gamers from 16 regional high schools to UAlbany’s new Esports Arena to compete in tournaments.
As you all know, we are in a season of tremendous change at the federal level, and I know this may generate a sense of anxiety about today and the future. Please know that we remain committed to upholding our core values and supporting the work you do. With your support and engagement, we will continue to work collaboratively in support of our institutional mission and strategic priorities.
We will 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. We will endeavor – as best as possible – to keep the UAlbany community informed of any major changes that may impact our day-to-day functions and responsibilities. For example, we are working to keep our researchers informed of significant changes from funding agencies that may impact their work or that may create new opportunities to enhance and expand our work.
UAlbany is committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all students and employees. We are also committed to upholding our obligations under applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as New York State and SUNY policies, including protecting student privacy.
Your work in our classrooms, in our labs, in our offices, in our athletic facilities, and in our communities – locally and globally – is instrumental to the continued success of this great institution. Together, we will continue to achieve great things while always focusing on the public good.
Finally, I would like to wish a Happy Lunar New Year to all those on campus who are celebrating. We have several events scheduled this week to mark Lunar New Year; please visit the new UAlbany Events Calendar to learn more.
Thank you for the excellent work you do to fulfill UAlbany’s mission. I hope you have a successful, enjoyable, and productive semester.
Go Great Danes!
Sincerely,
Havidán Rodríguez
President