Navigating this Period

Dear Members of the University Community,
 
This Winter Quarter has been a period of great societal and political contestation in which higher education policy is one of the foremost topics. 

The University remains unequivocal in its determination to advance groundbreaking research, provide transformative educational experiences, and create pathways to bring our community’s gifts of knowledge and innovation to bear on society through research and teaching and service. As an institution, we succeed in these domains because our core principles guide our actions and decision-making. We are dedicated to being a place of rigorous truth-seeking and serious scholarship. We champion and defend academic freedom and freedom of inquiry and expression, and we strive to practice these with integrity. Diversity of viewpoint and experience bolsters us in our pursuit of understanding. We are as committed to upholding these aspects of our character and culture as ever. 

Despite the uncertain federal funding and policy environment, in the fall, we will be welcoming an extraordinary new class of undergraduate, master’s, professional, and doctoral students, as well as many new faculty, and once again these newest members of our community will renew us in profound and unexpected ways.

During this period, with so much at stake, I and many others are engaged in advocacy for our university and academic medical system in support of our mission. We are taking action to advance our core institutional interests. We are constantly assessing the challenges and opportunities specific to our university, and we are planning for a variety of scenarios. As we do so, we are consulting and drawing upon the expertise, guidance, and help of faculty, staff, alumni, and friends and supporters. 

Many of you have questions about the situation, and therefore throughout the Spring Quarter, I have directed some of the leaders working on critical aspects of our preparation and response to hold a series of campus conversations on topics including how we are upholding university values, how we are supporting students, and developments in research funding. More information will be forthcoming. 
 
While the challenges ahead may be uncertain, our UChicago has a deep reservoir of strength and the ability to shape our future that derives from our values and principles and commitment. Thank you for your sustained engagement and support of our community.


Sincerely,
Paul 
 
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Paul Alivisatos
President