Dear Colgate Faculty, Staff, and Students,
As most of you likely know, there have been a significant number of executive orders issued by the presidential administration in the last two weeks, several of which may have a direct or indirect impact on the operations of the University and members of this community. These include potential actions related to research funding, financial aid, immigration and visa status, student loans, and DEI programs. Given the number and complexity of the executive orders and the probability of legal challenges to these actions, it will take time to fully understand their potential impact on this community.
We write to indicate that we are closely monitoring updates from government agencies and our various partners regarding policy changes. In addition, members of the Office of the President will be meeting with federal, state, and local representatives to discuss the importance of Colgate to the region and nation and to indicate how these executive actions may affect our operations and mission.
Colgate’s current outstanding federal grants and support, including direct student aid and research grants, is estimated at $8M. This includes approximately $3.6M in active federal research grants that are owed or still available for spending. It is our expectation that current federal research and financial aid funding will continue.
Additionally, Colgate has retained attorneys to answer immigration questions. If you have any questions regarding immigration and visa status issues, please contact Christopher Wells at CWells@colgate.edu.
Moving forward, Hazel Jack, Vice President and Chief of Staff to the President, will provide updates on developments from Washington and Albany that affect Colgate University and its students, faculty, and staff. She will be working with colleagues across all University divisions to ensure this information is made available to the campus and that we respond to potential political changes in a timely and coordinated manner.
In the meantime, the American Council on Education (ACE) is collecting information regarding these executive orders and other federal actions and how they may impact American colleges and universities.
For any other questions, please contact Hazel Jack at LHJack@colgate.edu.
Sincerely,
Brian W. Casey
President
Lesleigh Cushing
Provost and Dean of the Faculty
Mark S. Siegel University Professor in Religion and Jewish Studies