Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and all Members of the University Community:
As we get the new semester under way, I want to offer everyone my wishes for success in the new academic period—and the new year. I hope we can each find reasons for optimism as we look to the future.
In a world beset with conflict, I understand that it’s often challenging to see beyond the tragedies and the acrimony that are too much a part of our political and international environments. But I would argue that institutions like Rochester, and the people who make our University what it is, represent our society’s best attempt to exemplify the values we find in our common humanity. When the world faces conflict and division, we should be a place of shared commitment to understanding those challenges, to discussing and debating them critically and respectfully, and finding ways that point toward solutions rather than divisiveness.
That has been my experience at Rochester and at other major research universities throughout my career. I am gratified that so many members of our community have expressed similar sentiments. There is a sense that we can and should recommit ourselves to the idea that by recognizing our responsibility to make the world better, we can improve our campus community as well as all the communities where we feel at home.
We have much to look forward to this semester as we embark on new classes and research projects; as we rehearse for important performances and cultural presentations; as we help those who need our clinical attention; and as we reconnect with colleagues and classmates.
I particularly want to offer my best wishes to those students who are in the last semester of their academic programs and are looking forward to our University commencement ceremony on May 17th. You will join an alumni community with a proud and enduring legacy.
I also want to express my gratitude to the Board of Trustees for their support in renewing my appointment as president. I’m grateful for the Board’s support, and for the support of so many members of the University community. I’m confident that extraordinary achievements await as we continue to work together on our Boundless Possibility strategic plan.
We have several new academic and programmatic leaders joining us this semester, outstanding individuals who are committed to furthering our culture steeped in our Meliora values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability.
At the Medical Center, Dr. David Linehan will begin his appointment on February 1st as CEO of the Medical Center, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and senior vice president for health sciences. For nearly a decade, Dr. Linehan has been the chair of surgery and the associate director for clinical research at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.
At the Memorial Art Gallery, Sarah Jesse will begin her appointment in late February as the new Mary W. and Donald R. Clark Director of the Memorial Art Gallery. She comes to us from the Academy Art Museum in Easton, Maryland, part of a 20-year career as an arts leader, fundraiser, and educator.
And earlier this month, we welcomed John Blackshear as our vice president for student life, a reimagined role under the Office of the Provost that will look holistically at our student life operations and programs. Dr. Blackshear, who joins us from Duke University, will oversee the creation of a new division dedicated to the student experience at Rochester. Reporting to the provost, the new role and division will bring together University-wide units and activities for both undergraduate and graduate students.
In alignment with our strategic plan, Dr. Blackshear’s appointment is part of an organizational shift taking place in the academic unit long known as Arts, Sciences & Engineering. In the coming weeks, Provost David Figlio and the deans of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School will further outline revised organizational and academic models affecting AS&E and the Provost’s Office. The initiative is designed to improve the academic experiences of faculty and students and support the work of our talented staff. Later this spring, we will announce updates to the academic financial model that will further these objectives.
And, as part of our continuous efforts to enhance our sense of community, we have begun a national search for a new associate vice president of public safety and chief public safety officer. The search was launched this month after an evaluation of our current department and a University-wide safety and security assessment undertaken by an external review team.
This is a newly elevated role which will include responsibilities to maintain public safety on all University campuses by engaging with, listening to, and training students, staff, and community members and by leading just and transparent operations. The search committee includes the Students’ Association vice president and a member of the University Graduate Student & Post-Doc Advisory Committee, as well as deans, senior leaders, and administrators.
New Programmatic Initiatives for the Spring Semester
With the start of the new academic term, we are launching programmatic efforts designed to help our community better understand the moment in which we find ourselves. I hope such proactive, positive conversations will help us build a stronger appreciation for what each of us brings to our academic home.
Leadership Training Session with the Federal Office of Civil Rights
The US Office of Civil Rights will hold educational sessions with several University stakeholder groups beginning in February as part of an effort to outline our obligations under Title VI. Title VI is a federal statute requires all federally funded institutions to prohibit discrimination and harassment based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, or national origin.
Programs to Foster Dialogue Involving Differences
Under the direction of Vice President Adrienne Morgan, the Office of Equity and Inclusion will launch several efforts in the first weeks of the semester aimed at strengthening our sense of community and reinforcing our appreciation for respectful dialogue as the best way to understand one another, our community, and our diverse perspectives on the world.
The programs include inviting the human rights and free speech advocacy group PEN America for a year-long series on freedom of speech. We also will be taking part in national and international initiatives to better understand how students can express their faith, spiritual, and historical identities without feeling marginalized.
Evaluating Polices for Demonstrations, Vigils, and Peaceful Protest
We have begun a review of our policies for demonstrations, vigils, and peaceful protest. We want to be sure our guidelines are well articulated and represent our commitment to respecting campus speech and political expression, while also reaffirming our duty to protect the rights of the rest of our community to enable them to teach, learn, and work without disruption. Vice President Blackshear has already met with numerous student and faculty groups and is working on proposed policies that will clarify expectations and responsibilities regarding demonstrations, vigils, and peaceful protest.
Over the course of the semester, I know that there will be many moments to celebrate. And we should take time to appreciate our many successes as scholars, researchers, and community members. There will also be moments of challenge. But I know that the best of each member of our community will come to the fore, and we will share the triumphs and help shoulder the burdens. We’re at our best when we recognize that each of us brings our own unique selves to campus, and that each of us deserves to succeed.
My leadership team and I value and appreciate the contributions of every member of our University community. Thank you for being part of our great institution.
Best wishes for a productive and rewarding semester.
Meliora,
Sarah C. Mangelsdorf
President
G. Robert Witmer, Jr. University Professor