Dear Adelphi Community,
For nearly 130 years, Adelphi University has weathered change with resilience and integrity. This spring, as shifting federal policies have impacted higher education, our mission has become even more meaningful. We transform the lives of all students by creating a distinctive environment of intellectual rigor, research, creativity and deep community engagement. We remain firmly committed to this mission, even if the ways in which we pursue our goals must evolve.
I understand that there may be questions within our community about how Adelphi is moving forward, especially with the headlines we see every day and the news that Provost Storm recently shared regarding the revocation of one of our international students’ visas. I want to keep you informed about Adelphi’s efforts and reaffirm our commitment to our community values as we navigate these uncertain times.
Over the past decade, we have reinvented the way our University serves and educates our students. We have strengthened our academic programs, welcomed students from all backgrounds, enhanced campus infrastructure, and expanded opportunities for student support and experiential learning. Our success story is made possible in part by federal funding for student financial aid, faculty research and sponsored programs. Even with terrific fundraising results, thanks to our many loyal contributors during our most recent Giving Day and other initiatives, we cannot sustain our success story if we do not adapt to federal policies in a way that secures our access to government funding.
So, as we navigate new guidelines and uncharted territories, we are carefully considering how we may need to modify our approaches in areas such as diversity and inclusion. This does not mean that our University will become less inclusive or diverse. Rather, it means we will become even more thoughtful and mindful of the ways in which we uphold these values. The executive leadership team and I are in active communication with higher education peers, elected officials, and legal counsel to ensure we remain informed, responsive, and aligned with best practices. I have also joined hundreds of fellow presidents and higher education leaders nationwide in signing a letter from the American Association of Colleges and Universities, advocating for constructive engagement between the federal government and academic institutions.
Rest assured, our dedication to the success of all students will remain our North Star. Our culture of welcoming all and supporting all who learn, work, and study here will not change. Adelphi will continue to promote freedom of expression and provide an academic environment rooted in critical thinking, mutual respect, and belonging. We will always be a community where every voice can be heard and respected.
Thank you for your thoughtful engagement and care for one another. This spirit of community defines Adelphi and will continue to guide us on the path ahead.
All the best,
Christine M. Riordan, PhD
President