Dear TU faculty & staff,

Both on campus and off, indeed, the start of the spring semester has been a busy one.

As I write to you today, it is essential to acknowledge the significant federal shifts introduced in the last few weeks that may impact our work at TU. It also is essential to inform you about how we, as a university, plan to manage these highly consequential matters.

First and foremost, we will remain steadfast in our dedication to the success and well-being of every member of our community and to providing a world-class education for our students. We continue to maintain our commitment to advancing inclusive excellence at our university and advancing research, scholarship and the creative arts.

In recent weeks, in response to the announced shifts in federal policies and programs that could impact our activities and initiatives, groups across campus have been briefed and provided with guidance. In addition, we also have made available resources on our Office of Sponsored Programs & Research website with specific information with respect to proposed changes in federal research policy and practices. In the coming days, we will distribute additional information through TU Today to announce a series of “fireside chats” that I will host, with others, to further the in-person engagement that can help us both to address the critical issues our university community is facing and also support each other during this time of uncertainty.

Additionally, I have assembled a tactical team, comprised of senior members of our university’s cabinet, who will monitor urgent issues impacting the university and regularly will report out to me on critical matters that are pertinent to the TU community.

This group includes:

  • Melanie Perreault, Ph.D., Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
  • Patricia Bradley, J.D., Vice President, Inclusion & Institutional Equity
  • Vernon Hurte, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and University Life
  • Sidd Kaza, Ph.D., Associate Provost for Research & Dean of Graduate Studies
  • Tameka Porter, Ph.D., Special Assistant to the President
  • Stephanie Shea, J.D., Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel
  • Sean Welsh ‘05, Vice President for University Marketing & Communications

Provost Perreault will chair this group. I thank them for their leadership.

The team also will be in close contact with colleagues from across the University System of Maryland (USM). Of course, other individuals from across the university will be involved as warranted and asked to provide their input and advice, including our shared governance partners.

There remain many unknowns. But as I often say, we must, and we will, remain mission driven and values led. As educators, researchers and professionals supporting our students, our work has never been more important to the fabric of society. I encourage you to continue your work and your care for one another.

I commit to keep our community informed on those issues that directly impact TU, as we together address the critically important challenges we will face.

Thank you for your continued support of our students, each other and our university.

Sincerely,

Mark R. Ginsberg, Ph.D.
President