I know our community is closely following the flurry of recent executive orders, federal guidance, and legal actions, especially as they affect higher education, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, research programs, funding, and immigration. Penn has always upheld the law, and we will continue doing so. But the future of higher education may alter dramatically depending on how courts rule, how agencies implement new policies, and how future orders and legislation are enacted.
The anxiety and frustration many people feel at this moment is deep and often quite personal. I understand. But what has changed so rapidly is not the value, rightness, and impact of Penn’s contributions and promise. What has changed is the increasing polarization in public opinion about higher education and the accompanying changes in federal guidance and oversight. Penn must both respond and adapt to this rapidly shifting landscape.
I have heard from many that while we must remain agile, we must foremost protect Penn’s soul. I passionately agree and reaffirm Penn’s enduring values and principles. Among these are:
Our essential missions: Everything we do must be grounded in advancing Penn’s world-class teaching, research, clinical care, and service. This focus is especially important in times of turbulence and uncertainty.
Academic freedom: Everything we do must support freedom of inquiry and thought, open expression, and the rigorous pursuit of truth. These elements are essential to how we contribute to the world.
Opportunity, access, and support: Everything we do must be anchored in principled nondiscrimination, expanding access, and embracing diversity in all its forms—all while following the law, which we will continue doing. These commitments to our culture have made Penn a pioneer in higher education for more than a century. We are stronger for it. A commitment to inclusive excellence has advanced research, scholarship, and patient care in profound ways.
As I communicated on February 11, cuts to federal funding loom, from financial aid to research funds, and proposed legislation to increase endowment taxes. These elements, along with changing rules related to cultural norms of higher education, are among the most significant of our challenges and represent an existential threat across our University and American higher education.
We are acting to protect our missions, our operations, our people, and our values. Here’s what the Penn community should know right now about what we are doing:
Vigorous advocacy: Penn’s leadership is directly engaged with our elected officials to ensure that Penn’s mission is preserved. We have also partnered with the Association of American Universities, the American Association of Medical Colleges, and other professional organizations, to advocate for the essential role of higher education, scientific discovery, our values, and our service to the greater good.
Internal response: In my February 11 message, I noted that we have convened a pan-University working group in seven different priority areas, all focused on evaluating the impact of new federal policies and actions on our academic and research enterprise. Led by Provost John L. Jackson Jr., Senior Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli, and Senior Vice President David Asch, this group is focused on ensuring internal coordination, planning, and efficient decision-making in this rapidly changing environment.
Contingency planning: We are modeling different financial scenarios and actions that may need to be implemented, and we are working closely with school and center leaders to seek input and ideas around possible cost containment measures and new sources of revenue. The multiple challenges we face remind us that we are all in this together. As has been our approach in past situations, we will remain judicious, measured, deliberate, and focused on sustaining our mission when determining any action.
Here is what I ask of you, the Penn community:
Remain united: Perhaps the most important factor for success, especially in tumultuous times, is our unity of purpose and support for one another. In the face of profound societal and governmental forces, Penn’s future depends not just on the resilience of the individuals in our community, but also on our mutual respect and shared support.
Take care of yourselves: Penn offers a range of services to help support you. Below this message, you’ll find a list of several critical resources, and I encourage you to make use of what you may need. I also encourage you to provide support to your local community—people you are closest to in your schools, departments, centers, and social groups.
Be ambassadors for Penn and higher education: We are a broad community of students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends. Penn has connected us and touched us and the world. Amazing things happen at Penn on a daily basis and even more so over time. We are all ambassadors through our messages, scholarship, service, and actions. Through your many networks and professional organizations, I encourage you to convey the value that Penn, and higher education, brings to individuals and society more broadly.
As the world around us changes, we will adapt and engage to shape the future. We are not strangers to challenge—Penn has endured wars and pandemics over its long history. Today’s challenges are profound and multimodal, and they will test us. We are resourced and inspired by a community that loves Penn, and that pursues its future with idealism and pragmatism, courage and compromise. These characteristics, and our enduring principles, have served us well and will continue to guide our future.
Resources for faculty, staff, and students:
International Student and Scholar Services has a dedicated team to provide you with professional immigration guidance, a wide array of services, informative programs, and support. Penn community members can connect with the office through various channels, including virtual and in-person advising. Website | 215-898-4661 | Email.
Public safety resources:
Some members of our community may feel particularly uneasy about law enforcement. If you see any external law enforcement or have questions about encounters with external law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on campus, please call Penn Police at 215-573-3333, who will respond and coordinate with other support resources on campus.
We encourage those who are feeling unsafe to reach out to us for additional resources, including walking security escort services by calling 215-898-WALK (9255) anywhere throughout our patrol area.
For students:
As we navigate periods of uncertainty, we are all likely to experience a range of emotional discomfort. Wellness at Penn is here to support you and help you manage your wellbeing. Learn more about Managing Stress in Uncertain Times here.
Medical care and mental health support is available 24/7 at 215-746-WELL (9355).
University Life nurtures an inclusive campus life environment where students can grow intellectually, engage in meaningful experiential opportunities, and support one another. They can connect with the cultural and community resource centers.
For faculty and staff:
Penn employees can access Penn Cobalt, a web-based platform, that matches Penn employees to mental health resources and the appropriate level of group and individual mental health and well-being support.
Resources and tips are available for faculty and staff looking for ways to support students.