Meeting This Moment

Dear members of the Columbia community:

The challenges we face in this moment are no secret. Along with other leaders of our University, I have been traveling to Capitol Hill to advocate for Columbia and for higher education with members of Congress who are shaping the future of our nation. We are still figuring out how to navigate the ongoing changes in the federal government’s approach to its funding of research and other policies affecting higher education. I want to share some thoughts on the situation and a few conclusions I’ve drawn from my congressional visits.

First, I believe this period of uncertainty will continue for some time. We must work together as we face these new challenges and the new realities that emerge from them. Many of you have reached out to provide new ideas and insight, to express concern or anger, or to offer your help and collaboration. Your outreach and responses speak to the depth of the Columbia community’s commitment to its mission. Please know that for several months our leadership has been actively preparing for this changing federal policy environment, working with experts and peer institutions, evaluating potential impacts, and undertaking strategic planning. We cannot predict all that will unfold, but we are actively planning to mitigate the worst effects and as we know more will continue to share and engage the community in that planning. I can promise you that our leaders and I are working around the clock, along with many alumni and supporters of the University and so many of you in your labs, classrooms, and offices every day, to do everything we can to ensure that this great institution continues to thrive.

Second, during times of historic uncertainty and change, the path forward can be illuminated by our values. Columbia University has a noble, essential mission. We must affirm and defend it. At the same time, we must be honest and humble enough to recognize our flaws and focus on the areas where we can do better. This kind of fearless introspection is how great institutions remain that way. As we move forward, I have asked our deans to engage our faculty and students within their schools in efforts to focus on our mission, define priorities, candidly address new approaches, and take action to strengthen Columbia for the future.

Finally, we need your input and suggestions. The talent and intellect of this community is our greatest resource. We will continue to share updates with our community on developments and the actions we are undertaking, but we welcome your ideas as well. I have no doubt that our Columbia community is up to rising to meet this moment. If we work together we can emerge from this time stronger than ever.

All my best,

Katrina Armstrong
Interim President, Columbia University in the City of New York