Dear Members of the Notre Dame Community,
We have heard from a number of you as new executive orders, federal agency directives, and other policy changes have been announced over the past few weeks. Be assured that navigating this new landscape is the top priority for us. The entire leadership team is focused on understanding and responding to the impacts on members of our community and the research and scholarship at the heart of our mission to be the leading global Catholic research university.
To aid in these efforts, we have established an oversight team, chaired by Fr. Dowd, that is meeting frequently to stay abreast of developments across a range of issues, including research, campus life, belonging, international students and scholars, financial and tax policy, and athletics. Through the oversight team and the many groups working alongside it, we are evaluating changes in federal and state policy, formulating responses, and where possible, identifying opportunities for advocacy. Our efforts include communicating with federal agencies and lawmakers, collaborating with peer institutions, and partnering with higher education colleagues in, among others, the Association of American Universities, the American Council on Education, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Council on Government Relations.
We are grateful for the dedication, collaboration, and guidance of many leaders across campus, particularly the deans as well as our colleagues in Notre Dame Research, the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, and the Finance Division. The recent letter from Vice President for Student Affairs Fr. Gerry Olinger, C.S.C., to students underscored our commitment to walking together through this season of change as a community of faith, hope, and love. We are grateful also to our colleagues in the Office of Federal and Washington Relations who are working tirelessly to keep us informed and help us identify both challenges and opportunities as we move forward.
Perhaps the most important message we can convey is that the University is more committed than ever to its mission and to being the Notre Dame we are called to be, in the words of Fr. Dowd in his inaugural address, “seekers of truth, sustainers of hope, and builders of bridges.” We know we will emerge from this time of uncertainty even stronger, as has been true throughout the University’s history. In the meantime, let us rededicate ourselves to the important work we are doing, whether in our studies, through our research and teaching, or in the many other ways we each seek to advance the University’s mission to be a great force for good.
Thank you for the ways you embody the best of Notre Dame. You and your loved ones are always in our prayers.
