The president, provost, and Medical Center CEO discussed the potential impact of recent changes to the institution and area community.
University of Rochester President Sarah Mangelsdorf, University of Rochester Medical Center CEO David Linehan, and University Provost Nicole Sampson addressed the University community in a July 16 webinar about the recent federal policy changes and what they may mean for the institution.
More than 3,000 faculty and staff joined the webinar to learn about the University’s response to the ongoing federal policy and funding changes, and what their impact may be on the academic campuses, the Medical Center and its healthcare affiliates, and the greater Rochester community.
Moderated by Kathleen Gallucci, University vice president and chief human resources officer, the hourlong webinar aimed to provide a clear and transparent update on what’s changing at the federal level, identify areas of uncertainty, and discuss potential implications for the University and the communities that we serve. The topics addressed by the University leaders included the overall institutional outlook; workforce impacts and benefits programs; academics, research, and enrollment; budgets; and the healthcare landscape.
Select quotes from University leaders
President Sarah Mangelsdorf: “We will continue to focus on our mission to heal, discover, and create, and make the world ever better. But truly, without our values as a community, that mission would ring pretty hollow. We cannot make the world better if we fail to respect one another as community members, if we don’t welcome all perspectives and people, and if we don’t act with integrity, openness, and accountability.
“We will do what we can to keep you informed. As we learn things, we will do other webinars throughout the year to fill you in as best we can. But please continue to share your concerns with your departments and units, and we promise to keep the community up to date as we get more information, and as we work through this challenging period together. We have a long legacy of progress and success by being true to our ideals as an academic community, I am confident that will be the case as we work through the next few years. Thanks to all of you for all you do, each and every day for our community and for one another.”
Provost Nicole Sampson: “We’ve been actively monitoring and planning for this across the spring semester. And although we’re always concerned, there’s also, I think, real cause for confidence in our collective ability to adapt and lead forward. In the face of the challenges before us, your work—your dedication to our students and patients, to your disciplines, and to the University—has never been more important.”
Medical Center CEO David Linehan: “Regardless of the shifting priorities of the federal and state government, one thing is certain, and that is there will continue to be an enormous and growing demand for our services. As we address this new challenge, the good news is that we’re starting from a strong foundation and a stable financial position.
“I don’t want to sugarcoat that we have some difficult years ahead, but I think we’re in a strong position to adapt to an ever-changing environment in a dynamic landscape. Managing through these challenging times will require participation from everyone.”
