A New Year Begins 8/23/17

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

It is such a pleasure to see and participate in the series of activities—from welcoming our new students to the opening of the new Wheelock Student Center plaza—that precede the beginning of the fall semester as we prepare for the first day of classes on Monday.

White House Executive Orders 1/30/17

Jan. 30, 2017

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

Over the past few days the White House has released three executive orders pertaining to immigration, heightening our concerns for the safety and wellbeing of members of our campus community and of our democracy. These new actions are particularly concerning for persons who are undocumented or who have ties to one of seven countries where issuance of visas and other immigration benefits have been suspended. Links to the text of these executive orders appear below.

Vice President for Enrollment Search 7/1/16

July 1, 2016

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

Just prior to my arrival I began working on some key issues on behalf of Puget Sound, including the process to select a vice president for enrollment to succeed Jenny Rickard (who leaves us in August to become executive director of The Common Application in Washington, D.C.).

Update on Resources Regarding Support for Undocumented Individuals 2/16/17

February 16, 2017

I am writing to you with an update on ongoing work to support Puget Sound’s commitment to protect to the full moral, ethical, and legal extent possible undocumented members of the campus community, including undocumented and DACA students.

The Undocumented Students Work Group (USWG), chaired by University Chaplain Dave Wright ’96, has been convened and has begun its work, including a discussion with student members of Advocates for Detainees' Voices. The USWG is meeting weekly to serve as a source of expertise for the campus on immigration developments.

Freedom of Speech 11/11/16

November 11, 2016

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

Early this morning a deeply disturbing and offensive flier was discovered in various locations on campus, including Wheelock Student Center and Collins Memorial Library. The flier lists members of our community by name in inflammatory terms. The university is pursuing an investigation and will act on its findings as expeditiously as possible.

First Day Greetings 7/1/16

July 1, 2016

Dear Fellow Members of the Campus Community,

I’m so happy to be here and look forward to meeting all of you in the days and weeks to come—starting today!

I hope you can stop by to say hello and enjoy a cup of coffee together in the Wheelock Student Center Piano Lounge this morning at 10:30. I will also be out making the rounds of campus, starting with a full-fledged campus tour in just a little while.

Commitment to Community Regarding Immigration Status 12/6/16

December 6, 2016

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

Following up on my message to campus of November 18, and in response to a petition delivered to me, Vice President for Academic Affairs Kris Bartanen and the Board of Trustees on November 21, I write today to update you on the university's commitment to support all members of our academic community regardless of immigration status or religious affiliation.