Supporting Our Mission

Boston University Office of the President

March 19, 2025

Dear Members of Boston University’s Faculty and Staff,

As many students return from spring break, I am writing to address several issues currently affecting our University and other institutions throughout the nation.

Budget Pressures

Earlier this semester, I announced that we would slow spending in response to our budgetary challenges. A confluence of factors and external pressures affecting Boston University and higher ed more generally have led us to this moment. As I mentioned in my prior messages, the Student Information System implementation, shrinking graduate enrollments, inflationary pressures, and other factors have contributed to the need for fiscal controls. As we look forward, we must also be mindful of changes happening in Washington that could have a further impact on our financial health. For these reasons, it is critical for us to take additional measures to align our spending and revenue.

Earlier this year, I charged Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer Nicole Tirella with analyzing our fiscal constraints and evaluating a range of options to address them. Next week, we will share budget targets for academic and administrative leaders and work together to identify additional strategies for revenue generation and cost reduction to ensure our long-term success.

Shifting Federal Policies

Many of you have expressed concerns regarding actions taken by the federal government. Please be assured that University Provost Gloria Waters and I are working closely with our government relations teams, in Washington and Boston, as well as with other institutions, to navigate shifting federal policies and their implications. I have established an Issues Response Team that informs our academic and administrative leaders of pressures facing our institution. For those seeking further information, I encourage you to review the FAQs we have developed and are updating regularly.

Commitment to Our Values

As we take steps to comply with changes to federal law and policy, I am aware that some have questioned the administration’s commitment to the diversity and inclusivity of the University. To address these concerns, I point to our core values. Boston University was founded on the belief that higher education should be accessible to all. Our founders envisioned a university where no qualified individual—regardless of race, religion, or sex—would be turned away. This commitment has included all people regardless of background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or country of origin. This foundational commitment to identify and nurture talented individuals from all backgrounds while ensuring they can fully engage in our environment remains at the heart of who we are and must continue to be. Nevertheless, we can do even more to make certain that our people thrive and that we serve our surrounding community.

Many of you have also expressed concerns about free speech, particularly related to the issues of the day. I want to reaffirm that our commitment to free expression is unwavering. To paraphrase our first president, William Fairfield Warren, speech is the primary means by which we bring to life the ideals of character and purpose. Since our inception, we have been steadfast in our commitment to the importance of free speech, and this commitment will continue to guide us.

Moving Forward

Despite these headwinds, the University must continue to advance, in support of our mission and our promising future. There is a lot to do in the final months of the semester. We will develop a strategic framework focused on excellence in academics, talent, and operations to maintain our momentum and steward resources effectively. The provost and I will reorganize our offices for greater impact and efficiency, while completing leadership searches for academic deans, advancement, and communications to strengthen our ability to lead, raise money, and communicate strategically during this critical time.

Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your willingness to share your thoughts, concerns, and constructive criticism. Your insights into the University are invaluable. I firmly believe that true growth is achieved by overcoming adversity. I am profoundly thankful that Boston University is a place where groundbreaking research thrives and where the next generation of leaders are equipped to confront the critical issues of our time. I am equally appreciative of our people and their unwavering commitment to discovery, innovation, education, and service.

Sincerely,

Melissa Gilliam
President