February 2025

Dear Adelphi Community,

Recent executive orders may raise understandable concerns and questions among our students, faculty and staff—particularly regarding federal funding, immigration policies and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In moments of uncertainty, it is important to reaffirm who we are and what we stand for. 

Adelphi University believes diversity benefits our community, enriches learning and our academic environment, and improves student outcomes and lives. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide an extraordinary academic experience in a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for our students, faculty and staff. We will continue working in earnest to be a model of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Be assured that we are closely monitoring developments and will continue to advocate for policies that align with our values and support our students. With President Riordan, Provost Storm and our senior Adelphi leadership, I am committed to helping our community navigate the path ahead with confidence and resilience. 

Although the landscape may shift, Adelphi will stay the course—true to our core values and strategic priorities in Momentum 2. We remain unwaveringly committed to student success, academic excellence and a diverse, global community. We will strive to provide guidance, resources and advocacy to help every member of our community feel supported, valued and empowered. 

Some ongoing efforts—which often heighten in times of change or challenge—include:

• The President’s Office continues working with Adelphi’s supporters, advocates and policy advisors in higher education to stay informed and prepared to navigate any impact on our community members and academic mission.

• The Provost’s Office is actively monitoring executive orders regarding federal funding for research, grants, special projects and sponsored programs. 

• The One Stop Student Services Center continues to process and disburse 2024-25 financial aid on schedule this spring while assisting students with the 2025-26 FAFSA.

• The Office of International Services is reviewing Adelphi’s immigration policies, providing additional resources on our Immigration Support website and activating our International and Immigration Task Force.

• The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is actively monitoring executive orders on DEI programs and historically marginalized groups for potential impacts on our community, initiatives, and commitments while maintaining our support for an inclusive and welcoming environment. 

Please continue scrolling for a list of University resources that can support you if you are in need. Thank you for being good to one another as we advance together with commitment and resilience.

With gratitude,

Our University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) will launch Adelphi’s first-ever Diversity Campus Climate Survey this semester. 

This survey will help us better understand how Adelphi's DEIB initiatives have shaped our campus environment and impact your daily individual experiences here. It will be administered by the global analytics and research firm Hanover Research to allow all students, faculty and staff to confidentially share valuable feedback. 

Process

• The Office of DEIB is collaborating with the University Diversity Committee, Academic Diversity Implementation Team and Institutional Research and Strategic Analytics on the development of the survey.

• Community members are invited to attend one of three virtual Town Halls this month to learn more about the Diversity Campus Climate Survey and how your participation is important to this effort. 

• Hanover Research will administer the confidential survey to the full Adelphi community over several weeks this semester.

• We will use the survey results to identify key priorities, opportunities and next steps for growth and enhancement of our diverse and inclusive community.

Your feedback will provide important context and direction for strengthening our University commitment to an inclusive, caring and welcoming academic community, in alignment with Adelphi's Momentum 2 Strategic Plan. 

Pre-register for the virtual session that fits your schedule.  

📅 Thursday, February 13 | 12:00–1:00 p.m.  
📅 Monday, February 24 | 12:00–1:00 p.m.  
📅 Friday, February 28 | 12:00–1:00 p.m.   

On January 29, Adelphi University celebrated Jovia Mentoring: Guiding and Inspiring Student Success at Adelphi University. The special event featured powerful testimonials and recognized community members and stakeholders for their outstanding contributions to mentoring.

Congratulations to Adelphi's 2025 National Mentoring Month award recipients: 

• Brooks Fredericks, adjunct professor, Studio Art—Appreciation Award 

• Anne M. Mungai, Ph.D., associate provost and professor of education—Trailblazer Award 

• Melinda Neus, associate director, Visit Experience—Certificate of Appreciation 

• Joanna Templeton, lead editor and senior director of content, University Communications and Marketing—Champion Award 

If you are feeling in need of support, please tap into the resources that Adelphi offers:

• Student Counseling Center—Call 516.877.3646 or email scc@adelphi.edu for counseling or support.  

• Center for Psychological Services—The Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology offers free psychotherapy services for all Adelphi students. Call 516.877.4820.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)—Cigna’s EAP is free for all Adelphi employees regardless of health plan. Call 877.622.4327 or visit MyCigna.com.

• Interfaith Center—Our interfaith chaplains offer a welcoming space for individuals of any faith who seek spiritual guidance and support. Call 516.877.3113.

• Mindfulness Center—The center on the third floor of our Ruth S. Harley University Center is a space for students, staff, and faculty to explore mindful practices.

• International Services—For immigration guidance, compliance assistance, and campus resources for community members with immigration-related concerns, visit Post Hall, Suite 200, email is@adelphi.edu, call 516.877.4990, or submit a request.

Schedule A Meeting

You can arrange to meet with R. Sentwali Bakari, PhD, vice president for student affairs and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, or Chotsani Williams West, EdD, MA ’07, assistant vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

To schedule a meeting, contact Cathy Harrison, executive assistant and office manager, at charrison@adelphi.edu for an appointment.

Share Your Thoughts

Email the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at audiversity@adelphi.edu. 

Locations: Garden City • Hauppauge • New York City • New York’s Hudson Valley • Online
adelphi.edu • 800.ADELPHI