To the University Community:

I strongly support the University Team Initiative and invite you to find out about the various programs and plans and participate enthusiastically as interest and time allows.

Last academic year, New School University was faced with one of the most difficult years in its history. The attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon was not just another disaster. Coming as it did at the opening of our academic year when the economy was already in an economic recession the destruction shook our educational foundations. With revenues down sharply and expenses up, with students making requests for refunds so they could go to school elsewhere, with our largest dormitory a few blocks from ground zero, and with our employees required to take public transportation into an area that was still considered a health and security risk, the situation could not have been bleaker.

But, thanks to the commitment of New School University staff, faculty and students, we not only survived but we have recovered our financial footing completely and have enrolled a record number of high quality students for this year's fall term. Most impressive was the willingness of our employees to give more than what was asked of them. They worked longer hours under stressful conditions for the sake of an institution they love. They did not have to do what they did; what they gave this past year came from the heart.

The spirit of working together – sometimes under very difficult circumstances – for a larger purpose is fundamental to the idea behind the University Team Initiative. I encourage every employee to join in the discussion of teamwork at New School University, in support of our common goal to make this is great University.

Bob Kerrey