TULANE TALK

March 20, 2009

Good Morning:

The economy and its effect on Tulane, an overview of our undergraduate admissions and financial aid processes and an annual report from the Tulane Alumni Association were all part of the busy agenda in meetings of the Board of Tulane and the President’s Council this week.

As I told you previously, despite the struggling global economy I remain optimistic that Tulane University will likely withstand this period better than most. Our post-Katrina reorganization, record levels of student interest, quality and achievement, our dedicated faculty and staff and the continued support of our alumni and friends provide us a solid grounding during these uncertain times.

The Tulane community, like others around the country, is finding ways to operate as cost-efficiently as possible and make sacrifices when necessary, which I very much appreciate. As we finalize the budget for 2010 in the next six weeks, I will write you a more detailed message regarding the actions underway to ensure we are being fiscally prudent while we remain focused on our highest institutional priorities.

Providing our young people with solid grounding is also the topic of my meeting today with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek, Recovery School District Superintendent Paul Vallas and New Orleans Public School Superintendent Darryl Kilbert. In a frank and fruitful roundtable discussion we will join other educational leaders to exchange ideas about the future of education in Louisiana and the role Secretary Duncan’s office can play as we continue to transform our schools into model institutions of learning.

As is very obvious by our blooming city, today is the first day of spring. So, I want to wish all of our students a safe and enjoyable time as they begin their Spring Break and hope that all of you take some time to enjoy our beautiful weather.

Have a great weekend,