Interim Update from the Affordability Steering Committee and Working Group

Date: Thursday, October 6, 2016
To: THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
From: NYU President Andrew Hamilton

I am pleased to convey to you the Affordability Steering Committee and Working Group’s interim updates, which were delivered to me and presented to the University Senate today.

The Committee and Working Group’s findings show that there is no one "silver bullet" that solves affordability issues at NYU. But they — along with more than 4,000 students, faculty, staff, and alumni who shared and voted for ideas online and in person — have produced an impressive array of thoughtful actions the University can take.

With our focus on affordability in mind, we have already begun to think ahead to 2017-18. Last year, we set the lowest year-to-year increase in cost-of-attendance in 20 years, and announced a raise in student wages to $15 per hour. While we are still early in the cycle of developing the budget for 2017-18, I want you to know that we are working hard to be in a position to moderate next year’s increase, as well.

As they continue their work to make NYU more affordable for more students, the Steering Committee and Working Group will maintain their tradition of open dialogue, particularly as they focus on the findings that call for further consultation with the deans and wider community. To participate in the conversation, follow them on medium.com/nyu-affordability throughout the academic year; new postings will be shared as updates are available.

I thank the members of the Steering Committee and Working Group – and particularly Committee Chair Ellen Schall – for their hard work, their good ideas, their commitment to engagement and communication, and their ongoing efforts.