June 5, 2019

Dear Colleagues,

Drexel's global ties are integral to our mission, whether in educating international students here on campus, placing Drexel undergraduates in career-defining co-ops with companies, or creating new knowledge through research partnerships that span continents. That is why we will do everything possible to preserve these critical relationships, and to safeguard the students, faculty, and professional staff who are at the heart of what we do.

Federal agencies and policy makers have expressed concern that foreign entities may be trying to use academic research institutions to compromise national security and economic competitiveness. While we must remain alert and take steps to guard against any attempts to do us harm, we must balance those concerns with our commitment to academic freedom and the important role international students and scholars play at Drexel.

The University’s global academic partnerships are vital to the research, discovery and innovation we do in a variety of sectors, including energy, healthcare, engineering and information technology. The knowledge gained from that pathbreaking research is a powerful economic engine, which can be applied toward solving some of society’s most difficult and persistent problems.

We will continue to welcome talented international students and scholars from around the globe, while also safeguarding our research enterprise, intellectual property, and academic freedom. Such openness and collaboration underscores why higher education in the United States remains the gold standard in helping to advance society. It is also why we must continue to welcome international students and scholars, while maintaining and enhancing our research partnerships.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President

Brian Blake
Nina Henderson Provost