Message to Campus Community on Proposed Federal Budget

Dear Lehigh Campus Community,

As many of you know, an early stage outline of the FY 2018 Federal budget has been published by President Trump. This budget plan proposes some substantial changes in funding for a number of agencies that would directly impact higher education, student aid, and research funding. It is early in the budget process, so it is likely that what will pass through Congress will be substantially different.

The proposed changes in Federal funding inject an additional element of uncertainty for all universities. This additional uncertainly might feel particularly important at Lehigh, given our plans for growing students and faculty and establishing a new College of Health.  

We think that it is important to choose our institutional goals and the path to get there, and proactively work to achieve that. We can't be oblivious to a changing environment. We also must not be merely reactive. Acting based on a 10-year or longer time horizon involves acting boldly in uncertain times. While an already challenging environment for Federal funding may become even more so in the short-term, we need to position Lehigh to serve future societal needs and be ready to take advantage of opportunities that will arise in the future.  

We are engaged with our congressional delegation to be sure they understand our views on the proposed budget and its impact on Lehigh and the communities we serve. However, even as the budget discussion evolves, we need to attend to our Lehigh goals and act boldly in moving toward those goals.

Sincerely,

John D. Simon 
President

Patrick V. Farrell
Provost