October 17, 2001

Dear Brown community members:

President Ruth J. Simmons presented a preliminary report to the Corporation of Brown University at our meeting on October 13, 2001 on the state of the University, emphasizing Brown's critical academic priorities. It was the sense of the Corporation that the community should be informed of our reaction to President Simmons' report.

The Corporation affirmed the President's clearly stated goal, which is to strengthen Brown's academic mission, and committed itself to supporting initiatives that will expedite her efforts. We directed the President to present, at our February meeting, a substantial proposal to enhance academic excellence and enrich the intellectual life of the University.

The members of the Corporation enthusiastically endorsed the President's priorities, which include faculty resources, research opportunities, and financial support for graduate and undergraduate students. It is our expectation that the plan that will be submitted in February will include specific recommendations that will enable us to act quickly and make an immediate impact on the quality of our University.

Sincerely,

Stephen Robert

Chancellor