Cultivating a Caring, Respectful and Inclusive Campus Environment
August 21, 2025
Dear Stony Brook Campus Community,
The past few days have been incredibly joyful as our campus community comes alive
with the arrival of our newest Seawolves, who will join returning students, faculty,
staff and healthcare professionals when the fall semester begins on August 25. I can’t
wait for the academic year to start, my first as your new president. The start of
the academic year signals a return to the intellectual vibrancy that defines university
life, with endless opportunities to learn new things, grow in new dimensions and meet
new people, whether you are faculty, students, healthcare professionals or staff.
Our campus is committed to free inquiry as the bedrock of education. Indeed, fostering
an environment of intellectual engagement between people who disagree creates opportunities
to question your own views and to learn new ideas and perspectives. At the same time,
we must create a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone so that all members
of our community can thrive. Our interactions should be guided by intellectual curiosity,
care and empathy because that is what creates the dynamic, supportive and welcoming
environment that makes Stony Brook such a uniquely special community.
As we begin this new academic year, I ask you to familiarize yourself with the Stony Brook University Guide for Campus Events and Demonstrations that details the university’s policies for hosting events, engaging in demonstrations
and the expectations for upholding civil discourse. It defines what is permitted and
the consequences of violating the guidelines, which are viewpoint-neutral and apply
equally to everyone. These guidelines safeguard freedom of speech, promote conversations
rooted in civility and respect, and ensure the health, safety and well-being of our
campus community.
Since arriving on campus a little more than two weeks ago — and throughout the months
leading up to my presidency — I have been inspired by your pride, ambition and community
spirit. I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary welcome you have given me and for
the trust you have placed in me as your seventh president. Together, let us model
for the world the special power of university life by fostering a caring and respectful
environment where every Seawolf feels the spirit of belonging — an environment that
will propel us to greater heights of excellence and impact.
I look forward to a year of shared discovery, new possibilities and collective success.
With appreciation,
Andrea Goldsmith, President