To Members of the Robert College Community:

In recent weeks, a number of people have asked about the impact of the current global economic crisis on Robert College.  The purpose of this letter is to assure the Robert College community that although we are not immune to the effects of the decline of the global markets, Robert College remains strong and we are confident that we will weather this storm without sacrificing any of the qualities that  have made RC the excellent school that it is.  

When it became clear in the early fall that the economic crisis was a reality, the Trustees and Administration responded quickly, both to meet the current challenges but also to position the school as strongly as possible for the future.  From the very beginning, we have made the educational program, faculty and students our highest priorities.  Robert College has faced difficult economic times before and doubtless will again, but the care and commitment of many good people has allowed us to continue to thrive.

We are examining our program and staffing to ensure that we are spending prudently in all areas.  Specifically, we have trimmed our budget in a number of areas.  Most painfully, this has meant that we have had to reduce our staffing in all areas.  This has not been easy for any of us, but we have made every effort to ensure that our academic program and support services do not suffer. 

One of Robert College’s major commitments, both philosophically and financially, is to our scholarship program, and we have also studied this area carefully. It is our goal to continue to make it possible for the best students to attend RC. To the extent that economic circumstances allow, we will make every effort to continue to honor this commitment.

As we work our way through this difficult period, I invite everyone involved with the school to remember that our most important goal is to protect those qualities which have made Robert College the great institution it is.  If we can do this together, thoughtfully, with discipline, and with commitment, I am confident that our school will maintain its essential qualities as it has in the past, that we will continue to honor our traditions and our mission, and that we will be stronger for having met and overcome this latest set of challenges.

With thanks to you all for your interest, care and support,

And best wishes,

John R. Chandler

Headmaster