they undertook to help build a stronger community in Oakland
the kinds of experiences that will motivate students not only to
(see the winter 2012 Mills Quarterly). Their work strengthened
stay through graduation but also to come back as alumnae after
educational opportunity for youth, provided mentorship, and
they’ve graduated. We’ve got to develop the relationships—both
helped maintain the city’s cultural richness. Closer to home, stu-
for residents and commuters—that bring students back as alum-
dents even protested near my front yard following some neces-
nae. That’s how we will feed the future of the College.
sary, but painful, cuts to the campus budget and personnel last
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winter. At the same time, they were very respectful in the way they presented their anger and concerns, and the actions paved the way for meaningful dialog. Most recently, this year’s graduat-
We must continue to invest in the primary goals of the College: academic excellence and an outstanding student experience.
ing seniors focused their activism on fundraising for the College:
While it is true that we need to make wise and careful choices
as of Commencement on May 12, a very impressive 42 percent
about our use of resources, we remain committed to providing
of the Class of 2012 contributed to the senior gift campaign,
an exceptional undergraduate education for women as well as
which will fund a scholarship at Mills. This result shows a great
innovative graduate programs for women and men. We must
appreciation for their experiences here and an exceptional level
maintain our tenure-track faculty positions and continue to pro-
of commitment to the College and to women’s education. Mills
vide the necessary support and services that our students rely
students truly rise to a challenge and put their ideals into action.
on. In addition, I recognize the need for Mills to be competitive
4
with other institutions in hiring new professors and in offering
The most urgent issue facing Mills today is undoubtedly the challenge of balancing our budget.
financial assistance to students who will benefit from the Mills experience. To that end, I have asked the members of my cabinet to think
In September, I announced a significant budget shortfall and,
quite broadly about the strategic investments that will most
since then, we have taken many steps to address it. I know these
effectively advance the College. For example, we could build
are unpleasant circumstances, but this challenge has spurred us
on Mills’ strong foundation in the sciences, particularly in view
to coalesce as a community around our shared commitment to
of the fact that we hear so much about the challenges women
this institution. Many people have expressed their support and
encounter in studying science at large universities. A place like
their desire to help in any way they can. Three staff members
Mills, with the close, supportive relationships that students have
offered to take additional furlough time, saying they wanted to
with their faculty, is a wonderful environment for young women
do more to demonstrate their support. I am so proud of the way
to study science. But we also need to consider investments that
individuals have stepped up—and indeed, of the way the entire
go beyond specific academic programs, such as upgrading infor-
community has come together in the face of this challenge. This
mation technology on campus.
has been extraordinary.
In the fall, the College will begin a new strategic planning
Improving our enrollment numbers is a critical piece in solv-
process, since our current strategic plan will then be in its final
ing our budget issues. We’re currently conducting a national
year. We will engage many voices in this conversation so that
search for a vice president for enrollment management who will
whatever plan we put in place takes into account the diverse
play a leading role in this effort. It is also important to attract
concerns of the Mills community and merits broad support from
more students to the residential options available on campus,
all stakeholders. It will be an exciting opportunity for the com-
both to help with the College’s financial stability and to create a
munity to come together once again and consider what choices
stronger sense of belonging among students. This is just one of
can be made to steer Mills towards a strong and healthy future. Summer 2012
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