Yale Law Dean Departs, Financial Measures Enacted, British Art Center Reopens, Record Alumni Reunion, and Major Campus Updates

Good morning, Yale community. Here are the latest updates from our campus as of Monday, July 21, 2025. Dean Heather Gerken has announced her departure from Yale Law School to become the president of the Ford Foundation in November 2025. During her tenure since 2017, Dean Gerken spearheaded initiatives to enhance law school accessibility, including eliminating tuition for low-income students. She also led a significant challenge to the U.S. News law school rankings, prompting systemic changes. The university has yet to announce her successor. In anticipation of a proposed increase in the endowment gains tax, Yale has implemented a 90-day hiring pause, reduced non-salary expenses by 5%, delayed several construction projects, and lowered annual salary increases for faculty and staff. These measures aim to navigate financial uncertainties and ensure the university's continued support for its current faculty, students, and staff. The Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition has launched the inaugural session of the Yale and Slavery Teachers Institute. Running from July 14 to July 23, the program brings together 29 educators from New Haven and surrounding areas to develop new learning experiences focused on teaching the history of slavery in New England. After a two-year renovation, the Yale Center for British Art has reopened its doors. The enhanced facility aims to serve as a hub for scholarly exchange and cultural connection, welcoming scholars, students, and visitors from around the world. Over two weekends, Yale College welcomed 4,952 alumni back to campus for reunions, setting a new attendance record. Attendees participated in over 400 programs and events, including faculty lectures, class activities, and special campus tours, fostering reconnections and new friendships among the Yale community. Yale's Information Technology Services has begun a rolling migration to an updated multi-factor authentication process, requiring Duo MFA and removing Microsoft MFA as an option. This change aims to enhance the university's cybersecurity measures. Russia has labeled Yale University an "undesirable organization," effectively banning its operations within Russia. The Russian prosecutor general accused Yale's activities of violating the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation and undermining its economic foundations. That's all for today's updates. Stay informed and engaged with our vibrant Yale community.