Statements/Messages from President Starr

Today, we formally launch our campus climate survey—now open to all students, faculty and staff through March 6. I encourage you to make your voices heard by completing the survey.

Thank you to the more than 180 students, faculty and staff who attended the open campus forum last Tuesday to discuss the potential partnership between the College and Claremont Graduate University.

As the spring semester gets underway, it is wonderful to experience the fresh energy of campus life. I share here some of the major developments ahead.

I write to invite you to participate in important discussions between the College and Claremont Graduate University (CGU) about a possible future that we as a Pomona community, must explore thoroughly together.

As we wind down the fall semester and prepare to begin a new calendar year, I’m reflecting on the liberal‑arts tradition at Pomona College.

During the Spring 2026 semester, Pomona will conduct a follow-up campus climate survey to determine if our actions have led to positive, lasting changes. We have once again contracted with Rankin Climate to lead this effort.

As we begin the planning process for the FY2027 budget, we write to share an update on Pomona College’s current financial position.

Nearly two weeks ago, a gathering sponsored by the Hillel Club and the Scripps Jewish Studies Department to honor the victims of the October 7 massacre was disrupted by masked intruders. The incident left participants deeply shaken.

Last night, a memorial on our campus to honor the victims of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel was disrupted by four masked and disguised individuals who burst through a locked fire door, shouting.

The fall semester is well underway, and Pomona is alive with the energy of new possibilities. With so much happening, I wanted to share a brief summary of some developments of interest to Sagehens everywhere.