Dear Pomona College community,
I very much look forward to welcoming President Starr back to the office this week and, as we make this transition, offer this latest update on federal developments related to higher education and Pomona.
First, though, my thanks for your support during my role as Acting President. It has been a privilege to serve the College and see Pomona’s vital work from this perspective. To say 2025 has been challenging for higher education would be an understatement, but serving in this role at this time has only deepened my conviction about our college’s mission and my appreciation for the steadfast bonds across this community. Thank you for everything you do to support one another and contribute to the irreplaceable value of higher education in our communal and national life. I look forward to returning to teaching full-time and serving the College as a member of our faculty.
Among the priorities awaiting President Starr’s return will be continuing to advance and build on the progress the College has made thus far on the strategic vision, which will propel Pomona along its trajectory of innovation as a leader in the liberal arts. President Starr will share an update in July on the continuing work to advance this strategy that will take on new momentum in the coming academic year.
We remain vigilant in tracking federal developments that affect the College, including the following matters:
Immigration Enforcement
We share concerns about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s enforcement tactics, including those reported in Los Angeles and our surrounding area. You can find extensive information about individual rights related to immigration enforcement here. I encourage students with related concerns to contact Dean of Students Avis Hinkson and staff and faculty to contact Human Resources. Our Office of International Student and Scholar Services, led by Assistant Director Kathy Quispe, continues to advise our international students through these matters. The College is supporting them every way we can.
Travel Bans
As you know, President Trump’s Executive Order banning or severely restricting travel to the United States from 19 countries went into effect on June 9. This order impacts 6% of the world’s population and tens of thousands of students across American higher education, including some of our Pomona students. The administration has also suggested that within 60 days it may expand the travel ban to another 36 countries. We are monitoring these matters closely. Assistant Director Quispe continues to reach out to international students affected or potentially affected by the administration’s actions, and we encourage any international students who may need her office’s guidance to get in touch with her.
Endowment Tax
As you know, President Trump and the Republican Congressional majority aim to pass the budget reconciliation bill this week. The draft bill from the House proposed increasing the endowment tax on colleges and universities that exceed certain per-student endowment thresholds, which would include Pomona. Please see my prior summary of this matter for further background.
Our consultants in Washington, D.C. and representatives of the small colleges’ coalition have indicated positive developments related to this tax in the Senate version of the bill that is currently under debate. This remains an evolving situation, however, so I will stress that the College is prepared to adapt its budget to meet a wide range of outcomes. We will continue to closely monitor the bill’s progress, and President Starr will provide regular updates on federal actions affecting Pomona.
I end my tenure as Acting President with the deepest admiration and gratitude to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, supporters and friends, and with profound appreciation for President Starr’s leadership. Pomona matters because of the work of our entire community and because of your commitment to the ideals we hold dear and the spirit of excellence, caring and community that connect us. Thank you.
With warmest regards,
Bob
Robert R. Gaines
Acting President
Edwin F. and Martha Hahn Professor of Geology