The Yale University Podcast

Yale Update: Leadership Changes, Endowment Tax Response, Global Recognition, and Innovations in Education, Health, and Security

Good afternoon, Yale community. It's Monday, July 28, 2025, and here are the latest updates from our campus.
Dean Heather Gerken, who has led Yale Law School since 2017, will step down in November to become the president of the Ford Foundation. During her tenure, Dean Gerken spearheaded initiatives to make legal education more accessible, including eliminating tuition for low-income students. She also led a movement challenging the U.S. News law school rankings, prompting significant changes in their methodology. The university has not yet announced her successor.
In anticipation of a proposed increase in the federal endowment tax, Yale has implemented a 90-day hiring pause and a 5% reduction in non-salary expenses. These measures aim to mitigate potential financial impacts on the university's budget. The administration is closely monitoring legislative developments and will adjust strategies as needed.
Yale has intensified its lobbying efforts, spending $320,000 in the second quarter of 2025—a significant increase from previous quarters. The university has engaged prominent lobbying firms to advocate on its behalf, particularly concerning proposed federal policies affecting higher education funding.
The Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition has launched the inaugural session of the Yale and Slavery Teachers Institute. This program aims to equip educators with resources to teach about slavery's history in New England. Twenty-nine teachers were selected from over 150 applicants to participate in the institute's first session.
Yale School of Public Health students have developed a comprehensive dashboard to assist officials in responding to a measles outbreak in Texas. The tool includes maps, charts, and guidance for containment and treatment, filling a critical information gap during the crisis.
Russia has designated Yale University as an "undesirable organization," alleging activities aimed at undermining its territorial integrity and economic foundations. This designation effectively bans Yale's operations within Russia and poses legal risks for individuals collaborating with the university.
Yale, along with 23 other research universities, has filed a legal brief supporting a lawsuit challenging the federal government's freeze on research funding. The brief emphasizes the critical role of federal investment in scientific research for American innovation and economic growth.
Several Yale students have been recognized with prestigious scholarships. Rishi Shah and August Rios, both from the class of 2026, received the Truman Scholarship for aspiring public service leaders. Elena Bouldin, also class of 2026, was named a Udall Scholar, and Karinne Tennenbaum received an honorable mention from the Udall Foundation. Additionally, six Yale students and a recent alumnus have been awarded the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans to support their graduate studies.
Yale's Information Technology Services has initiated an enhanced multi-factor authentication process, requiring Duo MFA and removing Microsoft MFA as an option. This change aims to strengthen the university's cybersecurity measures.
The Yale Center for Climate Change and Health co-hosted the Urban Pulse CityXChange Conference in Mexico, bringing together stakeholders from multiple countries to address issues at the intersection of climate change, health, and equity.
That's all for today's update. Stay informed and engaged, Yale.

Yale News Update: Leadership Changes, Financial Measures, Prestigious Awards, Campus Reopenings & Global Challenges – July 21, 2025

Good afternoon, 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 assume the presidency of the Ford Foundation in November 2025. During her tenure since 2017, Dean Gerken spearheaded initiatives to enhance accessibility, including eliminating tuition for low-income students, and led a significant challenge to the U.S. News law school rankings methodology. 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%, and delayed several construction projects. These measures aim to address financial uncertainties and ensure the university's continued support for its faculty, students, and staff.
The Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition has announced 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 England to develop new learning experiences focused on regional history and the legacy of slavery.
Ana Fernández-Blázquez, a PhD student in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, has been awarded the Ana María Matute Award for excellence in Spanish studies. This honor recognizes her outstanding academic performance and contributions to the university community.
After a two-year renovation, the Yale Center for British Art has reopened its doors. The revitalized space welcomes scholars, students, and visitors, enhancing Yale's role as a hub for scholarly exchange and cultural connection.
Yale's Information Technology Services has initiated an enhanced Duo Multi-Factor Authentication process, which began rolling out on June 23. This update aims to bolster the university's cybersecurity measures. Additionally, the Spring Cyber Training Challenge recognized top-performing teams, including The Record Keepers from the Yale University Library.
The Russian government has designated Yale University as an "undesirable organization," alleging that the university's activities undermine Russia's territorial integrity and economic foundations. This designation effectively bans Yale from operating within Russia and poses legal risks for individuals collaborating with the university.
The Yale School of Public Health celebrated its independence with its inaugural State of the School Address. Dean Megan Ranney highlighted the school's vision of linking science and society to make public health foundational to communities worldwide.
Currently in New Haven, it's sunny with a temperature of 71°F (22°C). The afternoon will remain mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching up to 84°F (29°C) by 4:00 PM.
That's all for today's update. Stay informed and engaged, Yale.

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.