| Messages
Dear Colleagues, I am sure many of you have seen or heard about the article that appeared in the Boston Globe on November 19 discussing how Northeastern and other universities deal with issues related to student debt. The article focused in part on a case involving one of our former students. Although I cannot address the details of that specific case, I believe we should take this opportunity to consider ways to insure compliance with financial obligations that are consistent with our values as a university and a community. To my mind that means we treat one another with respect and dignity and we align ourselves with organizations who share that philosophy. Toward that end, I am pleased to announce that Attorney Ralph Martin, alumnus of Northeastern University School of Law, current Chairman of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and respected member of the Boston community, has agreed to undertake a thorough review of our collections practices and policies. Mr. Martin will report back to me by March 1 with his recommendations for changes that might be in order to insure that our policies and procedures reflect best practices within higher education while preserving Northeastern's values. I am very grateful to him for his assistance and I thank all of you in advance for your cooperation in providing Ralph with the information he needs to expedite this process. | |