(Bri Nitsberg | Student Life)
An interview with Washington University Chancellor Andrew Martin was conducted by Student Life on March 5, marking his first Q&A since April 2023. During the discussion, Martin addressed various topics, including student activism, the university’s endowment, property acquisitions, and personal preferences such as his choice of eyewear. Below is an excerpt from the edited interview for brevity and clarity.
Student Life: If you had to summarize the past academic year in one word, what would it be?
Andrew Martin: Complex.
SL: Could you elaborate on that?
AM: This academic year has been particularly challenging for our community, primarily due to the events of October 7th and their aftermath. These incidents have strained relationships within the community, creating a complex and nuanced environment.
SL: Regarding your response to certain speech deemed hateful, how do you determine when to intervene in campus dialogues?
AM: In cases where language is hurtful or intimidating, such as the instance you mentioned, we aim to address it directly. While we do not enforce a ban, we acknowledge and condemn such language for its offensive nature.
SL: There have been calls for divestment from companies like Boeing and fossil fuels. Can you shed light on the university’s stance on these issues?
AM: We have opted not to divest from fossil fuels, emphasizing the endowment’s role in maximizing returns to support scholarships and faculty research. Our decisions are detailed in the annual report and align with our commitment to social responsibility.
SL: How does the recent negative return of the endowment impact university spending?
AM: The endowment’s payout is averaged over five years, smoothing out short-term fluctuations. However, prolonged negative returns could limit resources for areas like financial aid, affecting students’ support.
SL: The significant tuition increase this year raised questions. Could you explain the rationale behind this change?
AM: Inflation has been a driving factor behind the tuition adjustment, reflecting the rising costs of education and faculty/staff compensation. We also consider market positioning and ancillary fees in determining tuition rates.
SL: The University’s initiative to exclude federal loans for undergraduates received attention. How is this program being funded?
AM: We are financing this initiative through dedicated endowment funds, expendable gifts, and operational resources, ensuring sustainable support for student financial aid.
SL: Addressing rumors about potential acquisitions, are there plans to purchase Fontbonne or Concordia Seminary land?
AM: No plans exist for acquiring Fontbonne. However, we have a contract for the western portion of Concordia Seminary, pending final approval for an athletic campus development.
SL: Recent property acquisitions in the Delmar Loop area raised curiosity. What motivated these purchases, and what are the intended uses?
AM: The acquisitions aim to preserve the cultural integrity of the Delmar Loop, maintaining existing businesses to foster a vibrant and safe community environment. As for the vacant lot, development plans are contingent on harmonizing with the neighborhood and community preferences.
SL: In response to allegations within the MeToo WashU group, could you outline the university’s procedures for handling such cases?
AM: Allegations trigger investigations by the Title IX office, with subsequent actions taken based on investigation outcomes. Confidentiality and due process are paramount in addressing such sensitive matters.
SL: With the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, how will the university uphold diversity without this tool in admissions?
AM: Despite legal restrictions, our commitment to diversity remains unwavering. We focus on proactive recruitment strategies and robust support programs to nurture a diverse student body and promote inclusivity.
SL: Looking ahead, what challenges do you foresee for the university in the coming year?
AM: The global political landscape’s volatility presents challenges, including regional conflicts and domestic political tensions. Navigating these complexities will require resilience and adaptability from our community.
SL: Quickfire round: What book are you currently reading?
AM: “The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism.”
SL: Favorite restaurant on the Loop?
AM: Turmeric.
SL: Where do you purchase your glasses?
AM: Erkers, preferably the Ladue location for a wider selection of round frames.
SL: Number of red shoes you own?
AM: Approximately four.
SL: If you had to choose a WashU dorm to live in, which would it be?
AM: Lee-Beau, embracing the classic dorm experience.