In the wake of campus turmoil last spring, President Jay Bernhardt pledged to prioritize enrollment, strengthen the community and build Emerson’s brand during Tuesday’s Faculty Institute.
Following a string of announcements this summer regarding staff layoffs, a modified code of community standards, an interim policy on campus demonstrations, and a community-building initiative, Bernhardt spoke in front of faculty about his plans for the college’s future after the fallout over pro-Palestinian protests and subsequent arrests.
In June, Bernhardt announced that the college faced a significant enrollment shortfall, leading to budget cuts, including paused capital projects, reduced faculty searches, staff layoffs, and two eliminated programs. The college also raised tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year by 3%. The enrollment decline, Bernhardt said, was attributed in part to “negative press and social media” from pro-Palestinian demonstrations and arrests that followed.
There were less than 11,000 total applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Emerson’s admission rate increased to more than 50%. The percentage of students who submitted deposits decreased to less than 17%, or more than 850, as of September.
Ahead of the faculty institute, several staff and faculty members distributed leaflets outside of Piano Row, where the faculty institute was being held in the Bobbi Brown and Steven Plofker Gym, calling to bring back the Bright Lights Cinema Series, which was canceled in August.
Bernhardt set the tone for the year, saying that he believes Emerson will be a “leading college of arts and communication.” As one of the few colleges focusing exclusively on the two subjects, he said Emerson plays an important role in building bridges among divided communities.
“There is no other college like this,” Bernhardt said. “And that is an incredible asset, an incredible strength, and in some respects, a challenge.”
Although undergraduate enrollment decreased by about 200 students since 2023, graduate enrollment increased, according to a chart shared with faculty. Enrollment for undergraduate transfer students slightly decreased.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action in June 2023, Emerson’s BIPOC enrollment did not change.
The tuition hike was able to soften the blow of the college’s budget reductions. More than 90% of the college’s annual spending comes from tuition, housing, and dining, Bernhardt said.
The majority of the funds from increased tuition, he said, went towards financial aid, which increased by 7.1%. The college also increased its operating revenue by nearly 4% to an estimated $271 million in the previous fiscal year with the tuition raise. The endowment increased to about $265 million, meaning that the college has more money that can be drawn annually to support operation costs and provide financial support for students, Berndardt added.
While Bernhardt said the college must diversify its revenue streams for long-term financial health, he remains confident in Emerson’s finances long term.
In August, Emerson announced its interim restrictions on campus demonstrations, generating a wave of criticism from students, faculty, and staff, particularly those who were a part of Emerson Students for Justice in Palestine, the Emerson Students’ Union, Emerson Jews Against Zionism, and Emerson Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine. Many said the college’s policies are an attack on free speech and the right to protest on campus.
There were also concerns over disciplinary action for those who violate the policies. Emerson is “legally obligated to balance issues of free speech and free expression” along with abiding by Title VI, VII, and IX protections, Bernhardt said.
“If and when the various policies and rules are violated, I will not unilaterally decide what will happen in any of those circumstances,” Bernhardt said. “We have systems and processes in place across the college for how those issues are managed and their conduct procedures.”
He added that the college does not have a set date for when the interim policies will become updated or permanent.
Emerson will also update its branding to attract incoming and prospective students. The college recently hired Rebekah Carmichael as vice president of marketing and communication, a role that has not been filled in 15 years, Bernhardt said.
In terms of union negotiations in the summer, Bernhardt announced that faculty salaries have increased through new collective bargaining agreements. The resident assistants also secured their first union contract.
Looking ahead to the academic year, Bernhardt acknowledged Emerson as a champion of inclusivity, but not without its challenges. He said the community must work together to create a better future for the college.
“The challenges we face are significant,” he said. “And the opportunities we have are immense.”
