May 1, 2012 Philip L. Yeagle Interim Chancellor Newark Chancellor's Office 123 Washington Street, Rm. 590 Newark, NJ 07102 Dear Chancellor Yeagle, On behalf of the students of the Division of Global Affairs (DGA), we would like to express our deep concern over the potential relocation of our program to another building. This would be our third move in three years, and it would be a significant step down at a moment when we are making great headway in driving our program forward. DGA remains the only interdisciplinary PhD program of its kind in the country, giving Rutgers-Newark a unique status at the cutting-edge of this emerging and increasingly relevant field. If followed through, this potential move would downgrade our status and negatively affect the reputation of our program. This past year alone we have hosted a number of experts from other academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the United Nations to guest lecture. It is absolutely crucial that we can respectfully accommodate then with the best that Rutgers-Newark has to offer. We need a space that provides a favorable environment to facilitate professional networking. This is important for us to succeed in the world and carry the Rutgers name forward. Our program includes 155 graduate students who have specific needs on campus. Our current space in Englehard serves as the basis of our community, providing a conference room for guest lecturers and program gatherings, faculty, administrative, and TA offices, a computer lab, and a constantly busy student lounge with a refrigerator and microwave for our many students who spend countless hours working on campus. In fact, as grateful as we are for our present space, it is still constraining, considering our sizable student body. In addition to our current lounge where we can socialize, we also need a DGA study room where students can work in a quiet environment. Seconding the concerns already expressed to you by our faculty, we are worried that relocating our program would destroy the atmosphere we have fostered in Englehard. It is imperative that we have a welcoming space, not only for our dignified guests, but also for the DGA student body to continue our work and develop our program. We must remind you that our success will ultimately add to the reputation of Rutgers-Newark. We are all very proud of DGA and hope that you will not hinder our positive endeavors. Thank you for your time and consideration, The Division of Global Affairs Masters and PhD Students