To Whom It May Concern:

It is with immense disappointment that we of the Endicott College community are witnessing the decline of an institution that used to prioritize students and community. The untimely resignations and departures of colleagues and mentors that have had an immeasurable impact on our lives have greatly contributed to low morale on campus. The new realignment of Endicott’s vision is absorbed by personal agendas and ignores legacy.

Students’ voices have been dismissed and not valued. Staff’s passions have been ignored. Budgets have been cut and readjusted. Mental health has continued to be neglected. Programs have been discontinued without student input.  

Endicott’s success and values were previously rooted in its community. Students, faculty, and staff were always met with compassion. In recent developments, the people have not been met with intentionality. Students feel they are seen more like a number than a person. They no longer feel like valued members of the Endicott community.

Moving forward, we call for:

● Review of leadership by the Board of Trustees. With the lack of transparency and concern from members of the community, it’s time to question whether or not the goals of the higher administrative staff align with those of the college. We are calling upon members of the Board of Trustees to review ALL the actions taken by this new administration. As you do this, please keep the people that help this college run day-to-day in mind. It is without question that in order for an institution to thrive, students' and faculty's needs must be met on this campus. These principles have made Endicott the campus that it is today, and we believe it is in the best interest of the college to make sure the same principles are being addressed by our current leadership.

● Transparency and communication between administration and Endicott students.​ The past two school years have seen many decisions and changes made that did not include students. We have heard that the new administration no longer includes students in major project decisions. For change to be implemented successfully, the people impacted the most must be included in the discussion. On a campus that encourages students to “contribute to the community” as a tenet of its mission statement, transparency at all levels is critical to serving and understanding the needs of the student body. In all projects, students should actively be engaged in the planning of projects and developments.

● Transparency with all Endicott donors.​ Endicott’s Giving Day has been praised for raising the highest amount of financial support for the past 2 years. All community members have the opportunity to give to specific departments and programs on campus. If Giving Day and other fundraising efforts have seen record breaking numbers, then why are budgets being cut? Why are programs receiving less funding and being removed? What is the justification for these financial decisions? Alumni and generous donors must know exactly where their money is going. In order to continue these events, we need honesty about how the money is allocated and be made aware of projects.

● Consideration of the Endicott faculty and staff members.​ Our faculty and staff set the foundation for the academic, creative, and entrepreneurial growth of our students. They deserve inclusion and honest communication regarding new plans and developments on campus. Without their support and input, Endicott is currently not thriving as it once did. They must be incorporated and made aware of changes - especially when it impacts their careers and students.

● Inclusion of the Endicott students. ​Students must be included in decision-making at all levels of the school. This change would ensure that as stakeholders, students are invested and actively integrated in changes to campus. One of Endicott’s greatest assets is the smaller size of the school. This school is built on community. This community is made up of the people who have been, who are, and who will be part of this institution. Respect and compassion for the individual is no longer a priority for Endicott. The current administration continues to ignore the powerful voices of students, neglecting a pivotal aspect this institution once prized.

● Prioritize mental health. This past year, the Counseling Center and Health Center were merged under the title of the Wellness Center. Throughout this process, counseling staff were pushed out. Less staff and a growing student population has resulted in extended time periods between sessions and inadequate resources to meet students’ needs. The current situation must be reviewed by the administration as the Counseling Center needs more faculty and resources.

We didn’t want to write this petition. It shouldn’t have to come to the point where we are the ones who advocate for the people that may feel like they don’t have a voice. But we are, and we’re not doing this for ourselves, we’re doing this to stand for what is right for the community. At the end of the day, we all want to call Endicott home. We want to send our children here and keep giving back to the community. We want to say it’s a great day to be a gull. Before we can confidently do this, we need to make sure that everyone is included and valued. 

We urge the administration and Board of Trustees to consider making the changes necessary and engage students and faculty in the process of decision-making. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you feel the same way please feel free to sign this petition and comment. If you do not want to comment on this petition, please feel free to email us at ec4transparency@gmail.com or dm us on Instagram @ec4transparency and you will remain anonymous.

Sincerely,

EC 4 Transparency Team