From:        "NYU President John Sexton"
Sent:         Thursday, October 07, 2004 10:24 PM
Subject:     A Possible Academic Relationship NYU Has Begun to Explore

New York University and Polytechnic University - a private engineering and science institution founded in 1854 and based now in Brooklyn's MetroTech Center - recently signed an agreement for an exchange of graduate enrollments between Polytechnic and the Graduate School of Arts and Science.

As we developed this agreement, we began having preliminary discussions about whether there might exist the basis for a closer, more strategic Institutional relationship between our universities. At this juncture, we are evaluating whether to proceed with a broader exploration of such a relationship. There are no preconceptions on either side about what the outcome of these discussions might be; however, NYU shall certainly proceed from the standpoint that the emergence of any such relationship must enhance our focus on investing in the arts and sciences, and must benefit both institutions academically, such as through research collaborations.

Going forward, I will apprise and engage the NYU community or the appropriate University group on the progress of the discussion at important junctures.

From:         "Richard S. Thorsen"
Sent:           Friday, October 08, 2004 2:44 PM
Subject:      Exploration of Relationship with NYU

The following message is from Mr. Stewart G. Nagler, Chairman of the Polytechnic Board of Trustees.

The New York Times (Friday, October 8, Metro Section, page B4) reported that "Polytechnic and New York University (NYU) Are in Talks on Alliance." The facts are:

Over the years, Poly has entered research and educational collaborations with other schools, most recently a research partnership with SUNY Downstate Medical Center and preliminary discussions with Mt Sinai. The University continues to explore alliances that complement our ability to offer the best education and research experience for students and faculty.

Recently, Poly and NYU established ongoing discussions regarding research collaboration and have signed an agreement for an exchange of post-master's students between our University and NYU's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. As we developed this agreement, we began having preliminary discussions about whether there might exist the basis for a closer, more strategic institutional relationship between our universities. At this juncture, we are evaluating whether to proceed with a broader exploration of such a relationship.

I want to assure you these discussions are very preliminary, and no decisions have been made.

During this period of exploration it is imperative that communication and inquiries regarding The New York Times' story be directed to John F. Kelly, managing director for communications and media relations, at Ext.3792, or Richard Thorsen, vice president for development and university relations, at Ext. 3880. Your cooperation in this regard is appreciated.

Thank you,

Stewart G. Nagler
Chairman of the Board