Dear Provost Abdelal,

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on what you have been able to accomplish here in such a short time. You are a vital and well-respected member of Northeastern University, by the faculty, administration and the students alike.

Customarily, I am certain you would reciprocate and ask how I am doing. I suppose, as selfish as it is, this is the purpose for my letter.

I speak on behalf of myself, as well as many, many other students when I say that the single most important and most urgent deficit exists in the academic health of this institution. I am certain that you agree with the urgency of this problem, but I am uncertain of what you can do to help me and other students. Specifically, I feel that the quality of academics and the imposed restrictions prevent myself and students like me from learning to our fullest extent and from feeling comfortable intellectually. I know firsthand that this is a large threat to retention at this school.

I am a proactive student who uses venues such as student government to voice my opinions and make important changes that serve to benefit the greater student population. However, on this particular issue, I am completely exhausted, hopeless and frustrated.

I feel that this university does not invest enough of its interest and money into the academic integrity of Northeastern. Let me rephrase: I feel that this university does not invest enough of MY interest and MY money into the academic integrity of Northeastern. I know you agree with this, you have made this apparent to the president and the Northeastern community.

This deficit manifests itself most obviously in the lack of professors on campus. I feel we agree on the finer points of how this negatively affects the student and the university, so I want you to know that I, and a significant majority of the students, are behind you in this battle to make this a number one priority.

I find it frustrating and disappointing that the classes that pique my interest and offer me an intellectually-stimulating environment are strictly off-limits because I do not have enough credits. I apologize for being younger than I should be, but I think I should no longer be held back for institutional inadequacies. I have been dealing with this since the start of my academic career and I certainly do not want to suffer from this problem anymore — especially as I am paying and working so much for it.