ITHACA, N.Y. -- After leading a review of programming and budget for the Cornell Commitment programs, Provost Biddy Martin announced July 21 that changes will be made in the programs' management structure.

"While Cornell's commitment to these programs remains unchanged, we cannot insulate them from the thoughtful review of administrative structure and support needs that is currently under way across campus," Martin wrote in a letter distributed to students and alumni of the programs. "In this difficult fiscal period, we are committed, not only to fiscal responsibility, but to the clarification of roles and responsibilities within our units and to the enhancement of coordination across units. . . . We have approached the task of review by trying to balance our commitment to the programs and students they have benefited with our responsibility to make necessary budget reductions."

Martin emphasized that there is no reduction of financial support for scholarships or for student research.

Most of the staff members in the Commitment programs have been reassigned.

Three universitywide undergraduate recognition programs make up the Cornell Commitment. They are the Cornell Tradition, the Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars and the Cornell Presidential Research Scholars. They provide scholarships, support for undergraduate research projects, internships and other opportunities for students.

"Internship opportunities will continue to be an important component of all three Commitment programs, and funding will also continue to be available for key aspects of each individual initiative," Martin wrote.

As of Aug. 1, Doris Davis, associate provost for admissions and enrollment, will manage the recruitment and financial aid functions of the Commitment programs. "I look forward to continued involvement with the Commitment programs by helping to further strengthen the admissions, recruitment and financial aid/scholarship components," Davis said. "This change presents new and exciting opportunities for the programs as well as for Cornell." Susan Murphy, vice president for student and academic services, will oversee programming and will work closely with Isaac Kramnick, vice provost for undergraduate education, to ensure that faculty connections for the Presidential Research Scholars are maintained and enhanced. Stronger connections with campus offices, such as the Public Service Center, the Office of the Dean of Students and the Provost's Office, also will be developed.

"The Cornell Commitment will be a wonderful addition to the division of Student and Academic Services," Murphy said. "Several of our departments already work closely with one or more of the individual programs, and I believe this restructuring will only strengthen those connections. Personally, I look forward to again working directly with the faculty, staff, students and alumni of these very special programs."

In addition, Inge Reichenbach, vice president for alumni affairs and development, and her staff will work with Commitment alumni to raise funds for program elements of the Commitment programs that currently are not yet endowed.

"I am convinced that these changes will allow us to address current budget constraints while maintaining the integrity of the Commitment programs and their benefits to students. Most importantly, I believe that we have established a course that will lead to the continued success of the programs," Martin said.