On Monday, two days before the federal government halted for the first time in six years, NYU administrators sent a universitywide email briefing students and faculty on the then-potential shutdown. But the gesture marked a refreshing change of pace from NYU’s pattern of vague, delayed or entirely nonexistent communication with students. This past year’s leadership can be characterized by a stark disconnect between students and administration. In March, NYU President Linda Mills froze administrative hiring amid Trump’s escalating taunts, saying administrators identified “a number of financial risk areas” that could influence the university. But keeping students informed and giving them a reason to trust leadership is a critical step in the process.