ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- University of Rochester Interim President Richard Feldman gave the end of the year address during the school's 51st annual Garden Party Tuesday night. The former dean addressed the sexual harassment allegations as well as the equity commission report and how those recommendations will be addressed.

"We're working to create a stronger culture of respect on campus so that we have a community in which everyone feels welcome and supported and has the capacity to thrive," said Feldman.

When Brain and Cognitive Sciences professor Florian Jaeger was accused of having inappropriate relationships with students, the university did not have policies in place preventing those types of intimate relationships. Along with improving training and resources, the report highlighted the need for stricter policies and procedures, something the university has followed through on under Feldman's leadership.

"We've instituted, what I believe is as strict as policy regarding faculty-student sexual relationships, as any college in the country," said Feldman.

Feldman also took the opportunity to praise areas where the university has been thriving, like the partnership with East High School where Feldman said the graduation rate has tripled.

"I wanted to explain to people that the University is in very good shape, that we're continuing to move forward on various measures such as applications, faculty hiring, contributions, we're doing well so we're by no means at a stand still," said Feldman.

And while Feldman notes that faculty recruitment is high, there will still be vacancies to fill left in the wake of the allegations.

"Brain and Cognitive Sciences, which has been at the heart of the current controversy, has lost some faculty, but they're hiring others. Some of the people in neuroscience will also have joint appointments over there, so they're growing too," said Feldman.

Feldman says that when it comes time for the university to appoint a permanent president, he does not want to be considered for the role.