system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Accepted funded PhD position for upcoming fall a few months ago, was just told my advisor is resigning after this coming year. Attempting to not over and/or under worry as I have limited information. Best way to approach the upcoming school year?

As stated in the title, I accepted a position as an incoming PhD student for the upcoming school year in a social science field. I only applied to ONE school because I was so sure that this was who I wanted to work with. I was accepted, fully funded, and have made lots of different arrangements in order to make this work as I am returning to school as a somewhat older student with a child. 

I received an email recently stating that my professor will be *resigning* (not retiring) as of next summer. This person intends to stay local and stay involved in the research area that I am pursuing, however they will not be an official faculty member. This person states that they do not think this will affect my experience in the program. 

I am not as confident, only because I spent time researching the other professors in the department when applying and did not find anyone who truly matched my research interests. Does this mean I will end up with a committee that either will try to change my research, or will not understand it? Is there any chance that I can be let go from the program as a result of my advisors choice to leave? Is there any chance that I will not have funding due to my advisors choice to leave? I have asked these questions to my advisor, as well, but would like outside opinions, if possible. 

What can I do in the upcoming year to ensure that I am best prepared for my advisor’s *resignation* (not retirement)? Other than, of course, establishing a good relationship with other faculty. 

Thank you, in advance, for the advice!

Edited in some bolds/etc because I think this person’s resignation is an important distinction vs a retirement.
gpt
You should set up a meeting with the department chairman to discuss this specific situation ASAP before deciding to begin this program. Although the retiring faculty may mean well and plan to remain involved, this person will not be in charge after retirement in year 2 and thereafter, and the department may make other decisions about the rest of your time in grad school that may profoundly affect what you are allowed to do.