Campus Growth and Good News
Dear Faculty and Staff:
The start of the fall semester is among the high points of any academic year.
Enthusiasm and moments of anxiety fill the air. We warmly greet returning students and welcome first-time freshmen who are finding their way to classes and learning about all that UL Lafayette offers. Old and new friends are at every turn. And, we look forward to fun activities and celebrating fall traditions.
The addition of four new student residence halls this past year and the growing numbers of students living on campus bring added energy to our vibrant living-learning environment.
Two student residences – Bonin Hall and Coronna Hall – just opened in the Rose Garden area on the eastern portion of campus. There are other projects underway. Harris and Randolph Hall are renovated. Previously a dorm for students, Randolph has been converted to a student activities and learning center. Buchanan Hall will be renovated to provide general campus offices.
The expansion and renovation of the Student Union will begin next month. Please be aware of the new locations of offices [http://www.louisiana.edu/Advancement/PRNS/news/2011/406.html] that were previously housed there. I would also like to share with you our latest campus map [www.louisiana.edu/AboutUs/CampusMap.pdf] that will be changing along with our master plan developments.
This week it was announced by The Princeton Review that we were selected to be in its “Best 377 Colleges” guide. One student, who is now a senior, commented: “My overall college experience at University of Louisiana at Lafayette has been terrific. I would recommend this college to anyone.” That statement is a result of the work you do.
Our new admissions criteria have raised the academic caliber of our incoming class. We are fortunate to have so many bright students making UL Lafayette their top choice. Each one of us can have an impact on the lessons they learn both in and out of the classroom. Let’s continue to do all we can to support them to do well and graduate in a timely manner.
Faculty and staff are invited to join our students for breakfast in the Quad tomorrow morning, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. And, please try to attend Fan Day at the Cajundome on Sunday. Doors open at 5 p.m. and activities run until 7 p.m.
The Fall 2012 semester is off to a great start. I wish each of you a great year ahead.