September 3, 2009 — Welcome Message to UL Students

Dear UL Students,

The Quad is bustling, the bookstore is busy, the sidewalks are chalked and filled with students hurrying to class, and the Ragin’ Cajuns are ready for competition.  The start of the fall semester is a favorite time of year for our faculty and staff and the campus is alive with activity.  I hope your semester is off to a great start.  I encourage you to enjoy the excitement of the events occurring around campus, but I urge you to keep in mind that it’s important to begin the semester in the right way by attending class regularly, completing your work in a timely fashion and establishing a positive relationship with your professors.  Remember that your actions have consequences.  If you do what is expected, you will have a successful semester.  The university wants to support your efforts.  If you need assistance in any way, please contact the Student Affairs Office or take advantage of the services of the Academic Success Center.

I hope returning students have noticed some of the improvements to campus facilities, grounds and services.  Burke-Hawthorne Hall is near completion, Girard Hall is being renovated, new lights have been installed throughout campus, the student parking lot at Cajun Field has been resurfaced, and work should begin this semester on the expansion of Bourgeois Hall and the renovation of Fletcher Hall.  I ask your continued patience as we move forward on this much needed work throughout campus.

This Saturday, September 5, the Ragin’ Cajuns football team will play its first game of the year when it hosts the Southern University Jaguars at 6 p.m. at Cajun Field.  It promises to be an exciting and entertaining event with special student tailgating, music, food and one of the largest crowds in Cajun Field history.  I encourage you to participate in all of the activities and help cheer the team to victory.

I also ask that you keep in mind the reputation Ragin’ Cajuns fans have of being friendly and welcoming hosts.  Unlike fans at other universities who create a hostile environment for supporters of opposing teams, we take pride in being cordial to our guests.  Beginning with Saturday’s game and throughout the season, please be hospitable to the players and fans of our visiting teams.

Have a great semester!

E. Joseph Savoie
President