Welcome back!
As we embark on a new academic year, I am reminded of the importance of the work that we do – and of the challenges that confront us.
I want to share with our larger community some of the message that I shared on Wednesday at the State of the University gathering for faculty and staff members.
The University community commends Governor Edwards and members of the Acadiana Legislative Delegation for fashioning a budget solution during the recent special session that didn’t include yet another cut to higher education.
Higher education is not merely an expense. It is an investment for a stronger economic future. Every state dollar invested in the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, for example, generates a roughly sevenfold economic impact.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has historically benefited from the scientific, cultural and economic contributions of international students and scholars and values all students, faculty members and researchers, regardless of their country of origin.
The University remains firmly committed to supporting all of our international students, faculty and their families.
Since the Nov. 8 elections, I’ve spoken with many members of our UL Lafayette community about the campus climate. I’ve talked to students, staff and faculty members. I’ve talked to representatives of many student organizations, races, and faiths.
Yesterday’s election ended a long, contentious presidential campaign that was stressful to many Americans.
Differences of opinions about future governance of our country have strained relationships between friends, family members, and neighbors.
But America still rests on a foundation that gives its citizens the right to free speech and the right to vote. Regardless of whether we agree with the outcome of the election, we can still respect the process that’s used to choose our leaders.
Dear Faculty and Staff Members,
Welcome to a new academic year, and welcome to our new faculty and staff members. Hopefully, you are settling in.
What an unexpected start we had to this semester!
The recent historic flooding has directly impacted dozens of university faculty and staff and hundreds of our students and their families.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all members of our University family who have suffered losses during historic rainfall over the past few days.
A list of resources has been compiled that may be helpful to anyone who’s dealing with the aftermath.
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff Members,
I am pleased to share with you the good news that the University is nearing the launch of the first phase of our new internal data system powered by Banner.
We began converting to the new system 15 months ago as part of our University Strategic Plan. Our goals for the new system include improved services, better student retention and streamlined processes.
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Louisiana higher education is getting additional attention since the swearing in of our new governor.
Last week, the final report from the Higher Education Transition Committee was submitted to Governor John Bel Edwards. The report can be found at http://gov.louisiana.gov/news/transition-committee-on-higher-education-releases-final-report.
Dear Faculty and Staff Members,
I hope you enjoyed a good break and that you’re ready to take on 2016.
Each semester brings new challenges and opportunities. This one is no different.
During the holiday, Dr. James Henderson was selected to serve as Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs of the University of Wisconsin System.
Jim graduated with a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. From our experience, we know that the UW System will benefit greatly from his leadership.
