Dear students, faculty and staff members,

During National Hazing Prevention Week in September, I shared with you that we were reviewing our policies and stepping up our efforts against hazing.

In the past six months, we’ve made progress with our Greek-letter organizations. For example, in addition to existing University efforts, an interactive risk management seminar and an Interfraternity Council summit have been slated on campus this spring. Also, several organizations have participated in training by their international headquarters’ staff.

Dear students, faculty and staff members,

As National Hazing Prevention Week concludes, recent reports of hazing have heightened awareness of a need for renewed efforts to prevent, stop, and report hazing.

The college experience is for learning inside and outside the classroom. Hazing adds no value. It’s harmful to individuals, organizations, and institutions. Hazing is a threat to friendships, brotherhoods, sisterhoods, teams, and communities. It’s even, at times, dangerous and can be harmful to loved ones.

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.

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.

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.