Dear Faculty and Staff,

We will soon begin an academic year and remain optimistic as we welcome new students and colleagues to our campus community.

When we initially projected enrollment for the coming year, we expected that tougher academic requirements would negatively impact freshman enrollment.  One forecast projected a 30 percent decrease in first-time freshmen.  But, thanks to our Enrollment Management Division and many of you, we now expect a much smaller decrease in freshmen this fall and have already seen a 60 percent increase in summer enrollment.

Dear Faculty & Staff:

I am writing today regarding recent media attention that has prompted discussions about the LGBT studies minor that began earlier this year at our university.

Some media outlets have erroneously reported that UL Lafayette is offering a degree program or “major” for LGBT studies.   The university offers no such degree program.  A major or degree program entails approval from the UL Lafayette administration, the Board of Supervisors for the UL System and the state Board of Regents.

Dear Faculty & Staff,

As we approach the end of another academic year, I would like to take a moment to congratulate you on a successful Spring semester.  Most of all, thank you for your dedication to our students and for keeping UL Lafayette moving forward.

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Welcome back to campus!

The end of last semester was momentous. For the first time we held Commencement ceremonies in two cities. We hosted our customary college ceremonies in Lafayette and one special ceremony, complete with academic regalia, for our football student-athletes preparing for the bowl game in New Orleans. What a weekend! Even weeks later, excitement about UL Lafayette abounds around the state and well beyond. Overall, I expect that 2012 will be a great year for us.

Dear Faculty & Staff:

Recent events surrounding our Parking and Transit Department have resulted in media coverage of our university.

While our campus community is overcoming a loss — one that cannot be measured monetarily — we are also reaffirming our commitment to professionalism and accountability, and taking confident steps forward.