Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Whether you’re enjoying some time off or working, I hope your summer season, which officially begins this week, is a great one. 

Dear faculty and staff members,

Last year, a search committee worked diligently to identify candidates for the position of provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Dr. David Danahar has served ably in that post since being named interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs in August 2016. His appointment, however, was always intended to be temporary. The search committee, assisted by an executive staffing agency, has pursued candidates whose education, experience and personalities would make them a good fit for this vital role on a more permanent basis.

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.