Dear students, faculty and staff members,
Happy new year and welcome to the spring semester!
I hope that your well-deserved winter break was restful and that you’re ready for a strong start to 2021.
We cannot begin this new year, however, without acknowledging that 2020 continues to cast a long shadow, both close to home and across our nation.
Dear faculty and staff members,
We received an early Christmas present from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges last week – news that it has reaffirmed the University’s accreditation through 2030.
The accreditors determined the University had met all of the commission’s quality standards with no issues to address. That means we passed – with flying colors.
Congratulations!
Dear students, faculty and staff members,
The American Educational Studies Association and more than 2,100 college, university and K-12 educators, scholars and organizations have designated today as a Day of Action. The goal is to urge schools, colleges and universities to declare their commitments to anti-racist curricula, policies and practices at their institutions.
Dear students, faculty and staff members,
In recent days, we have seen an uptick in the number of students reporting positive COVID-19 test results. This unfortunate trend mirrors the rising number of cases in Acadiana, across Louisiana and throughout the nation.
Some of these cases at the University are in the School of Music and Performing Arts and include members of the marching band and a number of ensembles. Out of an abundance of caution, and to limit the virus’ potential spread, the school has suspended all on-campus music-making activities for 14 days.
Dear students, faculty and staff members,
A few weeks ago, I took advantage, as many of you did, of early voting. As I waited in line, I watched as others left the polling place with looks of satisfaction after they had employed the most powerful tool a democracy provides – a ballot.
Dear students, faculty and staff members,
Election Day is this Tuesday, Nov. 3. Every four years, American voters hold in their hands the most sacred and precious responsibility a democracy affords – a ballot.
If you took advantage of early voting opportunities, thank you. If your plan is to vote in person on Tuesday, please do so. The University will announce soon what it’s doing to ensure you have time to make your voice heard and your vote count.
Dear students, faculty and staff members,
The halfway point of this very challenging fall semester is behind us. Before we know it, final exams, Thanksgiving, Commencement and the holiday season will be here. Then, a new year and a new semester will begin.
Dear students,
I hope your fall semester is off to a great start!
Mine is. I spent this morning among my favorite people as I helped greet you and other returning students, faculty and staff members along Rex Street and St. Mary Boulevard.
This welcome back event is something we do at the start of every academic year, and it’s always filled with excitement, energy and a sense of anticipation about all the incredible opportunities a new semester holds. This morning was no exception.
Dear students,
The Fall 2020 semester begins Aug. 17, and we’re looking forward to welcoming you back.
We’ve used the past few months to prepare for your homecoming. Our extensive and careful planning reflects the unwavering priority we place on your health and safety.
Some of you will return physically to campus to take classes or to live in residence halls. Others have enrolled in remote and online courses that empower you to select what instruction option best fits your needs.
Dear faculty, students, staff members, alumni and friends,
Our University has a long and deliberate history of diversity and inclusion.
But we have, as a nation and as an institution, reached a moment in which simply pointing to the past without pledging ourselves to improving the future is insufficient. This history would be hollow if we failed to reaffirm our commitment to racial equity and social justice through meaningful action.
