Welcome Back to Campus
January 21, 2008
Members of the Rutgers Community:
Welcome back—and to those who are new this semester, welcome to
Rutgers! As 2008 begins to unfold, I hope the spring semester and the
coming year will be successful and rewarding for everyone at Rutgers.
We certainly started on a high note with the Scarlet Knights football
team's impressive victory in the International Bowl.
While this year will bring many new challenges and initiatives across
Rutgers, I want to bring to your attention three items of particular
interest:
- Middle States: The university's reaccreditation process moves forward
with the visit of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
reaccreditation team March 9-12. This process, which takes place every
ten years, is required for maintaining the university's eligibility for
federal research funds and student aid. It is also critical for
Rutgers' reputation and for ensuring the high value of a Rutgers
diploma. The national dialogue on accountability makes this year's
process, including our plans for assessment of student learning,
especially important. We have chosen to focus our institutional
self-study on undergraduate education and will take advantage of this
opportunity for reflection and improvement as we work to enhance the
undergraduate experience. Visit http://middlestates.rutgers.edu for more
information.
- Stadium Expansion: A public forum on Thursday, January 24, from 5 to
7 pm at the Livingston Student Center's College Hall will give you an
opportunity to learn more about the proposed expansion of Rutgers
Stadium and to offer questions and comments. See my invitation at
http://www.president.rutgers.edu/letter_011608.shtml.
- Recyclemania: A kickoff event also scheduled for Thursday, January
24, will usher in our latest effort to earn the national spotlight for
our commitment to recycling and reducing waste. Visit
http://purchasing.rutgers.edu/green/oncampus_programs.html to learn
more.
Again, you have my best wishes for a productive and enjoyable semester.
Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey