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.

While this year will bring many new challenges and initiatives across the university, I want to bring to your attention four items of particular interest:

• Provost Search: The search committee for the Provost of Rutgers–Camden will soon be interviewing candidates for the position. My thanks to all who have served on the committee or have contributed to the search.
   
• Recreation Center: Gymnasium renovations scheduled for this spring will transform it into an exceptional recreation center that will match the high caliber and expectations of our students, faculty, and staff. The new center will include an upgraded gym, natatorium, and training and locker space.
   
• Law School Construction: Our nearly completed, state-of-the-art building for the School of Law will greatly expand Rutgers–Camden’s teaching facilities and serve our law students and faculty well in their pro bono clinical work. Occupancy will begin later this spring, with renovations to the existing building completed by the fall.
   
• 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.

Again, you have my best wishes for a productive and enjoyable semester.

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey