University News
Welcome Back Letter
August 16, 2012
August 16, 2012
Dear Campus Community,
Welcome to the 2012-13 academic year at Western Illinois University. I look forward to another successful year.
As in past years, the challenges that remain on the forefront are the budget and cash flow situations. Because we have been fiscally prudent, we are able to continue to provide the programs and services our students need, as well as meet our payroll obligations. Despite the financial challenges we have faced, Western Illinois University continues to move forward.
We have many exciting initiatives on the horizon. Using the Campus Master Plan as our guide, we continue to work with legislators on the Performing Arts Center project, review enhancements to our campus entrances, and begin Phase II of the WIU-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus project. To ensure our students' success, we have launched the Western Commitment Scholarship Program, which rewards new students for their academic achievements in high school and provides a solid foundation to begin their academic tenure at Western.
We have established "Building Connections," a mentor program designed to assist students with the transition to college and increase retention, and we are further enhancing our Honors Program, including a new Honors Cohort at our Quad Cities campus.
I would like to invite new students and their families to the New Student Convocation at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, August 18 in Western Hall, followed by the President's Family Picnic on the campus mall, southwest of the Spencer Student Recreation Center. Returning students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take part in Rocky After Dark: First Night, beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday near Hanson Field and Q-Lot. You are also invited to attend the annual Community-University Partnership Program (CUPP) Block Party, which will be held from 5-7 p.m. on the front lawn of Sherman Hall Wednesday, August 22.
On Monday, September 24, we will celebrate Founders' Day to mark the 113th anniversary of the founding of Western Illinois University. We will also celebrate Founders' Day Tuesday, September 25, at the WIU-QC Riverfront campus. We will be celebrating 100 years of providing academic programs in the Quad Cities. Please mark your calendar and watch for more information on both events.
I look forward to an outstanding new academic year.
Sincerely,
Jack Thomas
President
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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