To the FIU community:
With the passage of another year, I want to thank you for the work you have done for the university. In my monthly news updates, I have proudly shared many academic achievements by faculty, students and staff. Some of the most significant university accomplishments during the Fall semester were the return of former-Provost Mark B. Rosenberg and his inauguration as our fifth President; the successful fending off of a health crisis by taking proactive steps against the H1N1 virus; the very good offsite review of our SACS Certification of Compliance Report; the community’s generous contributions to our United Way Campaign; and only last week, graduating more than 5,500 students from the Class of 2009. None of this could have been achieved without the contributions of all employees.
As we make resolutions for the coming year, I hope you will share my optimism that 2010 will again be a year in which our talented faculty and students continue to make impressive headlines with research successes and service projects.
I am pleased that as of Spring 2010, we are offering our students a payment plan that defers 50 percent of the tuition bill until the sixth week of the semester, which shows our commitment to assist our students through tough economic times.
The SACS on-site review committee will be on our campuses March 8-11, giving the entire FIU community an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Our ambitious QEP, which strives to prepare our undergraduate students for global citizenship in the 21st century, is taking shape thanks to many contributors and is on schedule for implementation in fall 2010. Site visitors will expect to see a high level of engagement of the university community in this important endeavor which means that all of us need to be familiar with this initiative. Please mark your calendar and stay tuned for information on how each of you may participate during this process.
I invite you to participate in an open forum with President Rosenberg on Jan. 26 at 9:30 a.m. in the GC Ballrooms at Modesto A. Maidique Campus or via simulcast at Biscayne Bay Campus. This is another opportunity for open dialogue to discuss where we currently stand and to actively participate in the planning process by sharing your ideas.
We are pleased to give university employees a well-deserved extended holiday break, which will provide plenty of time to be with family and friends and replenish for the new year.
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Douglas Wartzok
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President
