December 7, 2006
Dear Colleagues,
Finals are coming to an end, grading is in full swing, the Christmas tree in Scott Plaza is lit, and the orange cones are gone from DeSiard. It is amazing how quickly and well this semester has gone. As we conclude this session and prepare for another, I am reminded of how much we accomplished in a short time. I want to thank you for all of your hard work, as your achievements have been many. I highlighted some of those innovative achievements when the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors held its meeting here in October and during Envision ULM 2006 in November. Both of those presentations can be found on the ULM web site.
Even in the brief span of time since Envision ULM 2006, the ULM community has continued to produce more innovative endeavors, including four service-learning grants recently secured by our faculty. All four grants, awarded by the University of Louisiana System, will fund pioneering projects that will significantly impact the local and state communities.
The Radiologic Technology Department is now showcasing its new $100,000 Computed Radiography Laboratory and the state's first Louisiana High School Technology Challenge, organized by Michael Beutner, associate professor of instructional technology, has been outstanding.
All of these activities and many more are highlighted in the ULM Weekly News Update.
This semester saw substantial work by faculty and staff in a number of internal processes. The Strategic Planning Steering Committee (SPSC), under the chairmanship of Jeff Galle, is reviewing the Level II plans and our progress to date. The Strategic Planning website is being updated with the most recent information, including the Level II plans, and can be found at www.ulm.edu/strategicplanning/strategic Please take the time to visit the site and provide the committee any insight or advice you may have on the next steps for ULM’s Strategic direction.
In addition, I continue to be pleased with the work of the Reorganization Committee, the Shared Governance Committee, and the Faculty Senate as they diligently and earnestly continue their important work for the University.
The Intermodal Transit Facility project was approved at the state level last week and funds are now available and the project has officially started. The design/build firm, Lincoln Builders, now has 365 days to design and construct all improvements. The construction plan is to begin the parking garage as soon as possible. The front of campus parking lots and the fence will not begin until the week following spring semester finals week. The parking lots will be installed during the summer and will be ready for fall semester.
The Student Union Building is scheduled for a spring semester opening. Aramark will move dining operations over to the new building during the semester break, and the contractor promised that the building will be complete and ready to occupy by January 3. My feeling is that some of the exterior work such as sidewalks and sodding will not be complete by that time but hopefully will be completed by the first day of classes.
The first phase of the Bienville Building project is substantially completed. Furniture arrived as scheduled and is currently being installed in the classrooms. Some items needed for the dispensing lab will not arrive until the first week of January but we are scheduled to be ready for the first day of classes. Pharmacy personnel will be able to move during the semester break.
On a personal note, I was out most of last week due to minor gall bladder surgery. I am feeling fine and back up to speed. I appreciate all the kindness and concern expressed by many of you during my absence. However, there are many others in the ULM family that have much more serious problems than my minor setback. Personally I think it inappropriate and intrusive to list their names but I do ask you to lift up all of the ULM family in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season.
As I emphasized in my speech during Envision ULM 2006, we are capable of great things, even in the face of challenges. As progress continues in your classrooms, in your research, and improvements on campus know that your contributions and perseverance are appreciated. I wish you a restful break, a safe holiday season, and I look forward to a prosperous spring semester.
James E. Cofer, Sr.
ULM President