Welcome back, students!

I hope you had an enjoyable summer. On campus, we spent our summer dutifully preparing for your return, the incoming class of 2023, and the launching of our 149th academic year.  

As you get around campus, you will see an updated McLean Hall; additions to Mowrey Hall, including a new lift for the differently-abled; and an updated Century Café. We have added Raider pride branding to Seth Grove Stadium and Heiges Field House. The renovations of the steam plant to house our engineering programs; the makeover in Gilbert Hall, home of many of our multicultural programs; and the new Raider Academic Center for Student-Athletes are all underway to better support students. 

We have listened to you and are working to help you further succeed by adding more textbook scholarships, free laundry for students living in residence halls, and lower housing options for students who desire the supportive environment of living on campus but cannot afford the cost of the newer housing choices. And we won’t stop there. We continue to ask for your feedback. Look out for future emails detailing when to attend a President’s Hour, sign up for a Convo with Carter, or use our online suggestion box.

We also move into this year with many initiatives underway that ensure your Ship education is a quality experience. In particular, this year, we are launching a new holistic wellness initiative, a collaboration between Student Affairs and the Fraternity and Sorority community that is celebrating its 60th year at Ship. Make sure to take advantage of the many fitness opportunities, healthy eating options, and activities that help you relieve stress in healthy ways. I have committed to leading a cycling class once a month! I hope you will join me, and I invite you to share your wellness passion with the campus community, as well. With environmental wellness as a focus, all students with a meal plan get a Ship reusable straw. 

We have a lot to do this year, but we will do it together, like our tradition of offering support to the community that so graciously supports us. On the morning of September 7, I hope you will join me for Ship’s day of service. Our day of service demonstrates our continued commitment to community engagement, one of our four university priorities.

In addition, I encourage you to get downtown and enjoy the festivities of the community’s annual Corn Festival this Saturday, August 31. Then, on each first Friday of the month this fall, participate with downtown businesses from 4:30-7:30 p.m. with the Ticket to Downtown program, where local merchants offer discounts to shoppers.  

Lastly, our Parents and Family Celebration is just around the corner. Please invite your family to celebrate the day with us. Share your Ship experience with them, and enjoy special activities and entertainment throughout the day. 

I wish you all a productive and fulfilling academic year. Before you know it, it will be May. Have a great year!

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