From the chancellor
Academics and activities create a well-rounded university experience
Issue date: 8/22/08 Section: Opinion
On behalf of the faculty and staff of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, welcome to the 2008-2009 academic year! Having just completed the celebration of our 50th anniversary, we're ready for an exciting start to our next half century. To both our new and returning students, we are very glad you have chosen SIUE as the place to build upon your education and experiences of the past, and we remain committed to providing excellent service and support as you pursue a degree in higher education.
At SIUE, you will benefit from both our quality faculty and outstanding academic programs. And no education is complete without an appreciation of the wide variety of people, backgrounds and ideologies you will encounter through open dialogue and mutual respect. The university is based upon values of Citizenship, Excellence, Integrity, Openness and Wisdom, values that are so important to SIUE that you will be reminded of them each time you see them displayed on a large banner in the Morris University Center.
Whether you are a new or returning student, make the most of your time as a Cougar and get involved, not only in the classroom, but also in extracurricular activities and within your residential community. As in all worthwhile endeavors, the outcome is often proportional to the investment. With over 200 student organizations to choose from, it's easy to find an outlet for your intellectual, creative and athletic abilities and this is part of a well-rounded university experience.
For example, there are frequent faculty and student exhibits in the Art and Design Building and in the MUC. There is also the Arts & Issues Series and a wide variety of organizations, associations, plays, musicals and clubs to broaden your university experience. The Student Fitness Center is home to a range of recreational programs and, while every day is a great day to be a Cougar, this is especially true on days with scheduled athletic events - students are admitted free. And what an exciting time in the life of the university with SIUE's move to NCAA Division I athletics!
Another excellent way to stay involved and informed on campus issues is to read the university newspaper, The Alestle. The name is a combination of Alton, East. St. Louis and Edwardsville and highlights the unity of SIUE's three educational branches. The Alestle is one vehicle through which the entire campus communicates. Feel free to weigh in on topics of interest.
Once again, welcome to SIUE, a university that is on the move and gaining national recognition for the excellence of its programs and development of professional and community leaders. Your time here will be special. Years from now, you will find that fall brings to mind memories of textbook shopping, new friendships, rewarding classes and a surge of energy and anticipation for the promise of what lies ahead. Best wishes for a very successful academic year.
Go Cougars!
Vaughn Vandegrift
Chancellor
At SIUE, you will benefit from both our quality faculty and outstanding academic programs. And no education is complete without an appreciation of the wide variety of people, backgrounds and ideologies you will encounter through open dialogue and mutual respect. The university is based upon values of Citizenship, Excellence, Integrity, Openness and Wisdom, values that are so important to SIUE that you will be reminded of them each time you see them displayed on a large banner in the Morris University Center.
Whether you are a new or returning student, make the most of your time as a Cougar and get involved, not only in the classroom, but also in extracurricular activities and within your residential community. As in all worthwhile endeavors, the outcome is often proportional to the investment. With over 200 student organizations to choose from, it's easy to find an outlet for your intellectual, creative and athletic abilities and this is part of a well-rounded university experience.
For example, there are frequent faculty and student exhibits in the Art and Design Building and in the MUC. There is also the Arts & Issues Series and a wide variety of organizations, associations, plays, musicals and clubs to broaden your university experience. The Student Fitness Center is home to a range of recreational programs and, while every day is a great day to be a Cougar, this is especially true on days with scheduled athletic events - students are admitted free. And what an exciting time in the life of the university with SIUE's move to NCAA Division I athletics!
Another excellent way to stay involved and informed on campus issues is to read the university newspaper, The Alestle. The name is a combination of Alton, East. St. Louis and Edwardsville and highlights the unity of SIUE's three educational branches. The Alestle is one vehicle through which the entire campus communicates. Feel free to weigh in on topics of interest.
Once again, welcome to SIUE, a university that is on the move and gaining national recognition for the excellence of its programs and development of professional and community leaders. Your time here will be special. Years from now, you will find that fall brings to mind memories of textbook shopping, new friendships, rewarding classes and a surge of energy and anticipation for the promise of what lies ahead. Best wishes for a very successful academic year.
Go Cougars!
Vaughn Vandegrift
Chancellor
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