With Labor Day behind us, it is evident that the school year has started in earnest. There has been much activity since August 19th, which suggests this will be an exciting year, but not without its challenges, I am sure. Here are some useful updates.

WELCOME WEEK:
We started the year with a highly successful and professionally executed Welcome Week. The new undergraduates and their families were treated to a warm and gracious "Welcome to Creighton." I want to publicly thank all of the students who were part of Welcome Week activities, the offices of Student Services, Residence Life, Academic Affairs, Registrar's Office, Public Safety, Sodexho, Mail Services, Campus Ministry, Business Office, and Facilities.  We could not have done it without the help of each of you.   Thank you!

ENROLLMENT:
On the enrollment front, the numbers look terrific. We met our budget projections in all divisions. With a freshman class of 967 and 103 transfers, growth in some new programs and very good retention, we are projecting to have a record enrollment. If numbers hold through the last census, we anticipate running near 3% ahead of last fall, which was Creighton's historically largest enrollment of 6,733 students.  Again, I want to thank the hard-working staffs of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid, as well as the Admissions folks in all of our professional programs and schools, for making this such a healthy enrollment. Kudos to you all!

To be noted is the academic profile of the entering freshman class: It ranks 4th (tie) among the 28 Jesuit universities and ranks 5th among Midwestern universities with more than 3,000 undergraduates-only Notre Dame, Northwestern, University of Chicago, and Washington University (St. Louis) have higher academic profiles.

ACCOLADES:
At the start of the academic year it is common practice for national lists and rankings to appear. Traditionally, Creighton fares well and this year is no exception. As previously announced, Creighton was again ranked the #1 comprehensive university in the Midwest by US News and World Report (nine of eleven years!!).    US News also recognizes Creighton among the top schools for undergraduate research (the only Jesuit school to be so honored by the magazine) and lists the University as a "best value," where students get the best return on their tuition investment.  In addition, the Princeton Review ranked Creighton among the nation's top colleges and universities in its "Best 361 Colleges/Universities" guide. 

Yet another list has appeared as the fall semester begins. This list recognizes twenty-five institutions for their "extraordinary efforts" in contributing to the educational, economic and civic well-being of their surrounding environment. The ten criteria -- concerning long-term commitment and involvement with their communities, expenditure of real dollars, relationship with city officials, continuing student and faculty involvement in community service, and the sustainability of neighborhood initiatives -- all are addressed in our Campus Master Plan and our strategic planning. I am personally pleased Creighton made an appearance on this inaugural list of "Saviors of Our Cities."

CONSTRUCTION:
The major project of the summer, Opus Hall, is occupied and functioning, although some work is yet to be completed. It is a very successful project and a wonderful addition to our student housing venues.

* The California Street Mall east of 24th Street will be tied up for several weeks with infrastructure work. The walkway to the Law School, residence halls and soccer stadium will remain passable, however.

* Work on the exterior of St. John's Church is progressing well. It is fascinating to watch the way the stones are either replaced or reshaped. Some 1,400 pieces of new cast stone concrete will be set before the project is completed in late October. At the same time, a new heating and air conditioning system is being installed within the church. Target completion for the HVAC is early November.

* Site preparation of the Living Learning Center will progress throughout the fall.  This project is directly south of Davis Square.

ACCREDITATION:
As you may be aware, the University is preparing for its re-accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. All of you should have received a letter from Prof. Christine Wiseman, Vice President for Academic Affairs, explaining the process. I simply want to encourage you to participate in our preparation for the site visit on March 12-14, 2007.

We are evaluated on our success in meeting five standards. Standard One is now online and your input is invited (http://www2.creighton.edu/accreditation/). Subsequent standards will be posted asking for your input. I encourage you - as staff, faculty or student - to respond to the posted statements. Your opinion is valued and valuable. This process of institutional self-reflection is an essential ingredient in crafting Creighton's willed future.

IMPORTANT INVITATIONS:
I extend to you invitations to three very significant events:

* On September 11th, we will remember the life-changing events of 9/11. Please gather on the fountain plaza in front of St. John's at 12:30 p.m. The interdenominational commemoration will last 20-25 minutes. Bring a friend and make this a celebration of community as well.

* On September 13th, we will celebrate the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit. This centuries old tradition invokes the spirit of God and the wisdom of God, to bless our new academic year. The service is at 11:00 a.m. in St. John's. Classes are cancelled during this time.

* Also on September 13th, there is a special evening program featuring Archbishop John Michael Miller. Archbishop Miller is the Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education at the Vatican. His topic is "Jesuit Higher Education in the United States at the Service of the Church in the Third Millennium."  The program is at 7:00 p.m. in the Mutual of Omaha Ballroom of the Skutt Student Center. Please try to attend this important event and hear what Rome's expectations are for an American university in the Jesuit tradition.

Again, welcome back to faculty and students and thank you to all of you who worked so hard to get the 2006-07 academic year off to such a splendid start. You all remain in my prayers.

As a personal aside, thank you for the many cards and emails wishing me a speedy recovery from my biking accident.  Progress is being made, but at my age healing is a bit slower!  Again, thank you for your good wishes.

John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President