March 20, 2007

These last weeks have been very eventful for the University community – with the last snowfall, the NCAA appearance, the Spring Break service trips, and the HLC site visit.  The implications of some of these actions will have significant impact as we move forward.

Higher Learning Commission:

Last week I informed you that we received the draft results from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation site visit team.  I wanted to thank all of you for your time and commitment to this process; the HLC team was amazed at how many students, faculty and staff were involved in the process.  I also wanted to take this time to thank a few people and areas for their commitment to this process.  Prof. Christine Wiseman and Dr. Scott Chadwick for their leadership on this project and Michele King and Sue Magnuson’s detail work related to the visit.  I wanted to thank our Information Technology support and services area for their around-the-clock technical support to the HLC team on campus and off.  I wanted to thank our tour guides who helped get HLC members from location to location.  Thanks to our shuttle services team who made sure the group got to and from the hotel; as well as thanks to our catering services for their culinary support.  Mostly I just want to thank all of you.  Your commitment and dedication to Creighton’s mission and Jesuit Catholic values have made a lasting impact on the lives of our students.  This point was evidenced by the HLC’s comment that “Creighton’s mission and Jesuit centered values permeate all levels of the Creighton community.”  Of this point I am personally very pleased. 

As wonderful as it was to hear such great news from an outside accreditation team, there are some areas to improve on.  When the HLC final report is received, near the end of the semester, I will share with you a more comprehensive report of the Evaluators’ findings.   

Again, I want to thank each of you for helping and participating in the accreditation site visit.  These visits reaffirm that we are making a valuable and lasting impact on the lives of our students.  Thank you again for all that you do for Creighton. 

Dean Search: College of Arts and Sciences

On March 18, Prof. Wiseman informed the Arts and Sciences faculty that Dr. Christopher Duncan, Chair of the Political Science Department at Dayton University, declined to accept our invitation to join Creighton as Dean. Subsequent to that decision, Dr. Robert Kennedy has generously agreed to continue in his role as Interim Dean. Bob has done an excellent job this year and I know he will continue to serve the College and the University well in the months ahead.

Also, I want to publicly thank Dean Patrick Borchers and his committee for conducting a professional and well run search. Sometimes the outcomes are not what you expect!

Search: Vice President for Academic Affairs

Under the direction of Patricia Callone, the committee charged with identifying the next Academic Vice President is well underway. At this time the pool of applicants is solid with three weeks remaining for nominations. After April 6 the committee will determine candidates to invite to campus for interviews. Stay posted for updates on this important search.

Admissions 07-08:

As of March 15, 2007 freshmen applications remain up by 867 (26%) over last year. We have reached a historically high application pool nearing 4,200 applicants. While deposits are running slightly behind last year, due primarily to a non-refundable $350 deposit, the Admissions Office is confident we will attain our budgeted class of first-time students. This year’s application pool has significant increases in the number of students from underrepresented groups, first generation to college, and geographic diversity.

The numbers for graduate and professional programs are on target for fall 2007.

Construction and Campus Facilities:

As we move into the prime building season, I am happy to report that the Harper Center project is on schedule and on budget. Various infrastructure projects are underway primarily proximate to the Law School, Davis Square and the Harper Center.  Sorry for the inconvenience!

The renovation to the interior of St. John’s Church is well underway. All church services have been relocated to lower St. John’s. A very pleasant worship space is in place there for the next four months or so.

More later!  Enjoy the overture to springtime. 

John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President