March 14, 2008

The early spring break has come and gone, and Easter is in the offing. As I pen this Update, I realize my last missive was dated January 14. In the interim, however, I did share the annual Founder’s Day Convocation address on February 12, the Creightonian report on my Fireside Chat with students, and several CU-Officials about items of importance and interest. The comments that follow are intended to keep you up-to-date on campus happenings.

Enrollment: All indicators point to successfully meeting our fall enrollment targets across all divisions and programs. Undergraduate numbers are very encouraging, early though it is! Graduate and professional programs appear to be on or near target. We are anticipating a significant increase in Werner Institute students since that program will go on-line in late summer.

Construction:  All eyes are on the Harper Center. The construction is moving along very well. Dry wall, painting, carpeting and tile installation are all moving along.  Momentum is evident; students ask me daily “How is it going?” so it has their attention. I suspect we will be a bit ahead of schedule and may be a bit under budget! Then, again, that could be wishful thinking.

Work on Creighton Hall (a.k.a. Administration Building) is completed. Tuck-pointing, lighting, new paint, and new doors are all in keeping with the donor’s wish that “it look like it did when he was a student.” So it does!

The Ryan Center and Sokol Arena:  This project is about to begin. The city has been working on its sewer project proximate to the site on Webster Street (17th-18th). Once that is completed, our project will begin in earnest. We are still shooting for a 2009 opening.

Strategic Planning:  A representative group of faculty, staff, students and alumni, along with deans and vice presidents will renew our strategic planning process in the early days of April. Project 125 completed in 2001 has been a successful guide leading the University into the Self Study process for the Higher Learning Commission. Many issues we identified in Project 125 have either been significantly accomplished or may not be representative of our current environment. Hence, we need to identify what current issues we face moving into the future.  As I mentioned in my Convocation address, we will post items to the web page for your consideration and comment. This is a similar process to the one we used during the writing of the institutional Self Study for the HLC. So please critique our progress.

Sustainability: As mentioned in my Convocation address, while Creighton’s colors are blue and white, we have to become a bit greener. Renewable and alternative energies are one of the most important issues of the next decade. We must do our part to reduce our consumption of energy from conventional sources. We take this challenge seriously. Click here to view the most recent summary of what Creighton is doing in the area of sustainability. Lennis Pederson and his committee are to be encouraged and thanked as we take this issue forward.

Finally, I wish a happy Easter to all of you! You and your families will be in my Easter prayers.

John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President