Message from President J. Bernard Machen: |
April 2008 |
Welcome to summer '08 at the University of Florida!
As you begin classes during this very busy time, some of you may be wondering about the slowing economy and budget cuts so often reported in the news.
What I want to tell you is: While there is no question we will need to tighten our belts, our top priority is to continue to provide a rich and rewarding undergraduate educational experience. We are also firmly committed to science and scholarly research and to supporting the faculty and graduate students who are at the heart of this enterprise.
We accomplished much this past academic year despite growing financial strains. One highlight was the opening of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service in the new and unique Pugh Hall at the heart of our historic campus. Another was the launch of a $1.5 billion capital campaign - an ambitious goal toward which we have already raised more than $600 million. A third milestone was the continuation of the Florida Opportunity Scholars Program, a two-year-old initiative that provides a full ride to hundreds of qualified students who are the first in their families to attend college.
To be sure, UF, like all state institutions, faces financial headwinds ahead. But under a new program for which we successfully lobbied last year, we will begin charging a tuition differential this fall that will help to offset pending cuts. Our faculty, who drew a record $583 million in research grants last fiscal year, support much of their work through dollars from federal or industry sources. And our technology transfer program continues to generate revenue through the patenting and licensing of UF-developed inventions and innovations.
The bottom line is, our faculty and staff are energetic, smart and talented, and I am confident they will help us navigate the shoals ahead as successfully as possible.
I know you have a lot to accomplish during a short summer session, and I encourage you to make the most of your time and to enjoy not only your classes, but also the abundant recreational activities available during the summer months on campus.
I look forward to seeing you back in the fall. Have a wonderful summer, and Go Gators!
Sincerely,
J. Bernard Machen
President
