Dear students,
Welcome to the 2024–25 academic year!
The past week has been a busy one with students returning from ¶¶̉ờ½̀½ GO and ¶¶̉ờ½̀½ TREK experiences, the successful move-in of thousands of residence hall students, and the new student convocation and candlelight induction ceremony. Each of these annual rituals brings excitement and new energy to our campus as we say hello to our newest students and welcome back our returning students.
We want you to make the most of your time at ¶¶̉ờ½̀½. Your college years are an ideal time to explore and learn in new ways. You have outstanding faculty who will create opportunities for you to work and study in fields, forests, and farms and to conduct research in their labs or in the community. You also have access to student clubs that share your interests from the arts to the outdoors. Take advantage of these opportunities to get involved.
The Fall 2024 semester is sure to bring passionate debate to our campus about a range of current topics that will challenge your thinking and understanding—our national elections in the U.S. and continued unrest overseas are just a few examples. You will encounter people who hold different beliefs and opinions than yours. This, too, is an opportunity to learn by engaging your peers and community members with openness and respect and exercising your right to free expression on issues of importance to you.
The university has published a website called Using Your Voice with links to resources here at ¶¶̉ờ½̀½ and elsewhere that will help you understand how to use your voice effectively. We urge you to explore the website, educate yourself about free speech, ask questions, and—most importantly—engage with your fellow students and with faculty and staff members.
This year, free speech is also the theme of the Presidential Lecture Series at ¶¶̉ờ½̀½. We invite you to explore the stellar lineup of speakers in this year’s series and to attend as many of the events as you can. The lecture series is one of many activities on campus that encourage civil discourse around important issues.
We wish you good luck as classes begin and urge you to take full advantage of the opportunities around you—the organizations, clubs, activities, and events that make ¶¶̉ờ½̀½ an experience like no other.
Sincerely,
Suresh Garimella, President
Patty Prelock, Provost and Senior Vice President