Off and Running!

The 2009-10 academic year at Columbus State University is off and running.Institutionally we have a number of colleagues to thank for an incredibly smooth launch this fall. -Thanks to our Enrollment Management team! Marketing, admissions, financial aid, our great 1-stop shop, veterans affairs, registrar have all done superlative work. Teaming with our financial management team and working diligently on processing a record number of applications, financial aid packages, emergency loans, veterans requests, has truly been a team effort and I am thankful to all involved. -Housing. What an effort! We are "full at the Inn" and this is thanks to the teamwork between our Residence Life staff and Plant Operations for enormous upgrades inside and out to our housing complexes and increasing the "livability quotient" for all. -Faculty for accommodating greater numbers of students in our classes due to budget constraints. This is always tricky and required great efforts on behalf of faculty to manage our enrollment demands. -Staff for supporting an exceptional customer service culture that redounds great benefits to all. -First Year Experience instructors who are pioneers in our effort to launch an exceptional First Year Experience program. We look forward to hosting author Ishmael Beah, A Long Way Gone, on campus in October. -University ITS Team for continuing to roll out our wireless footprint, working with Plant Ops on the build out in the Schwob Library, CCT 24/7 computer lab, PC Repair Shop, Apple Kiosk in our Rankin Bookstore and a host of other initiatives. -Students for their enthusiasm and patience. Work is still being finished by ARAMARK on the new new Popeyes, by Follett on the new bookstore, by APPLE on our product display at the new bookstore, parking challenges due to the construction of the 100,000 sq.ft. Student Recreation Center, http://campusrec.colstate.edu/recbuilding/, logistical challenges due to the completion of the new 37,000 sq.ft. Schuster Student Success Center, and more. My thanks to the entire Columbus State University family for a great start to a great year.