Community Address given by the President

Community Address given by the President

University Achieves Significant Advancements in 2010-2013

The university has made remarkable strides in various areas between 2010 and 2013, resulting in a more supportive environment for students, faculty, and research.

Student Support and Retention

To improve student retention, the university reorganised administrative divisions to better support new and continuing students. Enrollment processes were streamlined, with enrollment occurring throughout the semester and standard census dates established, aiding in student tracking and support. These changes created a more consistent student experience from initial interest through to graduation.

Faculty and Research

There was a clear emphasis on teaching quality and faculty responsibility in presenting material effectively to students. While specific promotion policies were not detailed, faculty engagement with students was highlighted as a key to academic success. Research initiatives were part of broader institutional growth, although exact accomplishments in research during 2010–2013 were not specified in the available data.

Facilities

The university undertook significant facility improvements, driven by leadership focused on continuous improvement for student benefit. New facilities contributed to enhanced learning environments and likely supported enrollment growth.

Additional Developments

• The university's Corporate R&D Program is expanding, currently involving 18 faculty and 32 students, and has generated over $250,000 in intellectual property fees.
• A new facility for the Golisano Institute for Sustainability is currently in the design phase.
• The university implemented a University Studies Program for undecided students and completed a telephone survey of those who left the university in good academic standing.
• The university's Dubai campus received a new $5 million commitment from the UAE.
• The university managed to raise a total of $21 million in new gifts from friends, alumni, foundations, and corporations over the past year.
• Enrollment at the university's campuses abroad has increased to 1,200.
• 80 percent of the exhibits, performances, and demonstrations at the festival were new.
• The university is working on setting up the Institute for Health Sciences and the School of Health Sciences.
• The university is continuing efforts to build a model diverse community.

Future Plans

• Institute Hall, a new facility to support bioengineering and chemical engineering, is currently in the design phase with construction slated to start this fall.
• The university will initiate a search for a campus sustainability coordinator to ensure continued leadership in sustainability practices.
• University President Bill Destler delivered his "Address to the Community" on Aug. 31.
• Mini-fundraising campaigns will be launched for specific university goals and objectives this year, including a campaign to increase alumni giving and engagement.
• The Campus Center, a model of adaptive reuse, was completed and occupied last year.
• The university moved to a semester-based academic calendar starting in the Fall of 2013.
• The university implemented new policies on faculty promotion and tenure, initiated a new master's in architecture program, and a new master's in sustainable systems degree program.
• The university is planning to launch several mini-campaigns to prepare the way for a comprehensive fundraising campaign in the next few years.
• The university has engaged a branding firm to help tell its story to the world.
• The university will welcome its first class of Rochester City Scholars this year.
• The Sands Family Studios for the School for American Crafts and the Vignelli Design Center were opened and completed respectively.
• A Joint Institute of Health Science Research, Education and Outreach will be administered by the university.
• The Student Innovation Center/Administrative Services Building complex was completed $1 million under budget and achieved a LEED Platinum rating.

1. The reorganization of administrative divisions aimed to improve student retention, providing support to students until their graduation.
2. The university's focus on faculty engagement was highlighted as a key element for academic success, with teaching quality emphasized throughout the period.
3. Research initiatives played a part in the broader institutional growth during this timeframe, although specific accomplishments remained unspecified in the available data.
4. Enhanced learning environments were created with the university's significant facility improvements, serving to attract students and support growth.
5. The university's corporate R&D Program, involving faculty and students, generated over $250,000 in intellectual property fees during this period, and they are working on launching several mini-campaigns in preparation for a future comprehensive fundraising campaign.

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