Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
I am thrilled to welcome our students, faculty, and staff to the 2023-24 academic year. For those of you who are new to Illinois State University, welcome to the Redbird Family! If you are returning, we are excited to have you back!
The beginning of the fall semester is an exciting time at Illinois State. As I write this letter, I’m listening to the Quad come alive as Welcome Week is in full swing—the Big Red Marching Machine can be heard practicing in the distance, students are moving into university housing and off-campus apartments, and faculty and staff are making final preparations for the fall term. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the hundreds of students, faculty, and staff who have taken time from their busy schedules to welcome students and their families to campus during Move-In and Welcome Week activities.
Although final enrollment numbers will not be available until the tenth day of the semester, we anticipate an increase in new students and overall enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year. Preliminary enrollment reports show an increase in new first-year students, over 1,000 new students have earned a 4.0 or better GPA while in high school, and 40 percent are racially diverse.
On August 14, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education released guidance regarding the U.S. Supreme Court rulings on the use of race in the college admissions process. The rulings continue to raise questions and concerns in the higher education community. ISU will comply with the law and remains committed in its efforts to ensure that students from all communities and identities have access to Illinois State’s educational opportunities. I will keep the campus community informed as the review and analysis progresses.
Over the summer months, considerable progress was made on campus construction and revitalization projects, including the new $18 million Mennonite College of Nursing Simulation Center. Speaking about Nursing, just last week, in partnership with Memorial Health, the Mennonite College of Nursing Springfield location opened and has exceeded enrollment targets for the inaugural fall term. Other construction projects include the beautifully renovated Watterson Dining Commons, the Indoor Practice Facility (opening early this semester), and the CVA Rotunda Classroom Renovation (on target for a spring reopening).
Please note the dismount zones recently implemented on campus. “Walk Your Wheels” signage has been installed in and around campus locations where riders must dismount bikes, skateboards, scooters, or other recreational and transportation devices. Dismount zones include the Quad, Milner Plaza, College Ave. Bridge, Schroeder Plaza, Redbird Plaza, Watterson Towers Plaza, and In-Exchange.
As we begin the fall semester, take a moment to visit Redbird Well, a new website created to assist students with easily finding mental health resources such as clinical services, screening apps, support services, training and awareness building, and emergency helplines. Please share this resource with friends and colleagues to help support the health of the Redbird community.
Our community is strengthened when we demonstrate care, kindness, and respect for each other. Our collective diversity is what makes us better together and a more vibrant campus. I look forward to a busy, productive fall term and opportunities to get to know you and work collaboratively to advance Illinois State to a higher level of excellence.
Sincerely,
Aondover Tarhule
Interim President
