Greetings!

My warmest welcome to all new and returning students to Nipissing University for the academic year 2001-2002. I hope that your summer was productive, or profitable or just plain fun.

The 2001-2002 academic year is shaping up to be one of Nipissing's most exciting year ever. On the academic side, we start new programs in nursing and fine arts. In the construction area, the new 300 bed residence will be open this September. And the new $12 million, 65,000 sq. ft. academic wing is under way and on schedule for a September 2002 opening. In the technical area, look for our new WEB page by the end of August. Add to this a full line up of sports, social and other club activities planned by a very capable and energetic student union, and 2001-2002 looks like it will be a great year.

But, by and large, students returning to Nipissing will find little has really changed. You'll meet the same friendly and helpful staff and administrators. You'll have the same fun in the best Student Centre in Canada. And, of course, you'll be taught by the same wonderful faculty (and some new ones!) who care about you and your progress as a student.

Sorry about that. Maybe you'll even have the same terrific year that you had last year!

As the school year progresses, I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can in order to hear your views on your own Nipissing University experience. Brock Leighton, President of NUSU, and I will be holding regular "Meet the President" sessions to give everyone a chance to share their views on student life at Nipissing.

If I don't see you at one of these sessions, perhaps we'll meet at the Student Athletics Centre as we cheer on one of our teams. Or perhaps we'll just meet in the hall as we go about our mutual pursuit of higher learning at Nipissing. But, if I don't see you soon, then welcome back...or welcome to...Nipissing University. Have a terrific year!

Cheers,

Dave Marshall, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor
Nipissing University