Welcome!

September 9, 2008

We begin 2008-2009 with some exciting developments.

With a GPA of 4.18 and SAT of 1293, this year’s incoming freshmen are more academically talented than ever. Workers on campus are making progress on several major new buildings. Our Florida Tomorrow capital campaign has raised more than $700 million toward its goal of $1.5 billion.

UF is making progress on other fronts as well. Yet we also face significant challenges.

The state recently announced a higher-than-expected budget shortfall – one that follows a significant shortfall last fiscal year. We already made painful adjustments last year, and the latest news is unwelcome. Although we have protected our core quality and diversity of offerings to date, more cuts would be extremely difficult. I am urging Gov. Charlie Crist to tap the state’s rainy day fund to forestall this possibility.

The fact is, UF is a tremendous asset to Florida.

We are a top 20 public research university and Florida’s only member of the Association of American Universities. We are one of the five largest public universities in the nation. From the Florida Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Rainforest to the McKnight Brain Institute, we have unique cultural and research facilities.

The state has every reason to seek to protect and nurture this incredible resource. Our challenge now is to make that crystal clear to our lawmakers, Gov. Crist and the public.

Tropical Storm Fay came and went, but the hurricane season is far from over. I was impressed with the campus community’s patience and responsiveness during Fay. It gives me confidence that we are prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead this year.

There is always a sense of excitement on campus at the start of the school year. Very soon, students and faculty will be focused on their academic responsibilities and goals, but now is a time to appreciate the rich academic and extracurricular experience possible at UF. All signs are, this year will be a productive, memorable and satisfying one.

Have a terrific fall, and Go Gators!

Sincerely,
J. Bernard Machen
President