President Mote's Welcome

September 30, 1999

   Welcome to the fall 1999 semester at the University of Maryland. It is a thrill for me to share the expectation and excitement of a new academic year with you. As a second-year president, I can say to you first-year students that you're in for a treat as you get to know this dynamic and diverse university and explore its beautiful campus. For all of you who are returning, I hope you feel, as I do, embraced by the warmth of your Maryland family.

   You have chosen a university with an uncommon commitment to teaching excellence and exciting research. Maryland is not your average university. Only 89 institutions in the United States—out of more than 3,500—carry the distinction of Research I universities, and that has special meaning for the quality and focus of education you receive here. You will have opportunities to explore your interests and develop your thinking on a level very few universities can match. Our research focus provides you with a culture in which discovery, initiative and creativity are prized. Today, more than 3,000 research projects are underway across our disciplines, and you should consider taking an active role in them. When I was an undergraduate, I didn't take advantage of many opportunities to learn and grow until late in my studies. I urge you not to repeat my mistake.

   The last twelve months have been exciting for me as I immersed myself in learning about the university, its politics, goals and culture. Pleasantly, I found that we are moving forward in about every important area – student quality, sponsored research, private giving, facilities, faculty recognition, outstanding undergraduate programs. I am committed to building on this momentum and ensuring that our measures of excellence continue to rise nationally.

   We have made important progress this year on several fronts. In April, the Governor and the General Assembly gave the university a tremendous vote of confidence when they increased our state allocation by more than 10 percent—a first step toward lifting our state support into line with our peer universities: UC Berkeley, University of Michigan, University of Illinois, UCLA and North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We can be extremely grateful that the stature of this university has been targeted as the first priority for higher education initiatives in the state, and we look forward to rewarding that confidence through the continuing achievements of our students, faculty and staff. We were also fortunate to see record-breaking numbers in our fund-raising efforts—$81.7 million last year. Sponsored research awards substantially exceeded $200 million for the second year in a row and set another record.

   Some of my most enjoyable moments last year were the times I spent talking with students, hearing their thoughts on everything from calculus to dining services pizza. You'll no doubt run into me on campus this year. Please stop and say hello, let me know how you are doing, and what the university might do to make things better. Or drop me an e-mail at president@umail.umd.edu. Your ideas will help to shape Maryland's future. Let me hear about them.

   One of my tasks this year is to begin an effort to make certain that no student has to leave the University of Maryland for financial reasons. Even though our tuition is low by some standards, the costs of education continue to escalate, and the burden of debt among our college population is fearsome. Statistics show that students who have to curtail their course loads to work are at greatest risk for not completing their degrees—actually greater risk than they probably realize at the time. We will not solve this problem overnight, but increasing need-based assistance to students is a high priority in our planning and fund-raising efforts.

   As you settle in to your living spaces and classrooms and reconnect with friends and favorite places, give thought to the good fortune that has brought us together to do the important work of understanding and improving our world. My hope is that you will both enjoy and enrich the process.

C.D. (Dan) Mote, Jr.
President, University of Maryland, College Park