Welcome back to all returning students and welcome to our freshman class, the class of 2004. I hope that you had a fruitful and enjoyable summer break and I want to update you on some of our administration's projects and plans for the coming academic year.

I am particularly excited about plans to extend the pedestrian mall into the intersection of University and Myrtle Avenues. The extension will consist of a large brick circle with a sitting wall that will surround a focal point -- perhaps a sculpture, although that's not yet decided. Other features, such as flagpoles, site lighting and an information kiosk will also be incorporated into the project later. This area will eventually become the center of the campus, where students, faculty, staff and those visiting us can meet and relax in a friendly environment.

Wahlstrom Library will continue to absorb administrative services. Recently, the Academic Resource Center relocated to the fifth floor.

Renovation has begun on the lower garden level to accommodate almost all student administrative services -- the registrar, the bursar, financial aid -- and make it more accessible. In addition, the corridor connecting the garden level of the library with Carlson Hall will be renovated and opened. A second phase, which includes relocating the campus mail and print center, will be completed later.

As with other serious institutions of higher education, UB is accredited not only by its regional commission, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) but by several voluntary professional groups as well. During this academic year, UB will host a focused team for NEASC and the Connecticut Department of Higher Education, as well as other accrediting bodies. These professional accredi-ting bodies reinforce UB's objective to provide education of the highest quality.

I look forward to working with all of you to make this academic year the best yet.

Sincerely,

Neil Albert Salonen, President