Welcome back and happy 2019. I hope you enjoyed the holidays and have returned for the spring semester feeling rested.
The new year is the perfect time to reflect on our goals. I encourage you to remain focused on your academic studies and become more involved on campus. Roosevelt’s priority is your success and we are here to support you both in and out of the classroom. Below are a few events designed to help you achieve your educational, professional and community-engagement goals:
- Student Involvement Fair: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 12–4 p.m. and 4–6 p.m.
- Networking and Career Fair: Thursday, March 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Social Justice Week: Monday, April 8 to Friday, April 12
The partial government shutdown has impacted many individuals, including some Roosevelt students. In response, I have asked that tuition payments for furloughed federal employees and their dependents be deferred until the shutdown is resolved. Additional information is available through the Office of Financial Aid Services.
I continue to be inspired by students who demonstrate a passion and commitment to our mission of social justice. An example of this is Jazmine-Marie Cruz, a Roosevelt freshman. She led efforts to organize the local Women’s March rally at Chicago’s Federal Plaza on January 19 after learning that Chicago would not be represented in the national movement and thought it important that our city be represented. This is social justice in action — a pillar of Roosevelt’s educational experience.
Summer is just a few months away and is a perfect opportunity to catch up on credits to help you graduate on time. One course of interest, Sounds of Summer, is an intensive program focused on Chicago summer festivals that incorporate the arts, history, food and music. You can further explore summer course options and sign up at roosevelt.edu/summer.
Lastly, let me remind us all that Roosevelt prides itself on making our University a safe space for students. We are a community of learners, activists, volunteers and more, who are here to support one another. As I mentioned in my letter to you this past August, my challenge for each of you is to develop a new friendship with someone who is different from you. Step out of your comfort zone and learn something new about a fellow student who has a different religion, is from a different country or has a different skin color. Fostering diversity and inclusion is a top priority at Roosevelt. Reach out and make new friends!
Wishing you an enjoyable and productive spring semester.