From the Office of the President

To the Roosevelt University Community,

During discussions I have had recently with faculty, staff and students across the University, I was inspired to find a renewed commitment to the goals and values that have shaped our University since its founding. That commitment was particularly evident in the many creative ideas that have been developed and put into place to recruit and retain students who can benefit from a Roosevelt education. I am pleased to let you know that our collective efforts have produced improvements in a number of enrollment categories this semester. On behalf of Jim Gandre, Doug Knerr and Sallye McKee, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for helping us achieve these important advancements.

Fall semester enrollment numbers are now official and the good news is that tuition revenue is $1.3 million more than budget. Headcount, although down slightly from last year, exceeded the goal. There are two major reasons for this, a 10-point increase in the retention rate of freshmen and the first increase since 2000 in credit hours taken by part-time students. Both of those improvements are highly encouraging signs that our extensive efforts to recruit new students and retain those who are here are paying off. Fall semester makes up 45% of the budget so we are definitely on the right track. It is too early to forecast spring semester results, but registrations are currently above last year at this time.

Another indication of our improving future is that new student Open Houses held recently in Chicago and Schaumburg were extremely well attended. The Chicago Open House on November 12 attracted 500 potential students and their parents, while an additional 150 people came to the Schaumburg Open House on November 7. I want to thank all the faculty and staff who participated in these Open Houses, which were exceptionally well organized and presented the University in our highest Rooseveltian traditions. In fact, based on the feedback we received from questionnaires, the vast majority of those attending were impressed with the campuses and the information they received about the University.

Of course, our next step is to convert those prospects into Roosevelt students. However, based on the dedication and hard work being performed by colleges and offices throughout the University, I am confident that a good percentage of them will select to study with us.

I am always impressed by the many creative ideas and achievements generated by faculty, students and the administrative units. This semester has been highly productive, and I am delighted to share with you a just a few recent examples of our collective accomplishments:

• The College of Education received notification from the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) that it has been reaccredited without condition for another five years.

• The Chicago School of Real Estate held a very successful fundraising dinner with more than 400 people attending.

• New relationships with community colleges have been forged and additional merit aid has been allocated for community college graduates with top grades.

• The College of Pharmacy received $100,000 in capital support from the State of Illinois.

• The Alumni Association recently created two more chapters and now has 14 globally.

Thank you again for your hard work this semester. I know that the initiatives we are implementing together will produce the enrollment results we need going forward. My very best wishes to all of you for a strong finish to the end of the semester and for a most joyous holiday season.

Chuck Middleton