A Presidential Look Forward

Arizona Summer Wildcat Peter Likins

The beginning of the fall semester is always an exciting time for me, as it is for many of us who have lived our lives by the academic calendar. We're inspired by the spirit of new birth in the intellectual and personal lives of the thousands of people who are arriving on our campus for the first time, eager to learn something new and to develop new dimensions in their lives. If spring is the time for rebirth in the world of nature, fall is the time for rebirth in the world of the mind.

The coming year at the University of Arizona promises continuing success on many fronts. Enrollments are up for both freshman and new graduate students (including my son Paul). We're building on record years for external support of research ($262 million), university services ($58 million) and private gift contributions (more than $60 million).

The Arizona Board of Regents understands both the needs of the university and our capacity to serve the state of Arizona and its people. There is cause for optimism in our dealings with both state and federal government. This is a good time for the University of Arizona, and I'm pleased and proud to be here.

Of course there are challenges too, as there will always be. Resources have been tight throughout the '90s, and more remains to be done in restoring our financial strength. But the people of the University of Arizona have drawn personal strength from adversity, and we are ready to meet whatever challenges the future holds. We know now that we must actively earn the support of our many diverse constituencies, and we are willing not only to meet our responsibilities but to explain our good work persuasively.

Central to the vision of the University of Arizona is the concept of the "student-centered research university." As a research university we are devoted to creativity and discovery. Because we are "student-centered" we have an obligation to include our students in creative work and the excitement of discovery. When students are involved actively in their own learning, we all benefit from the shared experience. Teaching, research and service become alternative ways for us to learn, and an integrated learning experience becomes our highest ideal.

We have far to go before these ideals are fully realized, but every year we progress toward these goals. Every member of the University of Arizona campus community has work to do in advancing this agenda.

That hole in the Mall will grow larger in the months ahead, but eventually it will become the site of the Integrated Learning Center. This is the physical embodiment of the integrated learning experience ideal, and we will be building the ILC at the same time that we're building our academic programs.

Our Mall Enhancement Program begins with the Integrated Learning Center and the expansion of McKale Arena to provide room for Heritage Hall and the strength and conditioning center. The library expansion toward the ILC in the Mall complements these developments, and finally we hope to make a major change in the Memorial Student Union. This final project is still in the planning stages, with student input every step of the way. We expect to spend up to $60 million to replace portions of the present Union and renovate others.

Developing a financing plan for the Union is also a continuing process. The development of our physical space is only one aspect of our university development; other dimensions of the university are even more important. Our academic programs must continue to grow stronger, and our service to the community beyond the campus must continue to develop. Most importantly, we must find ways to help every member of the University of Arizona family to share in the joy of learning.