January 16, 2019 Dear William Paterson Students, Faculty, and Staff, Happy New Year and welcome to the spring 2019 semester! I hope that everyone had a joyous holiday season and that the semester starts off strong! Today we welcome back returning students along with the new students who have just begun their journey at William Paterson. Student success remains a priority for us as a University community, and support services remain ready and available to all. Students, this is a special time in your lives: you are here to learn and some of that learning takes place outside of the classroom. There are many special events, celebrations, athletic events, and great arts programs lined up for the spring semester. I hope you will take some time to attend and participate in the many activities on campus. The next Office Hours with the President is on January 22 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the College Hall Board Room. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend. Please check the campus calendar for location, reminders and updates. And especially for students, please join me for Pizza with the President on January 30 from 1 to 2 p.m. at 1600 Valley Road room G021. Please also save the date for the President's Spring Address on Thursday, February 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the University Commons Ballrooms. More information on this event will be forthcoming. Finally, as you know, the University has undertaken a nationwide search for a new provost. The final three candidates will make their on-campus visits during the last two weeks of January. For each of the visits there will be an open forum followed by a meet and greet in the Cheng Library Auditorium. More details will be forthcoming. I encourage students, faculty, and staff to attend and participate in these open forums. Again, welcome back and best wishes for a successful semester as we continue our good work together. Sincerely, Richard J. Helldobler, PhDPresident
