Dear Evans School Alumni,
Reflecting on the past year at the Evans School, we have much to be proud of. We welcomed our largest class of students ever, have a diversity plan in place, held a successful Leadership at the Crossroad series here on campus and in Washington, D.C., organized a new Evans School Alumni Council, developed an important partnership with the X Prize Foundation, and have a Visiting Committee of dynamic people who are truly supportive and interested in our success. These are just a few of the things that come to mind.
Earlier this month the University organized a campus-wide steering committee to begin to assess the potential value and feasibility of implementing a new activity based budgeting (ABB) system. ABB is a method of budgeting activities linked to the mission, strategic goals, and effort of the institution. Final recommendations by the committee are due to the President and Provost by the spring of 2010.
We expect the continuing fiscal constraints during this tough economic time to continue. I want to make you aware that we will be planning for budget reductions again this year.
On a lighter and happier note, I am pleased to share that preliminary reports indicate that this has been one of our strongest years yet in submitted applications. We have double-digit increases across the board―a good sign that our reputation remains strong. We have many in our community to thank for the results of this hard work—staff, faculty, current students, and of course, you, our supportive alumni. We are grateful for all of your efforts.
Regards,
Sandra O. Archibald
Dean and Professor