June 17, 2008

For those of you on campus, it is evident that summer school is up and running!  The campus is alive with students, conferences, summer programs, sports camps, as well as visitors from the CWS.  The landscaping is maturing as we head toward the July 4th holiday.  Some important information follows which will allow you to tell the Creighton story with more accuracy during the summer months.

Tobacco-Free Campus

On July 1, 2008, we will reach a major milestone on Creighton University’s campus--we will be tobacco-free.  When I announced this initiative last fall, I reaffirmed Creighton’s dedication to providing a healthy, comfortable and productive living and working environment for faculty, staff and students, as well as for our visitors.  And because our mission calls us to improve the health of the individuals and communities we serve, I believe the University has a responsibility to take a leadership role on this major health issue. 

Faculty, staff and students have taken advantage of our coaching and support programs to help people transition to this new policy.  We are also making sure we let our new students and community members know about this policy.  We have also communicated with our neighbors, contractors, alumni and friends.  I want to especially thank Dr. Syed Mohiuddin and his strategy group for their efforts to make this initiative a reality. 

Communication, support and ongoing activities will continue.  Information is available on a special website at http://tobaccofree.creighton.edu/ that will have updates, helpful tips and resources to ensure everyone’s success in this important endeavor. 

Fiscal Year Budget Results

Another fiscal year end is almost upon us.  Overall, 2007/08 was a productive year, with many positive developments and continued progress on important initiatives.  Enrollment met or exceeded targets in nearly every school and college and new academic programs showed promising early results.

Gift income is also strong, with totals well above the prior year and ahead of budget.  Expenses were largely within budgeted levels, with the exception of utility costs, which rose due to higher prices for natural gas and an extended winter heating season.  Before considering the operations of our medical clinics, our projections indicated we could expect a healthy net budget surplus.

The year was not without its challenges, most notably a significant reserve adjustment to medical clinic patient accounts receivable that was identified late in the year.  A number of factors contributed to the need for the adjustment and steps are under way to avoid this situation in the future.  Although this adjustment will result in the University reporting an operating budget deficit for fiscal year 2007/08, we do expect to achieve a balanced budget again in fiscal year 2008/09.

Construction

Multiple projects are under construction and renovation across the campus.  All eyes are on the Harper Center for Student Life and Learning.  Much of the interior work is close to completion.  The expanded mall fronting the Harper Center and adjacent landscaping is taking shape.  We appear to be on schedule for an early August opening.  Permits and certifications of occupancy from the city are in process.  Several of the significant public spaces have donor names attached to them—the ballroom, board room, student health center and the auditorium; others are pending.

The campus continues to be surrounded by city, state and federal construction projects—sewer separation, bridges and highways.  Amidst them, the Ryan Center soon will begin to rise at 19th and Webster streets.

Enrollment

Most programs are on target in meeting the projected budgets.  Undergraduate freshmen will fall slightly short (-10) of the budgeted target of 1,000.  The new class has several significant traits: 23% are from under-represented groups; 27% are legacies; and 24% are first generation to attend college.  There is significant economic, geographic and ethnic diversity in this entering class.  All of this is in keeping with our enrollment management targets.  This class also sees a 31% increase in business students and a 2% increase in male students (40%).  We all appreciate the efforts of the Admissions and Financial Aid offices in attaining this successful result in these challenging economic times.

As a realist, I have requested that several divisions be attentive to the implications on enrollment and retention numbers in the face of a declining economy, the unknown results of the present weather related incidents (especially flooding), and pending detrimental legislation in Washington.  We could be working with some tentative numbers as the academic year begins in August.  Whatever materializes, Creighton will not be alone; most institutions, save the wealthiest and most prestigious ones, will reap the same fallout.

Other Items

Finally, I want to thank you for your assistance, in thought or deed, in responding to the tragedy of Wednesday’s tornadoes, which resulted in the death of four Boy Scouts and injuries to another 42.  As the past president of the Mid-America Council of the BSA, I was particularly engaged with this tragedy and heard first hand from the survivors taken to Creighton University Medical Center.  I also want to mention several physicians who have been called to my attention for their responsiveness that night of the tornadoes striking the Little Sioux camp: Dr. Robert Fitzgibbons, Dr. Samuel Cemaj and Dr. Edward McGonigal, as well as Dr. Peter Lennarson from UNMC who came down to Creighton as a volunteer.  Dr. McGonigal stayed to provide coverage while waiting to find out the news of his own son who was at the camp.  I am sure there were others, but I simply want to thank the entire team that came together to address this tragedy in a professional and dignified manner.

This is the last Update until late August.  I wish all of you a restful and productive summer.  You all continue to play a vital role in keeping Creighton University the quality institution it is.  Sure, we have our challenges, but we also have the will and the determination to meet those challenges and become an even stronger university and medical center.  You and your family remain in my prayers.  I end by wishing you an early “Happy Fourth of July!”

John P. Schlegel, S.J.
President