Dear Marquette students,

It's hard to believe that the semester is already half over and we're in the midst of midterm exams. I wish all of you the best of luck during the next week, and please know that you will be in my prayers as we head into fall break. If you're feeling anxious, there are several campus activities to help you relieve stress. You can sign up for a free wellness class through the Marquette University Medical Clinic, visit with the pet therapy dogs on Monday from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the first floor of the AMU (an MUSG-sponsored event) or join my running group on Tuesday afternoons or Friday mornings.

I've been doing my best to be as involved as I can with student groups during my first semester. Be sure to check out my Twitter feed to let me know what's going on and whom I should be following.

At my inauguration last month, I announced several new strategic campus initiatives. Three of these — the strategic innovation fund and Marquette's participation at the Global Water Center and Innovation Campus — will be further defined at a campus forum on Tuesday, October 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium. I encourage you to attend.

Ensuring your safety is paramount, so the university is continuing to study if we should move forward with commissioning a university police department. Later this month, Paul Mascari, chief of the Department of Public Safety, will host presentations and forums to provide additional information about what commissioning would mean and to receive feedback from students and other groups on campus. Details of these sessions will be included in future Marquette Today announcements. In the meantime, I hope you are continuing to take advantage of the public safety programs our Department of Public Safety offers.

Finally, you know we're progressing through the fall semester when the basketball season is upon us. Marquette Madness will take place Friday night, and I'm told the Al McGuire Center will be at capacity. In addition to free T-shirts, all attending students will have a chance to win a TV, a $500 scholarship, Packers tickets and other giveaways. I’ll be on hand to help judge the dunk contest and take part in the festivities.

Best,

Dr. Michael R. Lovell