August 28, 2007

As the fall semester begins, I bid you welcome, whether you are a returning faculty member or one who is joining us for the first time. We are anticipating a dynamic first year of Steven Knapp's presidency as we move forward on our existing priorities and embrace new initiatives.
There are several upcoming University-wide events in which you are encouraged to participate.

Opening Convocation -- Monday, September 3, at 2 p.m., Charles E. Smith Center. As the ceremonial beginning of the academic year, Opening Convocation is the first official occasion for us to welcome our students and their families.

Presidential Inauguration -- Friday, November 16, at 10:30 a.m., Charles E. Smith Center. President Knapp's formal inauguration will be held on this day and will be preceded by an exciting week of activities, November 13-16, that will include special days focusing on GW: In and Of Washington, GW: Research and Discovery, and GW: Lifelong and Worldwide Community. Please visit www.inauguration.gwu.edu for additional information.

Let me also take this opportunity to update you on the status of the negotiations between the University and Local 500 of the Service Employees International Union, the organization that now represents most of our part-time faculty. Bargaining teams from the University and Local 500 have been meeting since January. The teams continued to meet about once every two weeks throughout the summer. We have tentatively agreed to several terms and are continuing to discuss others. However, there is no final agreement on specific articles until the parties have signed off on the entire contract, and we cannot estimate when this will take place.

I am pleased to report that progress has been made during the bargaining process, and that a constructive atmosphere exists for the negotiations. Both sides have learned much, I believe, through this process. My hope is that the parties will continue to employ that knowledge and constructive atmosphere in agreeing upon provisions that are realistic and that assist in improving the quality of our faculty and academic offerings. Please refer to the University's web site on the issue at www.unionization.gwu.edu for additional information and updates.

Once again, welcome back, and I wish you an enjoyable and productive semester.