In less than two weeks, many of you will have completed your time at RWC, finishing degree requirements and preparing for graduation. Others will be readying for the summer, perhaps taking an all-too-brief break from the books before another autumn term begins. Regardless of whether you are graduating this spring or will be returning to campus over the summer or in September, I encourage you to make the most of this season in your life.There’s an old adage that states, “Time flies and transitions remain always a part of life.” That’s so true for college students. It may seem as if your life is full of transitions-balancing work, family life and your studies all while adapting to changes in all aspects of life. The quarter just starts, and then you need to prep for finals. And for those of you who are graduating, there is often added pressure to craft resumes and prepare portfolios, polish interviewing skills and scour the classified and job-related web sites in search of the perfect position.
As a college, we too are faced with transitions. Over the summer, numerous projects will continue to progress, including the quarter-to-semester planning committee and the collegiate re-structuring initiative. The university will also implement performance-based budgeting and look to update the strategic research plan in addition to reinforcing community engagement and outreach and the STRIVE program.
We are in a state of flux, but I believe our solid foundations and the dedication of our staff and faculty will put us in good stead throughout these transitions. Even the site evaluation team from the Higher Learning Commission noted RWC as being “an excellence organization with outstanding students, staff and faculty which is well situated to deal with any future college challenges and opportunities.”
Rest assured that our focus remains on providing a quality education highlighting the convenience of a regional campus coupled with the benefits of being part of the University of Cincinnati.
William Butler Yeats once said, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” I hope your time at RWC has been a time of personal growth and achievement toward your goals. On behalf of the Raymond Walter staff and faculty, it has been a privilege being your academic home.