Beta Beta Beta…

www.fig.cox.miami.edu/beta/beta.html

betaomicron@usa.net

cultivates intellectual interest in the natural sciences and promotes a better appreciation of the value of biological study.

Bioethics Society…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/bioethics

stimulates discussion and interest; and encourage scholarly activities in bioethics.

Biomedical Engineering Society…

www.eng.miami.edu/~umbmes

umbmes@coeds.eng.miami.edu

encourages the development, dissemination, integration, and utilization of knowledge in biomedical engineering.

Black Filmmakers Association…

umbfa@hotmail.com

provides knowledge about the achievements of African-Americans in cinema and promotes the support of “black films”.

Black Nursing Student Association…

um_bnsa@hotmail.com

provides students the opportunity to become involved with issues and services relevant to the health and welfare of the community at large.

Bowling Club…

www.miami.edu/wellness/bowling

provides both recreational and intercollegiate level bowling opportunities.

Brazilian Students Association…

bsa_miami@yahoo.com

raises the level of awareness to the diversity and offerings of the Brazilian tradition and customs.

Brothers Overcoming Negativity and Destruction…

works to dispel and overcome all negative stereotypes affiliated with black and other minority males.

Campus Advent…

provides an opportunity for members to become acquainted with and enjoy the fellowship of those who have interest in the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.

Campus Colors…

campuscolors@yahoo.com

is a magazine that serves as the voice of diversity at the University of Miami.

Campus Crusade for Christ…

www.godsquad.com

umccc@hotmail.com

develops a loving community on campus that is dedicated to living out the truths of the Bible and learning about God.

Canes for Cancer Awareness…

c4ca@studorg.miami.edu

promotes cancer awareness, focusing on the types of cancer that affect college students.

Canes Kids…

www.wementor.org

is a mentor program that matches students one-on-one with middle school children.

Caribbean Students Association…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/coiso/

umcsa@hotmail.com

raises the level of awareness of the cultural diversity of all Caribbean nations.

Catholic Students Association…

www.saintaugustinechurch.org

provides opportunities for Catholic Students to come together in faith, both socially and in service for others.

Chabad Student Organization…

provides Jewish educational, ritual, and social activities based on Jewish Orthodox laws and Chabad rituals and customs.

Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/chialpha

chialphauofmiami@mindspring.com

promotes spiritual, mental, and emotional life through Christian fellowship, discipleship, worship, witness and counsel; and offers training in leadership and mentorship in order to use these skills on a weekly basis.

Circle K International…

provides experience in living and working together, and participation in group activities of all kinds; and gives primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life therefore developing within members a high degree of serviceable citizenship.

College Republicans…

www.umcrnc.org

provides a means to encourage participation in the activities of the Republican Party.

Colombian Student Association…

colsaum@hotmail.com

unites and represents the Colombian student, and promotes Columbian culture in the community.

Committee on Student Organizations…

www.miami.edu/coso

coso.studorg@miami.edu

governs over all student organizations and helps new organizations form as well as host the Student Organization Achievement Recognition Awards.

Council of International Students and Organizations…

umcoiso2001@hotmail.com

promotes and defends the interests of all international students and international student organizations, and integrates the international students with campus life and the community.

Cricket Club…

www.miami.edu/wellness-clubs/cricket

umcc2001@yahoo.com

promotes and practice the sport of cricket at the University of Miami.

Criminal Justice Club…

pursues greater understanding of the criminal justice system by allowing for increased opportunities and a more intimate exposure to the field of study.

Dancing Ibis…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/salsacraze

promotes the awareness of salsa dancing through education, practice, performance, and competition at the collegiate level.

Danse Orientale…

functions as an interest group to foster the appreciation and practice of oriental dance arts, as other middle eastern and north African dance arts, with an academic perspective and emphasis.

Delta Sigma Pi…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/deltasigmapi

deltasigmapi.studorg@miami.edu

promotes closer affiliation between the commercial world and students of commerce, works to further a higher standard of commercial ethics and civic welfare in the community, and fosters the study of business.

Earth Alert…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/earthalert

earthalert@hotmail.com

promotes greater awareness our and the global environment and devotes time to ameliorate our campus and other areas of interest.

Elections Commission…

oversees undergraduate Student Government elections in the fall and spring semesters.

Engineering Advisory Board…

www.eng.miami.edu/~umeab

umeab@coeds.eng.miami.edu

serves as the umbrella organization for engineering student organizations.

Entrepreneurship Club…

provides students with the opportunity to interact with business professionals and apply what is learned in the classroom in a real world setting through consulting.

Episcopal Students Organization…

unites students of all faiths as well as those of the Episcopal Church in order to learn about and appreciate this religion in a friendly atmosphere.

Equestrian Club…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/umet

umequestrian@yahoo.com

promotes horse back riding as a hobby and encourages participation in horse-related activities.

Federacion de Estudiantes Cubanos…

fecevents@hotmail.com

promotes cultural awareness of Cuban traditions, history, music, and current events.

Fencing Club…

preserves the art of sword by allowing students of all skill levels to come and practice fencing and sword fighting.

Filipino Student Association…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/fsa

um-fsa@yahoogroups.com

promotes the awareness of Filipino culture in the community.

Florida Collegiate Music Educators National Conference…

fcmenc_miami@yahoo.com

relays to students the privileges and responsibilities of the music education profession and provides members with opportunities to become acquainted with leaders in the music education profession.

French Club…

umfrenchclub@hotmail.com

engages in culturally oriented activities for Francophiles and Francophones.

Friendship Club of China…

phyvax.ir.miami.edu:8001/fcc/index2.html

promotes Chinese culture to the community.

FunDay…

funday.studorg@miami.edu

helps plan a day of friendship and laughter for people with mental disabilities.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Community…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/glbc

glbc.studorg@miami.edu

fosters pride through education, awareness, advocacy, and involvement; and provides support for all members.

Geological and Environmental Outings…

geoclub_miami@hotmail.com

furthers the understanding of the earth and planetary dynamics through meetings and field trips.

German Club…

www.germanclubmiami.yahoo.com

germanclubmiami@yahoo.com

promotes an interest and enthusiasm in the language, culture, customs, literature, music, films, and foods of German-speaking countries.

Golden Key International Honour Society…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/golden-key

goldenkeyum2001@yahoo.com

acknowledges exceptional ability to perform at a high academic level and recognizes, by invitation only, the top 15% of juniors and seniors in all fields of study.

Golf Club…

www.miami.edu/wellness/club

promotes love for the game of golf.

Habitat for Humanity…

h4humiami@hotmail.com

brings families and communities in need together with volunteers and resources to build decent, affordable housing, with the goal to eliminate poverty housing.

Haitian Student Organization…

promotes Haitian culture and coordinates an active participation in the academic, cultural, social, and apolitical activities of Haiti.

Hindu Students Council…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/hsc

hscofum@hotmail.com

educates and promotes the Hindu culture and spiritual heritage.

Hip-Hop Club…

www.umhiphopclub.com

umhiphopclub@aol.com

provides an outlet for the expression of Hip-Hop culture on campus.

Hispanic Heritage Month Association…

coordinates a month of events celebrating Hispanic culture, heritage, and history.

History Club…

www.as.miami.edu/history/phi

promotes interest in and appreciation for history by sponsoring lectures, career workshops, film series, and field trips.

Homecoming Executive Committee…

www.miami.edu/homecoming

oversees all homecoming events.

Honors Students’ Association…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/has

honors.studorg@miami.edu

promotes and protects the rights and privileges of Honors students; and coordinates cultural and social activities for honor students a break from studying.

Hui Aloha…

huialoha@hotmail.com

promotes the Aloha spirit and creates an awareness of the Hawaiian culture.

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society…

promotes and advances the understanding of the human factors involved in the design, manufacture, and use of machines, systems, environments and devices of all kinds through the interchange of knowledge and methodology in the behavioral, biological and physical sciences and in industrial, computer science and other relevant engineering disciplines.

Hurricane Productions…

www.um-hp.com

hp.studorg@miami.edu

is the premiere entertainment planning committee on campus.

Ibis…

provides reporting, photography, layout, and graphic design opportunities for students while producing the University yearbook which is published annually.

Indian Students Association…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/isa

um-isa@yahoogroups.com

promotes the interest of Indian Students and enhances the awareness of Indian culture.

Inquiry: The Research Connection…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/inquiry

inquiry.studorg@miami.edu

encourages student interest in research without limit to subject matter.

Institute of Industrial Engineers…

www.eng.miami.edu/~umiie

umiie@coeds.eng.miami.edu

promotes the industrial engineering profession.

Interfraternity Council…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/ifc

serves as the advising, supervising, and governing body of all member fraternities at the University of Miami.

International Exchange Student Organization…

creates an environment in which international exchange program participants can meet and interact.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship…

www.miami.edu/studorgs/intervarsity

umintervarsity@yahoo.com

encourages spiritual growth and service to God in Christian students

Special to the Miami Hurricane
from the Department of Orientation
August 24, 2002 – Coral Gables, FL
Where do I register for classes? How do I get an ID card? Where are the classrooms? Where’s the Student Union? Ahhh!!!

The first few days of college can take their toll on any new student. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The University of Miami’s Department of Orientation helps you, our brand new Hurricanes, to an easy and smooth transition into college life.

The Orientation staff spends a year working to make it the best orientation program for our new students. Part of the new improvements include a larger staff; there are over 200 orientation assistants alone! New students are able to check-in earlier at the Residence Halls so that they have more time for Orientation; you can begin checking-in on Friday, August 23. Consult the Department of Residence Halls for the exact time at which you can check-in. There is also a central check-in location for Orientation check-in on Saturday, August 24.

Two professional staff members lead the Orientation staff. Tricia Shatley is the Director of Orientation and Webb Morgan is the Assistant Director of Orientation. Even though there are administrators overseeing the program, students are the ones in charge of making the program, selecting a staff and making sure that our new students are having a great time. There are three student Program Coordinators who decide on the schedule, find sponsorship and decide on the theme. Next in line are the Orientation Coordinators. The Orientation Coordinators have one of the most important tasks on our staff. In addition to selecting the Orientation Assistants, they are also in charge of keeping the staff motivated and making sure that the sessions are going well. Finally, there are the Orientation Assistants, OA’s for short. They have the single most important job on staff; making you, our new students, feel at home.
You should have already received information about Orientation in the mail. You should have also received information about the Parents Orientation Program. The sessions will be tailored specifically for parents so that all there questions may be answered.

For the most recent updates, please log on to the Orientation website at www.miami.edu/orientation. If you have any questions, please e-mail us at orientation@miami.edu or call us at 305-284-5646. We hope to see all of you at Orientation, beginning on August 24 and ending on August 27, just in time for the first day of classes. Don’t forget, no matter where you’re from, “All Roads Lead to U!”

Take time to get to know the campus, the people, the academic community and the university as a whole.

You’ll find this is a very exciting time to be a Hurricane. The football team is ready to defend its national championship. Donna Shalala just finished her first year as president. And new buildings are sprouting on campus, including an exciting new basketball arena.

The school stands poised to take a quantum leap in its already widely acclaimed academic standing.

You couldn’t have picked a better time to be here.

But as you bask in the South Florida sun, don’t take UM for granted. It needs your help, your involvement and your commitment. You can make a big difference on this campus.

As your mother no doubt told you: “College is what you make of it.” My advice is to listen to Mom.

Don’t blend in. Stand out. Get involved.

Check out the clubs and academic organizations. Check out the student government. And as editor of the student newspaper, I urge you to check out the Miami Hurricane.

This newspaper is the voice of the university community. It’s designed to reflect your needs, your thoughts and your interests. But it can only do so with your input and support.

The paper allows you to sound-off in our Opinion section, get updated on the latest in campus sports, find out all the breaking news at UM, and offers the best in features and entertainment news in our Accent section.

But we need new faces and fresh ideas. We want people who are not afraid of being challenged. And we want your help.

Stop by and see us when you get to campus and get settled. We’re looking for reporters, copy editors and just people who want to lend a helping hand. Our offices are located on the second floor of the University Center and our doors are always open.

We publish twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays.

You can make a big difference on the paper. And you can make a big difference on campus.

It’s all up to you.

Sincerely,

Jordan Rodack

Miami Hurricane Editor

Judaic Studies at the University of Miami continues to expand and is reaching out to students who are interested in Judaic Studies and the Middle East.

The Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies is the coordinating body for all things relating to Judaism, as well as issues affecting Israel and the Middle East.

The regular Judaic Studies Program is a traditional major within the College of Arts and Sciences.

“Professor Jeffrey Shoulson will assume the position of Director of the Judaic Studies Program at the beginning of the Fall, 2002 semester and he expects to overhaul and enhance all the course offerings in Judaic Studies and, as a result, we hope in the future to have many more students electing Judaic Studies as their major,” said Maxine Schwartz, Director of Development and Outreach for the Sue and Leonard Miller Center.

The Sue and Leonard Miller Center’s director, Professor Haim Shaked, is an expert on the Middle East. Students interested in the Middle East and Israel can take classes through the International Studies Program, which is now located in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“I think overall Judaic Studies at UM are good, but there’s still room for improvement,” said Junior Melissa Dolinsky.

The Sue and Leonard Miller Center also does outreach by coordinating programs in the community relating to Jewish topics.

“We already have plans in place to continue our partnerships with the Alper JCC’s Jewish Book Fair, the Central Agency for Jewish Education’s Jewish Film Festival, the Holocaust Memorial of Miami Beach’s Lecture Series and lectures in partnership with a number of area synagogues,” said Schwartz.

“The four years since the creation of the Miller Center in 1998 have been filled with promise and creative activity. The years ahead should be rewarding as more programs are offered to students interested in majoring in Judaic Studies,” said Schwartz.

Dear New Student,

Welcome to the University of Miami, and congratulations on your decision to attend one of the finest educational institutions in Higher Education.
You are approximately one of 13,000 students from all 50 states and over 112 foreign countries who will attend the University this year. You follow in the footsteps of many renowned scholars, Pulitzer Prize winners, Rhodes Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, two Heisman Trophy winners, Congressmen, CEOs and over 138,000 successful alumni.
The University of Miami was recently recognized as a Character-Building Institution by the Templeton Foundation. We strive for all of our student life opportunities to provide you a chance to develop your leadership skills.
Take charge of your life! Develop your skills and talents by maximizing your academic opportunities and tapping into the “real life experiences” through student organizations and other activities, which will assist you in contributing to our community as an effective leader.
A multitude of opportunities await you…now it’s your turn. I look forward to formally welcoming you during Orientation 2002. Best wishes for academic and personal success.

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Whitely
Vice President for Student Affairs

Dear New Students,

On behalf of the Student Government at the University of Miami, I would like to congratulate you on your admission to this great institution.

I remember first setting foot on this campus, standing in awe looking at the future I had ahead of me. I stood in front of Hecht Residential College, excited but nervous. I had so many ambitions and goals that I knew I was going to accomplish. As I kept walking, I knew I made the right decision to come to the University of Miami.

As you read this, you will be feeling the emotions that I felt three years ago. It is only natural to feel the anticipation of experiencing something you yet not know. The transitions to university life will not necessarily be easy, but Student Government will be here to help you.

I am so excited about this year. I have been told that your freshman class is one of the best to be accepted at this university. There is no doubt in my mind that you and your fellow students will leave a positive mark on the University of Miami.

So far, I have had over 100 new students contact me and ask what they should do to “make it” at the university. My response is almost the same for everyone. First of all, go to all of the Orientation events. The Department of Orientation and three Program Coordinators have put together an unbelievable program for you this year. Orientation will tell you everything you want and need to know about the university.

When I lived on campus, I had a great time. My door was always open, and I met many new friends. If you are going to commute to campus, spend as much time at the university as possible. Make the university a second home.

Next, I highly recommend that everyone get involved in student organizations. I think one of the best ways to get involved is through Greek Life. Fraternities and sororities promote strong academics and leadership. I encourage everyone to rush. By rushing, you are going to meet hundreds of new friends. Remember, rushing in no way obligates you to join a fraternity or sorority. You can also stop by Student Activities, University Center room 209. Student Activities has over 200 organizations that will be able to meet your interests.

Lastly, I think it is a great idea to have fun. College is a great experience, and there are plenty of things to do down here at Miami.

If you have any questions, you can email me personally at johnston@umiami.edu. You may also call the Student Government at 305-284-3082. I, as well as the rest of SG, are here to make sure you have the best experience possible. Have a great summer and I will see you in the fall.

Sincerely,
Michael A. Johnston
Student Government President

Water spiders sparked James Wyche’s first fling with science.

As a 10-year-old in his native Rhode Island, the recently appointed vice provost and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences one day assembled a rudimentary microscope out of bent pieces of glass to scrutinize the eight-legged creatures.

“It was fascinating,” said Wyche, now 59, almost a half-century later.

Since that day, he’s never had a vocational change of heart, he said.

But Wyche says his longtime marriage with the science – he has a Ph.D. in biology from John Hopkins University and has taught at Hunter College, the University of California and Brown University, among other – should not concern those who are in the nonscientific realms of the college.

“People would only have to look more closely at my background,” Wyche said in reference to his commitment to the social sciences and humanities.

His accomplishments as executive director of the Leadership Alliance – a consortium of leading research and teaching institutions dedicated to improving participation of underrepresented minorities – attest to that commitment, he said.

“For the past few years, people have actually been accusing me of abandoning the sciences,” he said, half-jokingly, adding that he intends to take advantage of UM’s geographical location and diverse population to increase the Leadership Alliance’s activities in the Caribbean and South America.

One of Wyche’s first – and possibly most challenging – tasks will be overseeing the transfer of the School of International Studies into Arts and Sciences. Wyche said the merger, which upset some students and faculty members, was a wise move.

“It couldn’t fit better into my game plan,” Wyche said.

He says the merger will not keep programs within SIS from growing and improving, he said. That growth, Wyche conceded, will need considerable financial backing.

“I see a period of real academic growth backed by a major fundraising effort.” Wyche said, anticipating he will be playing a “larger role” during President Donna Shalala’s first major fundraising campaign.

Under Wyche’s management, the Leadership Alliance has raised $8 million from private and public sources, making post-graduate studies feasible for more than 1,000 minority students.

“Dr. Wyche has made it very clear that he enjoys raising money and intends to do so,” said President Shalala, who admitted she’s worried the present fundraising effort is off to a slow start.

Money is on more than just the president’s mind.

“We would like to bring in people at the top of their game,” said Robert Levine, director of Latin American Studies, who said he received the news of SIS folding into Arts and Sciences as “potentially good news.”

Good news, Levine said, provided Wyche manages to “electrify the place, and get people [in several academic fields] excited about working together.”

Boosting interdisciplinary programs, Wyche said, is a top item on his agenda.

“He knows some of the leading minority scholars,” said Shalala, adding that Wyche’s role as vice provost will give him more leeway in recruiting minority faculty.

Roughly 65 percent of the Leadership Alliance alumni are African American and approximately 30 percent are Hispanic.

Wyche is UM’s first undergraduate black dean – a distinction he acknowledges, but quickly plays down.

“I don’t believe it played any role in my appointment,” Wyche said. “That’s never been something up my sleeve.”

That, however, does not mean he’s colorblind.

“For those who have been historically underrepresented, I have a responsibility,” he said.

Shalala said the color of Wyche’s skin was welcome news for a university that prides itself on diversity, but not an advantage over his contenders.

“He was the best qualified candidate,” said Shalala, who added there was a clear consensus that Wyche was the best pick among faculty and students who met prospective deans.

A top concern for many students is making sure Wyche “attacks the SIS situation, by allowing students and faculty members to adjust to [forthcoming] changes,” said Aimee Dehbozorgi, a student government senator for the College of Arts and Sciences.

“Wyche is an agent of change,” Shalala said. “He’s not here to retire.”

The largest of the University’s schools and colleges, Arts and Sciences will have roughly 3,400 students by the time Wyche slips into his new office Aug. 1.

Shalala and Wyche first met in 1981 while she was president of Hunter College and he was a biology professor.

Wyche first pitched his name to UM officials last fall when he was debating whether to take on the presidency of Tougaloo College, in Jackson, Miss., where he has been serving as interim president for roughly a year.

He flew to Miami in February to meet with UM officials, who were in the process of narrowing the search for the new dean. He was asked to return on March 24.

Four days later, Wyche received an official offer from the university, which he accepted by the end of the month after negotiating salary, a contingency fund and the job title.

Not oblivious to the magnitude of his job, Wyche says he doesn’t feel overwhelmed.

“For some of us, managing organizations is about using your head and your gut when making decisions, and not trying to do everything by yourself,” he said.

The University of Miami has moved its Computer Based Testing Center to a new and larger location to fulfill a growing demand for computer based testing.

The new Blue Lagoon Drive facility can accommodate 14 test workstations – up from 9 – with room to expand. The center provides a variety of examinations, including placement tests, English proficiency tests, and the GREs, which is required by most graduate schools.

Test takers were intimidated when computer-based testing was first introduced, back in 1990. However, more than a decade later, test takers now accustomed to working with computers are thankful for computerized testing. Most examinees say they like computer testing much better than paper tests, according to Dr. David Wiles, director of the UM Testing Center.

Fifi Theye, a staff assistant at the CBT, agrees. “You get the results faster and people are more computer literate nowadays,” she said.

Computer-based testing is also less time consuming for the takers, since the computer can assess the same skills in fewer questions than paper tests, Wiles said.

“The major disadvantage of computer-based tests right now is a higher cost,” Wiles said. “Computer-based testing is the wave of the future and we’re still in a primitive stage.”

Pencil-and-paper tests have reached the limit of what they can accomplish in assessing a test taker’s abilities. Computer-based testing has the capability of measuring several more areas.

“Computer delivery gives us the ability to open up the power of testing,” said John Yopp, vice president of Graduate and Professional Studies at Educational Testing Service, on the company’s Web site. ETS, the largest private educational testing organization in the world, is responsible for writing the GRE, TOEFL, CLEP and many other standardized tests.

Some of the most innovative tests are used in the medical field. Medical students, for example, are being tested through visual simulations depicting the human body.

UM administers hi-tech computer tests like the TOEFL, a test of English as a foreign language, that makes use of audio and video to provide a much more authentic assessment of a person’s skills than paper testing can, Wiles said.

There will always be some value in the traditional paper based tests, Wiles said, but as technologies continue to progress, more tests will be administered through computers.

UM’s CBT facility moved from the Ungar Building on the Coral Gables Campus to the more spacious location at 6303 Blue Lagoon Drive in May. The new 5000-square- foot center, next to the Miami International Airport, is shared with UM’s Information Systems Institute, a computer hardware and software training facility.

The CBT moved off campus to accommodate more test takers in a more convenient location , Wiles said.

“Free visitor parking was a plus,” Wiles said, “because most examinees are not UM students.”

The CBT has handled 14,000 tests since it opened in the Ungar Building in 1998. The old center, on average, could handle 27 appointments a day, administered during three sessions. The new center can handle 28 appointments a day during only two testing sessions. This is possible because the new center has 14 computer workstations, five more than the old facility. This makes UM one of the top three largest computer based testing facilities in the U.S., Wiles said. The other two are George Mason University and the University of Houston.

“Some students are nervous when they come here because they don’t know what to expect.” Theye said. Her advice: “Just relax, we don’t expect you to know exactly what you’re doing. We guide.”

Items like hats, digital watches, and gum are not permitted inside the testing room. However, the facility has small lockers that test takers can use for free, Theye said. Examinees must bring a signed photo I.D. They will be video taped and should expect to have a photograph taken, and possibly a thumb print, for security reasons.

The old testing center will remain open in the Ungar building. It will continue to provide scanning and scoring services, faculty evaluations, and traditional paper testing for the LSAT, MCAT and SAT standardized tests.

Beginning in Fall 2002, will be Dr. Donna E. Shalala’s second year of presidency at the University of Miami. In her first year, President Shalala has proven to be very successful, leaving plenty of energy to spare.

President Shalala is the 5th President of the University of Miami, successor to current Chancellor Edward T. Foote II. President Shalala has had a vast career in education, as well as government. Prior to accepting the role of President of the University of Miami, she served as Secretary of Health and Human Resources on President Clinton’s Administration. Before her position as Secretary, President Shalala was Chancellor of University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her resume extends pages long.

Student Government President Emeritus Jose “Pepi” Diaz remarks to the success of his year. “She [President Shalala] has been a great asset not only to the University of Miami, but the entire student body.” Diaz remarks, “Dr. Shalala has worked with me in accomplishing many of the projects that were completed this year, and she has always been optimistic.”

Not only has President Shalala made an impression on the students, but also Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Patricia A. Whitely. Dr. Whitley exclaims, “President Shalala sees through the eyes of the students, she is pro-student. I have very much enjoyed working with her.”

This year President Shalala revamped the graduation ceremonies. Graduation used to be one long ceremony, outside in the South Florida heat. President Shalala split graduation into three separate ceremonies, and added tents and air conditioning. She personalized it so every student graduating was able to shake her hand and get a picture with her on stage.

Not only is President Shalala pro-active, people may notice her just walking around campus talking with students. President Shalala likes taking walks on campus to meet and speak with the students.

Student Government President Michael A. Johnston always notices how student friendly President Shalala is. “I love walking around campus seeing Dr. Shalala hanging out with the students at UM,” Johnston remarks. “Her visibility on campus, make my job as Student Body President so much easier.”

Johnston remembers one incident of spotting Dr. Shalala at the Orange Bowl. “I thought it was great when Dr. Shalala came over to me and my fraternity brothers at a football game.”

No matter if you see President Shalala on or off campus, you always know she is available to speak with everyone one of her students.

Now that students are back in classes at the University of Miami, they don’t have to rush to seek out a spot at the busy library computer lab to do research.

The UM campus is wireless thanks to a wireless network from Avaya (NYSE:AV) that will allow anyone with a laptop and a special network card to surf the Web inside and outdoors, without plugging into a phone line.

Because network access won’t be tied to cables or workstations, this “wireless cloud” will give students increased access to learning tools and information.

The UM wireless network project includes placing more than100 antennas throughout the 240-acre University’s Coral Gables campus so those registered users armed with laptops and a special network card that costs about $160 can sit out on the campus green, under a tree, or by the UM pool and connect directly into the high-speed network, use the online resources and surf the Internet as they would through any regularly connected desktop PC.

“At UM, we’re looking to provide every possible opportunity to communicate,” said Stewart Seruya, the University’s chief network officer in UM’s department of Information Technology. “With the wireless cloud project, we are supplementing our already extensive network here at UM.”

The student apartments were the first to receive access to the Avaya Wireless (formerly called Orinoco) data network. The “cloud” now covers other areas, buildings and facilities on campus that had not previously been wired, including the food court and University Center, the Mark Light Baseball Stadium, the College of Engineering, and the Schools of International Studies, Architecture, and Business. And, in the works, as part of UM’s library expansion, students who don’t have laptops will be able to check them out with the wireless card already installed.

“With the wireless cloud, the opportunities are endless, including holding multimedia events outdoors. Now, you don’t have to run cable outdoors all over campus for these types of events,” Seruya said.

UM webcast its commencement exercises live on the Internet using wireless technology.

Seruya says UM’s wireless network will be one of the best among universities, pointing out that other schools are larger than UM, but have the same size network. And, he added, though many schools are also going wireless, UM’s wireless network can be accessed campus-wide, not just from select buildings.

UM was ranked among one of the top 50 “most wired” universities by Yahoo!.

Dear New Student,

Welcome to the University of Miami. You are about to embark on some of the most exciting and rewarding times of your life! We are thrilled that you have chosen our institution for your continued educational experiences.

You join the University of Miami at an important time in history. Last October we celebrated our 75th anniversary, and although still relatively young, the University of Miami is one of the leading private research universities in the nation. Your attendance at our university continues to enhance our nationally renowned reputation.

As a member of the class of 2006, you have a strong foundation to build upon, and your involvement will ensure that our University continues to grow as a leader in education.
We hope you make the most of your time on campus. Study hard and get involved. Go Canes!

Sincerely,

Donna E. Shalala

The 75th anniversary of the University of Miami has officially come to a close, and President Donna Shalala is ready to tackle the next 75, with a Hurricane Force.

Shalala has served one year as the president of the University of Miami. Her first goal was to evaluate the University and understand the needs of the students. By all accounts, he first year proved to be a success.

Shalala evaluated commencement (graduation). “Commencement is a time for a family to celebrate,” she says. To this end, last spring she broke up the one large graduation into three smaller, more accessible ceremonies.

Under the new system, every student was allowed to bring as many friends and family as they wanted. Students were able to walk across a stage, receive their diploma, shake President Shalala’s hand, and get a picture with their university president.

“I wanted to make commencement very personal, and I wanted it to be something every student would remember,” she said.

That she did, said Andy Speer, a recent alumnus. “I thought it was great to actually shake hands and get a picture,” Speer said. “And it was nice that the tent was air conditioned,” he said, referring to Shalala’s decision to erect a huge tent on the commencement green, complete with air conditioning.

Last spring, each event had a different speaker. But Shalala already has ideas for the next year’s commencement. “I want to have speakers that will be able to answer questions, and make it more interactive,” she said. She also wants to change around the senior convocation. “I am going to have much more seating, and I am going to have a big name speaker for the senior convocation.”

Shalala has many more things in store for the coming year, with an emphasis on bringing the students to the University. “I am going to make this campus a community,” she said.

“I am going to enhance campus life, events will be free, and there will be many more things going on,” she said. To achieve this, Shalala has given the Division of Student Affairs a large amount of money to increase campus programming and bring students onto campus. “I want to see the students spend Saturday nights here, and have fun,” she said.

Shalala ardently believes that increasing campus life is not a direct result of students living on campus – that it is necessary to create the desire within the students to claim the University as their own.

Not only is President Shalala going to increase the campus life by better programming, she is also making renovations to areas where students congregate.

The Panhellenic Building provides suites for numerous fraternities and sororities, and as many as 1,000 students use them every day. So Shalala has decided to make the area more accommodating. “I am changing the Panhellenic patio to make it more student-friendly. I am going to have more activities, tables, and chairs for the students,” she said.

Shalala has also taken on another endeavor – The University Village. The University Village is a proposed student housing project the University has wanted to complete for many years. The University Village would provide new student apartments build alongside fraternity row.

Shalala is making a forceful push to get the project off the drawing boards and make it a reality. She wants to build apartments to house more than 1,100 students that meet the needs and demands of students in the 21 century.

The University Village will be strictly limited to juniors and seniors, and each apartment will have individual bedrooms. “Most students come to college not having had to share a room before,” she said.

Not only is Shalala trying to enhance students’ “out of class experiences,” she also aims to resolve some academic issues. She believes one of her biggest tasks is to strengthen undergraduate education.

“I am going to evaluate our current course choices and majors,” she said, to ensure that the undergraduate curriculum is reformed and updated to meet today’s needs.

Students should realize Shalala is open to new ideas. She has had a great time working with Student Government to get projects completed. The president and Student Government have worked together to identify areas where of the University can be improved. She and Student Government share one of the same goals, to increase the campus community.

There is one thing Shalala wants every student to know. “I want every student to know I am approachable, I am going to help new residents move in.”

Her concept of collegiate life is simple. “I want students to see this University as an adventure, and make them realize that these are the best years in their lives.” And Shalala wants everyone to know she is here to help. “I want everyone to know they can email me, my address is dshalala@miami.edu, and I will answer every letter.”

Since Shalala has such an extensive resume, people often wonder how long she will stay at the University of Miami. “Well, I can settle for a few more National Championships,” she says. “I will be here for a while. I always stay in jobs for a very long time.”

For more information about President Shalala, visit www.miami.edu or email her personally at dshalala@miami.edu.