President's Note

As we prepared for Hurricane Ike's arrival, there was no way to imagine the destruction that would occur on the Texas coast. We have more than 800 current Baylor students who were directly affected by the storm's aftermath.

Through Student Life, the Financial Aid Office and the Paul L. Foster Success Center, the University is working with these students to provide support and encouragement during this challenging time. I know these students appreciate the continued prayers of the Baylor family.

If you are inclined to offer further support, the University has established the Hurricane Ike Baylor Student Relief Fund. Gifts made to this fund will assist students and families who have experienced financial difficulties as a result of the storm. Many already have been generous in giving to help support these students during this traumatic time. If you are interested in supporting this effort, please visit our secure online giving site.
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Baylor Scholars Unveil New Results from Baylor Religion Survey

On Sept. 18, nearly 100 reporters from such publications as USA Today, TIME magazine, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Dallas Morning News and Christianity Today attended a Baylor sponsored press conference in Washington, D.C., where University researchers Chris Bader, Byron Johnson, Carson Menken and Rodney Stark released data from the second wave of the Baylor Religion Survey.

This survey effort, a landmark study on Americans' religious values, beliefs and practices, garnered unprecedented national and international publicity for Baylor when results from the first wave were announced two years ago. This year the survey also is receiving tremendous coverage. The researchers plan to release new data publicly every two years.

Significant findings from the research appear in the book "What American's Believe" which is authored by Rodney Stark and published by Baylor Press. Congratulations to the research team, Baylor Press and Baylor's Division of Marketing and Communications. This research, and the successful event last week, is bringing positive attention worldwide to Baylor.
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Changes to Spring Class Schedule, Commencement

Interim Provost Elizabeth Davis has announced changes to the spring semester calendar.

In May, the largest gradation class in Baylor history strained the current commencement system of two Saturday ceremonies. An even larger class progressing toward graduation next spring will further tax our capacity. Because we do not want to limit access to those wishing to witness the graduation of a family member, we have decided to add a third commencement ceremony on Friday afternoon.

To accommodate the earlier commencement, it is necessary to move the last class day back from Monday May 4 to Friday May 1.

The revised calendar for May 2009 is:

May 1: Last Day of Classes (Friday)
May 2: Dead Week Begins (Saturday)
May 4-5: Special Study Days (Monday-Tuesday)
May 6-12: Final Examinations (Wednesday-Tuesday, including Saturday, May 9) May 13-16: Commencement Activities (Wednesday-Saturday)
May 15-16: Commencement Ceremonies (Friday-Saturday)

KWBU Emmy Nomination

Congratulations to the staff of KWBU. The station has been nominated for a Lone Star Emmy Award for the documentary "Central Texas Remembers WWII." The talented team that worked on this project included producers Joani Livingston and Jessica Denk, and photographer Zachary Morris. KWBU operates as a partnership between the University and the greater Waco community.

Recruiting Students

Although the fall semester is only a few weeks old Ð and we have enrolled 14,541 students, the largest overall enrollment in university history Ð the effort to recruit next year's new class has been underway for months. One example: the Premiere events, a well-planned open house designed to showcase the best of Baylor to potential students and their families. Three Premieres are held in the fall, winter and spring.

Last Saturday at Fall Premiere, we had one of the largest days in history, with 1,154 students and more than 4,000 total participants, including moms, dads and siblings. This is a remarkable figure, especially with the large number that were unable to attend because of the ongoing challenges caused by Hurricane Ike in Southeast Texas. We can all be proud to know that there is a high level of interest in a distinct Baylor education.

Fall Calendar Packed with Artists, Performances, Lectures, Conferences

This fall Baylor welcomes several distinguished speakers and performers to campus. I encourage you to periodically review the campus calendar and attend as many events as your schedule allows. I'm also including a link to a separate listing on the Baylor news site.

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