Presidential Perspective - March 1, 2018

Baylor Students, Faculty and Staff:

I look forward to heading to Fort Worth for tonight's installment of the Baylor Conversation Series – our first outside of Waco. Board Chairman Joel T. Allison and I will provide an update on the state of the university, while also answering questions from the Baylor Family in the Metroplex.

Speaking of travel … Spring Break is almost upon us. Many of us look forward to this halfway mark in the semester as a time of relaxation and fun with friends and family, as well as a time to serve.

Each spring break, Baylor Missions sends teams abroad and across the country on humanitarian projects and initiatives. This year, 14 teams of 244 Baylor students, faculty, staff and alumni will travel to seven different countries, including Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti and Mexico, as well as to the southeastern United States, McAllen and Houston addressing hunger relief, setting up medical clinics and building solar energy systems. These #BearsOnMission embody the spirit of Baylor by sharing the love of Christ while flinging their green and gold afar.  Let us keep the Baylor Missions teams in our thoughts and prayers as they travel and make an impact around the globe.

Spring Break also is a good time to remind everyone about personal safety while traveling. Brad Wigtil, Baylor University Police Chief, offers several safety tips for our campus community to consider:

• If you are going to be away from your home for long periods during the break, lock and bolt all doors and windows. Also, keep on a light, or schedule a light to turn on, to make your home appear occupied.

• Avoid posting vacation and trip information on social media.

• When driving, switch drivers often, especially when you start to feel signs of fatigue. Do the majority of your driving during daylight hours.

• If you are traveling abroad, make sure to be aware of the laws of the country and consider sharing your itinerary and hotel information with family or friends.

• Although students will be away on break next week, BUPD operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will be available should the need arise. BUPD can be reached by calling 254-710-2222 or by using any of the 200 call boxes available around campus.

• A reminder that Baylor has a wealth of resources available for the ongoing health and well-being of our students, including both the Title IX Office and the Baylor University Counseling Center.

I wish everyone a happy and safe Spring Break. As always, I am grateful that you are a part of the Baylor Family!

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President