During the State of the College address last October, I outlined a number of initiatives. Here is an update on the progress that has been made.

• We have set as a goal to increase outside funding through grants, gifts, and corporate partnerships. I am happy to report that our Foundation continues to show its support through gifts that exceed last year’s by 60%
• The Senate and CUNY has passed the Bachelor’s of Business Administration (BBA) program, and we look to implement the program next fall.
• We have begun a database of faculty experts, thanks to the work of chairs, faculty, and the Provost’s Office.
• Program reviews continue, including the Chemistry External review.
• Broad discussion has begun on general education and ways to strengthen the LASAR requirements.
• Our Study Abroad program interfacing with the CUNY programs includes student opportunities in France and Italy, with options for other programs through other CUNY institutions.
• The Office of Facilities and Campus Services has continued to monitor the progress on the roofing projects and the new facing for Kiely and the Gymnasium. Renovation continues on the Student Union, and the black shrouding has been removed from the Rosenthal Library clocktower. We have installed more exterior seating for our campus outside of the Patio Room, thanks to the generousity of our alums.
• Work continues on the Louis Armstrong House, scheduled to open next fall.
• Our Alumni Office continues to reach out to alumni, with events planned in Florida and Georgia this semester.
• We are working closely with our community colleges to better interface with those institutions that provide a growing number of transfer students to Queens.

We are looking forward to an exciting semester which will include events like a Midsummer's Night's Dream performed by our Drama, Theatre and Dance Department, the New York Philharmonic Concert at the Colden Center, Commencement, and a Chinese New Year celebration, to name a few.

Over the past semester, my first one here at the College, I have spent much time listening to faculty, staff and students and learning about their perspective on the way things work at the College. I have found this process to be extremely enlightening and very helpful in terms of making improvements on campus in many different areas. To continue this process, we have instituted a "suggestion box" where you are all welcome, and encouraged, to send any suggestions that you have for improvements. The link to the new Suggestion Box is available on the home page.