We will bring important information to you in each issue.  Items will range from where we are heading academically as an institution, to issues of financing your child’s education, athletics, student life events, or highlighting faculty or student accomplishments.  It is intended to give the parent-reader a broad appreciation of the richness of modern college life, while at the same time present some topics in depth for your edification.  

I am writing this article during the middle of the first week of classes.  After months of summer solitude at Fort Lewis with a small number of individuals using the facilities through camps and a lower level of summer instruction, it is good to see the campus bustling with activity.  For those of you with a son or daughter who is starting at Fort Lewis College as a freshmen, this is a critical time.  The next few months of adjustment to college life, whether academically or socially represents for many students, a ‘make it or break it’ time period.  National studies have indicated that if a student makes a positive transition to collegiate learning during the first three months of their first semester, then the probability is high that they will be successful in their college career long-term.  We want that for all of our Fort Lewis students.  Our faculty and student life staff will be working diligently with your sons and daughters during the first months to acculturate them to Fort Lewis.

I want to take this opportunity invite you to the many Fort Lewis social activities.  During the fall, we have a full slate of athletic events and concerts.  Please go to our FLC web site (www.fortlewis.edu) to see what football, volleyball, soccer, or cross-country events are scheduled.  In addition, we have a diverse set of concerts at our Community Concert Hall, with nationally prominent performers throughout the year.  These athletic and social events, when added to our prestigious left for Southwest Studies collection of  museum exhibits, our outdoor sculptures, and the inherent beauty of our campus, makes us an exceptional destination for learning, growth, and contemplation.  Please visit and enjoy our campus anytime you are in Durango.

Finally, I want you to know that you can contact me directly (bartel@fortlewis.edu) or my staff forassistance.  Sometime, due to Federal restrictions, we cannot discuss with you your child’s record. However, we will attempt to be helpful as much as law allows.  We want you to know we have your family’s interest central to us at all times.  I look forward to meeting each and every parent over the next years.

Brad Bartel,

President, Fort Lewis College