Academic priorities include development of a comprehensive first-year experience that will foster engagement in the critical freshman year and strengthen retention. Particular attention will be focused on the University Studies and Rider Achievement Programs as part of that effort. Leadership initiatives, honors program enhancements, development of institution-wide student learning objectives, and the pursuit of a variety of international education opportunities in China, Italy, and Latin America will also be top priorities. At Westminster, a particularly important planning priority is under way focused on restructuring and curriculum diversification.

In student life, Rider will implement an electronic portfolio program this fall to replace the co-curricular transcript, providing an opportunity for students to track their co-curricular and work experiences electronically throughout their Rider career. With the completion of the SRC, the University will expand intramurals and recreational and club sports while also providing greater fitness opportunities and a gathering place for students on both campuses. Campus safety, including expansion of community policing activities and the use of task officers in the residence halls, will also be a high priority.

Work will continue this fall toward the establishment of facilities master plans for both campuses, building on the work of the facilities task force. Two architectural firms have been engaged to assist with this effort. "The resulting master plan," President Rozanski said, "will address academic, residence, landscaping and other infrastructure needs on both campuses and Phase III of the SRC. Many of these will be donor-funded and represent potential objectives for our next capital campaign." In addition, the student center doors will be replaced and residence hall bathrooms renovated at Westminster this year, new signs will be installed at the main and south entrances of the Lawrenceville campus and along Route 95, and plans are under way to renovate the Cranberry Café in the Luedeke Center.

In the area of fundraising and alumni relations, emphasis will be placed on increasing gift support and reconnecting with alumni. "Through prospect segmentation and by giving individuals greater flexibility in directing their donations, we anticipate an increase in gifts as work begins to lay the foundation for Rider's next comprehensive campaign," he said. With the help of a new June reunion schedule and other more regional alumni events, the division plans to attract greater numbers of alumni to both campuses. Enhancement of Rider's internal and external communications and marketing will also be a high priority with help from a reconstituted University Marketing Council.

Building enrollments across all categories; increasing minority, international and out-of-state students on both campuses; strengthening selectivity; and increasing retention will all be major priorities in enrollment management. "We will build on last year's success," President Rozanski said. In response to the student satisfaction survey and strategic planning, Rider will work toward a one-stop approach to providing student services such as the registrar and student financial services, among others. Rider will also continue to pursue new and innovative academic programming, particularly in the CCS and graduate areas.