Welcome and welcome back!<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard to believe \u2013 another year around the sun (I\u2019m getting old).\u00a0 Let me ask that question we’ve all asked and answered so many times today: how was your break? I hope it was wonderful \u2013 restful, productive, and beautiful.<\/p>\n
I hope you can observe \u2013 with me \u2013 the giant creativity and flashes of the spirit that keep this community flourishing. This community has already started the year off with grand excitement.\u00a0 We can tell the story of more than 1,300 students who came back to the campus, early, to lend their hands and hearts to more than 25,000 hours of service<\/a> in Greater Boston \u2013 no one in the City does it better (pardon the slight trash talk). The BU Class of 2016 \u2013 3,900, strong \u2013 walked through the streets of the City, together, for a ceremonious welcome and induction into this community.\u00a0 And, many of you gave your energy to the start of the year and a contribution to the spirit of this place.\u00a0 None of this is possible without our collective pride and individual confidence within the life of this community \u2013 it allows us to accept and encourage each other; listen to each other; forgive and improve; and, to contribute to the happiness of this setting.<\/p>\n My honorable task is to help you create and strengthen communities. We perpetuate an overall community where everyone can meet her or his goals through a set of minimum standards.\u00a0 Therefore, it\u2019s important that I remind you of a few important items. \u00a0First, take a look at the Code of Student Responsibilities<\/a> \u2013 the standards for how we keep ourselves safe and maintain a community of people engaged in their good works. Please also take the time to review the University\u2019s policies for academic<\/a> and non-academic<\/a> conduct.\u00a0 You should note that you are subject to an academic conduct code<\/a>. \u00a0As you engage in activities in and around the campus, please remain diligent about your personal safety<\/a> and fire safety<\/a>. \u00a0Feel free to ask questions of the people and departments<\/a> here to respond to your concerns and to help you find solutions to problems. \u00a0Let\u2019s also continue to do what we do best \u2013 look after each other<\/a>.<\/p>\n Thanks for making this a place where entire communities of students are creating products, starting businesses, and making their own internships. I appreciate that you make this a community that keeps a place in its heart for the professional and the on the moment song, public poetry flow, and spontaneous performances.\u00a0 We like good exhibits and get together to watch students\u2019 films or, at times, just to shout. You\u2019re proud of a clever post and celebrate decent conversation. I love that you try not to add to polluting soil, contaminating water, and degrading forests.\u00a0 We register to vote.\u00a0 We come together as departments, clubs, and organizations. Thank you! I look forward to your good work \u2013 again \u2013 this year.<\/p>\n