As we begin the 1997-98 academic year, I am pleased to welcome you to UCSB. Whether you are a new student, a freshman, a transfer student, or a returning student, I am so proud that you are part of our UCSB community of students, faculty, and staff.

At UCSB, you are an essential member of a dynamic, exciting and challenging environment, where the opportunities for you to learn and grow are ever-present.

UCSB is a member of the most prestigious group of national research universities in the United States and Canada: the 62-member Association of American Universities.

This honor and other similar recognition of our academic excellence are testimony to the preeminence of our professors, the academic programs in which you will participate, and the very high quality of the student community of which you are an important member.

For example, nearly a third of the fall 1996 freshman class entered with an A average or better, a welcome trend. Last year's freshman class entered with an average SAT score 27 points higher than that of two years ago. In admitting the 1997 freshman class, we had to turn away 3,000 UC-eligible students, as compared to 200 three years ago.

While we honor and reward academic achievement, I want to applaud you for spending your valuable time to take advantage of the many opportunities for growth outside of the classroom. I appreciate your involvement in some out-of-the-classroom activity whether it is on campus or in the community. Nearly half of our student body selflessly give their valuable time and energy to volunteer activities. Our students are the largest single source of volunteers in our community. Many opportunities exist; for example, on campus there are student organizations and membership in faculty senate committees. Many organizations serve the Isla Vista community and many others serve the wider Santa Barbara area.

I am proud of your becoming an active member of the UCSB community. This is a community of excellent scholars who are dedicated to taking part in our long-standing mission: excellence in teaching, research, and service. This is a community of rich tradition and culture that continues to pursue the twin goals of excellence and diversity.

Welcome to UCSB!