Welcome to the 2023-24 academic year! - Aug. 28, 2023

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

As we enter the 2023-2024 academic year, I am excited for what is to come. Let us all strive for success as we learn, grow, and work together in this vibrant community.

I invite everyone to seize the abundance of new opportunities that await you. These early weeks of the new semester are a canvas for forging connections and immersing yourself in our campus community.

The positive energy and excitement during move-in weekend set the tone for the semester. As I met the newest members of our community, I was delighted to see their enthusiasm and eagerness to become a part of our University and our 174-year history (we are the second oldest public university in Michigan). I am deeply grateful to our students, faculty, staff, and alumni volunteers who helped make opening weekend memorable, allowing our new students and their families to join our campus community seamlessly.

Explore Your Campus

If you are looking for inspiration and ways to connect with others, please take a moment to visit our Explore Your Campus page. You will find valuable information about our campus facilities, student life, academic support programs, and much more. It is a wonderful way to experience a glimpse of life at Eastern Michigan University, broaden your horizons, discover new interests, and even find your dream organization or club! Why not take that first step and explore all that Eastern Michigan University offers?

Campus Transformation

Our Welcome Home 2025 initiative has brought about a remarkable transformation to our campus. We look forward to welcoming students to our newly renovated residence halls, Downing, Putnam, and Walton. We are also eagerly anticipating the opening of our two new state-of-the-art student living facilities, Lakeview and Westview, adding 700 beds in apartment-style arrangements in fall of 2024.

This is only the beginning of our efforts to meet the demands of current and future prospective students. These developments will enhance the physical campus landscape and help us foster a greater sense of community and belonging that lies at the heart of Eastern Michigan University. For more details, I invite you to visit the Welcome Home 2025 website.

Homecoming Week

Homecoming is just around the corner, occurring Oct. 2 - 7. This is an exciting time for our campus to unite and share our EMU pride. Please explore the exciting events taking place during this special week on the Homecoming website. Join me at Rynearson Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 7, for the Homecoming football match-up against Ball State. For the complete football schedule, including Friday night's home opener against Howard University, visit the Athletics website.  

Committed to Campus Success

I am proud that Eastern Michigan University's Give Rise campaign surpassed its $100 million fundraising goal by raising over $119 million. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the generosity and commitment of our donors, who understand the critical importance of supporting student success, advancing programs of distinction, and helping students excel both in and beyond the classroom. With nearly 21,000 donors making more than 84,000 gifts or pledges, Give Rise is now the largest fundraising effort in the history of our institution. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this incredible campaign, which will have a profound impact on the lives of our students for years to come.

Labor Day

Though the semester is only just beginning, a gentle reminder that the University will be closed on Sept. 4, 2023, in observance of Labor Day. I hope everyone will take time to enjoy the long weekend with no classes on Monday and take much-needed time to rest and recharge.

An ongoing schedule of campus events can be found on the Calendar & Events page of the University’s website. Please follow your campus email to be aware of important announcements.

As we begin this new academic year together, I am optimistic about the journey ahead. Let us continue to thrive, connect, and make the most of the opportunities that come our way.

If you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected].

Sincerely,
James Smith, Ph.D.