T o the very distinguished freshman class and enthusiastic transfer students: “Welcome!” to NIU, the university of choice for today’s demanding students. It is with great pleasure and humility that I write this that welcomes each of you to our grand university. It is important to know that you will be taught by an outstanding faculty and served by a highly competent administration and staff. Trust me when I say those of you who take full advantage of all this university has to offer, truly will have a successful first year and be on the right road to attaining a superb higher education. In light of those facts, I feel compelled to share a few words of wisdom with all of you on a subject near and dear to me: student discipline. As at any college or university, there are rules and standards of conduct that govern our behavior within the institution.

With this in mind, please be aware of the following:

•Acts of violence could get you expelled.

•Selling drugs could get you expelled.

•Public brawling could get you expelled.

•Sexual assault could get you expelled.

•Cheating in classes could get you expelled.

•Beating up your roommate could get you expelled.

•Stealing could get you expelled.

•Excessive and underage drinking could get you expelled.

It is my considered opinion that your parents and loved ones are very excited and proud of you attending NIU, so it is important that you do not disappoint them or yourself by being removed for disciplinary reasons. My mother often said “a hint to the wise is sufficient …” the rest of that sentence is for those who learn in the school of hard knocks. Remember this: Your years here will be only as good as you allow them to be, and there will be numerous members of the faculty, administration and staff seeking to make them some of the best years of your life, so please allow them to do so. Student discipline also is an educational process, even when it does not make you feel good because of a violation you have committed.

I encourage all of you to visit our Web page on the University Judicial Office at Northern Illinois University and review the Student Judicial Code along with information regarding our outstanding mediation program. Again, welcome to your grand university!

E-mail Larry Bolles at [email protected]