急求一篇英语作文！！

Dear parent:

I told our freshmen at their annual convocation last month that we had something in common. I knew they were eagerly anticipating the beginning of their college careers, but I told them that I and my faculty colleagues also anticipated the start of each academic year. Rarely have we done so with more excitement than we did this year, and the fall semester here at Ball State University certainly has lived up to my expectations—as I’m sure it has for you.

It’s hard to believe that just a little more than one month ago, my husband and I were, as in years past, helping students move into the residence halls. As a matter of fact, I met many parents then. Over and over in those first few days, the freshmen told me of their excitement about the unique opportunities they can experience here.

Many of those opportunities stem from our Education Redefined strategic plan. It focuses on our objectives of providing high-ability students the opportunity to collaborate with caring, expert faculty who are outstanding in their fields; to engage in transformative, immersive learning experiences; and to use exceptional technology and leading-edge facilities within a vibrant, supportive environment.

Of the 105 outcome measurements in that plan, we are ahead of schedule or already have achieved full implementation in more than 70 of those measurements. That is one of many reasons that I was proud to participate in the public announcement of our capital campaign September 5. Ball State Bold: Investing in the Future will raise $200 million for the university by 2011. It is national in scale and comprehensive in scope. We already have raised $122,825,281 for the campaign, and so far, it has attracted 22 gifts of $1 million or more. But its success ultimately depends on the support of all who value Ball State. Getting parents more involved is one of many special initiatives in the campaign, and you will be receiving more information about this initiative in the future.

After opening four new or completely renovated buildings last fall, many new construction projects are under way on campus. Ball Honors House and DeHority Hall should be completed by next summer, and most renovations to the L.A. Pittenger Student Center will be finished by January 2010. Construction has started on the Student Recreation and Wellness Facility and another residence hall, similar to Park Hall, on the north end of campus. Both of those projects should be finished by fall 2010. The renovations of North Quad and Teachers College should be finished during 2011-2012. By the time your student graduates in 2012, Ball State will have completed $320 million in newly constructed or renovated facilities in just eight years!

The freshman class that joined us just a few weeks ago is impressive by every measure. Applications for admission to that class again set a record, topping 13,750. Over the past three years, we’ve seen a remarkable 38.5 percent increase in applications. Our freshman class of 3,798 is the largest since 2005. As impressive as its size may be, the class is equally impressive for its ability. Among this year’s group, more than 55 percent completed the Indiana Academic Honors Diploma or its equivalent for out-of-state students. This is an increase of nearly nine percentage points from two years ago and is even more impressive when you consider that fewer than 31 percent of Indiana’s high school graduates complete the Academic Honors Diploma.

We also made continued impressive strides in student retention, which, combined with our large freshman class, has given Ball State its first significant increase in overall on-campus enrollment in four years. More than 78 percent of last year’s first-year students returned to campus this fall as sophomores, meaning that rate has increased by four percentage points in the last two years. One contributing factor is our first-year experience, cited for the fifth consecutive year as a program to watch in the annual America’s Best Colleges edition of U.S. News & World Report. That same issue included Ball State among the magazine’s list of 70 up-and-coming schools. We were ranked 14th in the “tops for innovation” category. This came on the heels of being named one of the best universities in the Midwest by The Princeton Review for the fourth year in a row. We add these accolades to an already impressive list of programs that enjoy top national rankings, many of which have been recognized several years in a row.

You also should know that we are providing a new shuttle service to students who need rides to and from the Indianapolis International Airport during breaks in this academic year. The shuttle service will be available at Thanksgiving break in November, at the end of fall semester in December, before the start of spring semester in January, and over spring break in March. Additional dates and times may be added for the shuttle, based on demand. Campus pickup locations include LaFollette Complex and Park Hall. Reservations must be made 72 hours in advance of the desired departure time and a $55 nonrefundable one-way fee must be paid online in advance by credit card.

As in the past, I have a standing invitation that any freshman who brings along four friends may schedule a lunch—on me—to talk about life at Ball State. I value this opportunity to meet freshmen, just as I value opportunities to meet you. I look forward to meeting you at one of the intellectual, cultural, and recreational events during Family Weekend, October 24–26. While you’re here, you can take in a football game. Our Cardinals are already off to a strong start. In fact, our campaign kickoff activities on September 5 ended with a rousing game at Scheumann Stadium, the first ever nationally televised on ESPN from our campus. The Cardinals defeated Navy, 35-23, in front of a crowd of more than 22,500. More than half of our student body turned out for the game and welcomed Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels into their cheering section.

On September 20, the Cardinals defeated Indiana University, 42-20, in Bloomington, meaning they have started a season 4-0 for the first time in 20 years! Coming off January’s International Bowl appearance, the Cardinals are receiving votes in the national polls and several players are listed in the top 20 of various NCAA national statistical categories. The October 25 game starts at noon as Ball State hosts Eastern Michigan. If you haven’t visited campus yet, Family Weekend provides you with the perfect opportunity. Go Cardinals!

Sincerely,

2
Welcome Freshman Parents!!
We are gearing up for another busy year of Parent Board activities and are looking for
enthusiastic parents to join the board as freshman parent reps.
The Parent Board works together with elected class offi cers and the class moderator in
planning student-run activities throughout the year. We meet monthly with Fr. Tom and
Ms. Combs, Dean of Activities. You will be kept apprised of upcoming events at Bishop, in
addition to becoming better acquainted with the Bishop community of students, teachers,
administrators, staff, and parents.
If you were looking for a way to get involved at Bishop, the Parent Board is the place.
Each class typically has four or fi ve parent reps. The Freshman class is responsible for the
following:
• Organize the Freshman Potluck in August
• Help with food for the freshman retreat in September
• Assist students with Spirit Week planning in November
• Plan Baccalaureate reception in June
Don’t be intimidated! We are a close-knit group that works together as a team to help plan
activities.
If the Parent Board sounds like something you are interested in, we would love to have
you. Please email Mary or Connie by July 17, or fi ll out the information below and drop it
off with Carolyn in the front offi ce.
We look forward to hearing from you.

dear madams and sirs:
welcome to our university!in the meantime i congratulate all your children on the opportunity of the further studying on behalf of all senior students.

though going to college means making progress and cultivating ourselves with high quality,as students we have to keep in mind that all the above-mentioned achievement should be on the condition that we are diligent and optimistic ,not only pursuing pleasure all the time .therefore it is a significant point in life for all stuents.as the result ,parents is playing a important role as the guides in life.students need your guidence to lead them to a right direction,which maybe could influence on his life permanently.

in brief,you should keep an eye on your children's behavior and give your guidence when necessary .certainly you shouldn't be too protective to them.what they need is growth in his life not in your life.

at last,congratulations to all of you again and let's move forward to the next new stage!

respectfully yours
student union