Dear Students,

I am delighted to welcome you to campus, whether this is your first semester or one of many.

Much has happened over the past few months as we planned and prepared for this academic year. We hope that you have arrived relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take advantage of all Columbia has to offer.

Here is a sampling of all that took place following the spring semester: …

• In June, James J. Valentini, who served as interim dean during the 2011–12 academic year, was appointed dean of Columbia College. He has a student-centered philosophy and brings much