Each day, Sue and I thank the Lord for the opportunity to serve at Brigham Young University–Idaho. We are so grateful to be part of the inspired mission of this university. As BYU–Idaho continues to emerge from obscurity, millions will be blessed by the school and its students.

You will soon see new examples of innovation coming from this institution. Allow me to share a few details about three upcoming initiatives.

More students will have the opportunity to attend BYU-Idaho.

New Academic Calendar
Next January BYU–Idaho will launch the new academic calendar. Beginning winter semester 2007, the university will operate three equal 14-week semesters replacing the traditional two 16-week semesters and two 8-week summer terms. This unique calendar has the support of the faculty and has been approved by the board of trustees.

This one change is monumental within education. Implementing the new academic calendar will positively affect all three university imperatives by (1) bringing many more students to the campus, (2) allowing us to substantially improve the quality of the experience they have, and (3) lowering the relative cost of education.

Teaching one another in study groups and in class is one aspect of the BYU-Idaho learning model.

BYU-Idaho Learning Model
Another initiative currently under way is what we call the BYU–Idaho learning model. It entails the creation of a common framework for learning and teaching that extends across every discipline, course, and learning experience. All will be grounded in a shared approach to learning and teaching based in eternal truths.

At BYU–Idaho students follow the Lord’s admonition to “teach one another,” and they “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:77, 118). There is a growing expectation that students come to class sufficiently prepared to teach each other when given the opportunity.

Students will not only become very good learners at BYU–Idaho, but they will be good at learning wherever they go.

Foundations will provide enriching courses to build upon.

Foundations
Another initiative is the thorough restructuring and redefining of General Education. Even the name is changing to Foundations, as a reflection of its fundamental part in a holistic education.

The administration is currently working with various departmental representatives to evaluate, and in essence reinvent, the fundamental requirements for all students. In doing so we will eliminate the unfortunate stigma held by too many college students that general education requirements are classes that one “gets through” or “gets out of the way.”

The effort is designed to provide stimulating foundational courses that will enrich a student’s BYU–Idaho experience in the context of gospel standards and principles.

The new academic calendar, the BYU–Idaho Learning Model, and Foundations are just a few of the current university initiatives we will establish over the next few years. Our focus is on working together as a campus community to substantially improve the nature of the already remarkable experience our students have and make it available to many more of them.

This is a very exciting time to be associated with this university. We thank you for your role in helping Brigham Young University–Idaho move forward on a steady, upward course.