House Bill 10-1067

Many individuals are concerned about new legislation that could impact Fort Lewis College. Today's blog will provide some background on current legislative activities. Recently introduced as proposed legislation, Colorado House Bill 10-1067 would have a direct impact on the current funding mechanism for our Native American Tuition Waiver. In effect, HB 10-1067 would reduce Lewis College’s $41 million General Fund budget by approximately $1.8 million. As you can surmise, Fort Lewis College is opposed to HB 10-1067.

To provide some background, the College’s commitment to Native American students is long-standing. Indeed, it dates back to 1911, almost 100 years ago when Colorado agreed that Native American students would be admitted to Fort Lewis College tuition free. As many readers can attest, Fort Lewis offers a rich, vibrant and diverse educational experience. Roughly 760 Native American students are presently enrolled at Fort Lewis College, and it goes without saying that Fort Lewis College is proud of our heritage and our service to all of our students.

To quote Fort Lewis College President Brad Bartel, "Fort Lewis College understands that sacrifices must be made to help Colorado through these difficult economic times, but HB 10-1067 is not the answer. Fort Lewis College should not be penalized for fulfilling its statutory role and mission. The College is working to educate the legislature and the public concerning the reality of HB 10-1067."

If HB 10-1067 were to pass, Fort Lewis College intends to continue to fund the Native American Tuition Waiver. Current and future students would not see a reduction in their Native American Tuition Waiver funding, but HB-10-1067 would place additional strains on the Fort Lewis budget.

Again, this is just proposed legislation at this time. Fort Lewis Collge hopes that it does not pass and that we can continue to provide current service levels to all students. Even so, I encourage you to contact your local representatives to let them know your thoughts on HB 10-1067.

Welcome back!

Happy New Year, and I hope each of you are settling into 2010 with a renewed sense of optimism and resolution. Here in Durango, our campus is abuzz and full of energy. Today is the first day of our Winter Semester, and we are excited to have students back on campus.

As I think about the past few months, I am reminded that it has been a very dynamic and exciting time for us. Truly, Fort Lewis is a college on the move. Several recent developments reinforce our unique nature. They include:

• Dr. Ron Estler of the Chemistry Department recently was selected as the Colorado Professor of the Year. Dr. Estler will now compete for US Professor of the Year honors.

• Our Men’s Soccer team recently won the NCAA Division II National Championships, and our cycling team won the Collegiate Team Omnium National Championships in Cyclocross.

• Construction on the new $11.6 million Biology building will finish later this month. The new building will house the Biology and Agriculture departments along with a new greenhouse, animal facilities, laboratories, classrooms and offices.

• For prospective students, we will host three upcoming Skyhawk Saturdays for
--January 23, 8:30am-12:00 noon
--February 20, 8:30am-12:00 noon
--March 20, 8:30am-12:00 noon

As you can see, this is an engaging time at Fort Lewis We look forward to sharing our progress with you and to working with you.

Now it is time for me to get back to reviewing application files. Seniors--good luck with finishing your application.