We have 15 new students joining the department from all different backgrounds. The students were introduced to many of the faculty in the department and to a wide range of university resources during the new student orientation held on August 20 and 21. On Thursday, the student reps organized a scavenger hunt on campus and met for a few frames of bowling at the student union afterwards. We also had the BMI annual kick-off picnic at Sugarhouse Park on August 20. It was a beautiful evening with about 60 faculty, students and their families in attendance. Best wishes to everyone for a successful academic year.