One of my initial priorities in coming to the Dean's Office was to increase the flow of communication across the School of Arts and Science and to showcase the work of the students and faculty. In the fall, we produced the first two SAS newsletters. This spring, thanks to the hard work of the IT Department, we are introducing a new web-based, electronic newsletter format. The goal of the SAS Newsletter is to highlight activities going on in departments across the School.

As you read, you will notice the strength of our faculty in the variety of programs across the College. Due to the hard work of Dr. Zaromatidis and the rest of the Psychology faculty, the M.A. in School Psychology has received full approval/national accreditation from the National Association of School Psychologists. The History Department is home to two faculty members, Dr.'s Hughes and Bournoutian, who have recently published books which have been very well received. Innovation is the hallmark of work going on in Computer Science where Dr. Ivanov's students are creating iPhone apps. In Education, students of Dr. Goldberg are tweeting podcasts, and in Mass Communications and Religious Studies where students of Dr Shachar and Procario-Foley will be blogging about their trip to the Centre for Dialogue and Prayer in Poland over spring break. Additionally, several departments have recently posted newsletters for their students and alum which highlight the distinctive nature of their programs, including Fine and Performing Arts, Mass Communications, and Social Work.

Upcoming events of note in the SAS include:

• Women's History Month events – Thanks to Dr's. Lavery, Moore, and Toliver for their efforts and fine work on this month of programming.
• Undergraduate Research Day – Rep. Nita Lowey will be on hand to kickoff this national celebration. All faculty are encouraged to invite their students to display their work. Thanks to Dr's. Lee, Lavery, Mulligan, and Thiery for organizing this celebration of scholarship.
• The Rudin/Driscoll Lecture – The spring lecture features Dr. D. Harkins, the Democratic National Committee and President Obama's Director of Faith Outreach and the pastor of the 19th Street Baptist Church in Washington D.C. During an election year when the relationship between religion and the public square has been the focus of so much discussion, we are privileged to have Dr. Harkins on campus to speak with students, faculty and staff, the day before the New York primary.

As I hope the newsletter shows, the work being done by faculty and students is impressive. As part of our commitment to continue to improve communication, we have also set up a system of departmental liaisons. The liaisons are looking forward to hearing more about your activities, accomplishments, as well as those of your department, colleagues, students, and alum.

We hope you enjoy the upcoming Spring Break, and we wish you a Happy Saint Patrick's Day.