As students prepare for the start of another semester, we look back at University President Frederick Lawrence's first year at Brandeis. We consider his initial accomplishments as well as future goals and challenges we would like to see him undertake. The past year has shown that Mr. Lawrence has dedicated himself to remaining an approachable figure in the Brandeis community.

Aside from sending emails to relay important information, Mr. Lawrence has also created a Twitter account that he regularly updates. While Mr. Lawrence maintained his blog, "Brandeis First," through the summer, we wish he had continued to update the blog throughout the semester. We admire his genuine interest in interacting with the campus community, as seen with his Thanksgiving dinner for international students and his support of the Brandeis men's soccer team during its championship games. Last year's inaugural ball allowed Mr. Lawrence the opportunity to immerse himself into student life. We're glad the administration is continuing to hold this ball to allow Mr. Lawrence to engage with students.

Mr. Lawrence is also working to improve the University's global image by traveling to Israel and India to create and strengthen connections with international institutions. While still building upon Brandeis' Jewish ties, Mr. Lawrence has begun to expand the University's global scope to further diversify our student body.

While it is important that Mr. Lawrence work to overcome the challenges facing the University internationally, the campus housing difficulties certainly merit his attention as well. As the administration continues to fulfill its goal of increasing the student population as part of the strategic plan, we ask Mr. Lawrence to consider the consequences of a larger student body. The increase in forced triples in the current first-year students forecasts additional housing accommodation issues for the coming years. In the next years of his presidency, Mr. Lawrence should realistically consider the effects of this goal.

In addition to strengthening his connection with Brandeis students and administrators from schools abroad, we also encourage Mr. Lawrence to look beyond the campus into Waltham. With a number of students living in Waltham among its other residents, we are part of their community. On Jan. 9, Mr. Lawrence reached out to the local community when he spoke to the Waltham West Chamber of Commerce. We urge Mr. Lawrence to continue these efforts.

We understand these goals will take several years to accomplish and perhaps not all during Mr. Lawrence's presidency. However, we hope Mr. Lawrence will create the foundation to tackle future housing problems as well as continue working abroad to build lasting relations with international universities.