As Ann Weaver Hart begins her fifth academic year as Temple president, she provides an overview of progress in university enrollment, advising, campus development and legislative advocacy, and offers some advice to new Temple students.

Temple Times: As we begin a new year, what are you excited about?

Ann Weaver Hart: I am very excited about the wonderful new students who are joining the Temple community this year. Although final statistics about our incoming class will not be available until mid-September, indicators suggest that the freshman class is on track to be as academically strong and as geographically and ethnically diverse as any we have ever enrolled.We are enrolling increased numbers of out-of-state students from states such as Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Texas. Given that so many students and families are facing tougher choices about college due to the continued economic environment, these are especially strong signs of Temple’s appeal.

Here is another great example of Temple’s growing reputation and appeal: Deposits from children of Temple alumni are up 16 percent. Temple is becoming a family tradition for more and more students and their parents. All of this makes Temple a close, connected and energetic community.

TT: What’s new at Temple for students?

AH: We have devoted considerable attention to enhancing academic advising, and both new and returning students will feel the impact of those efforts this year. We will increase the amount — and the timeliness — of interactions between academic advisors and students. One new initiative will help identify students who need assistance to remain on track for graduation by giving advisors the timely and personalized information they need for students at risk.

Another initiative will help students clearly and easily plot out a path to complete their degree programs, regardless of major. In addition, we have developed new programs to retain our best advisors, and I have committed funds to hire 10 new academic advisors over the next two years. As you can see, we are sharply focused on student success.

Students should also check out the recently opened Temple University Fitness facility on the second floor of Avenue North. The 20,000 square feet we have leased will more than double the amount of workout and fitness space at Temple. This will mean reduced wait times at the IBC Recreation Center. I hope everyone will take the opportunity to visit the new space and use it regularly.

There is also good news for students moving into the Johnson and Hardwick residence halls. We have completed the final phase of five-year renovations to these buildings with new upgrades in the lobby and shared entryway.

TT: What is happening with the Temple 20/20 framework?

AH: Across Broad Street from Avenue North, we will break ground this fall for the largest residential construction project in Temple history. The student housing complex will have about 1,500 beds in two beautiful structures that will create a dramatic gateway to the south entrance of campus. The new residential complex will feature a major food service area for students and retail shops on the first floor.

Construction is also well underway in the renovation and expansion of Pearson-McGonigle Halls, as we put a new third story on the complex and transform it into a modern, active and vital student activity and academic center. The buildings will stay open during the construction period so that no vital services will be interrupted.

We are also working on some very exciting plans for other elements in the Temple 20/20 framework and will have more details in the coming months.

TT: What other important changes took place over the summer?

AH: Temple’s Commonwealth appropriation was approved, thanks in large part to the advocacy from students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni through the Temple Advocates Legislative Outreach Network (TALON). I encourage everyone to sign up for this network, which gives us tremendous clout in Harrisburg. With federal recovery funds ending soon, next year will be a challenge for the Commonwealth’s budget and Temple’s appropriation, so grassroots advocacy will be even more important going forward.

TT: What advice would you give to new Temple students?

AH: Explore Temple and Philadelphia! Our campus offers wonderful opportunities for the arts, intellectual growth and social events. Join a club or a recreational sport, and make friends everywhere you go by reaching out to new people.

New students especially should also take advantage of the PEX passport, which spotlights many of the city’s exciting arts and cultural options.

Everyone should also plan now to get tickets for this year’s home football games. The season opens with the Mayor’s Cup against Villanova on Sept. 3. I hope everyone will be there to cheer the Owls as the team begins the march toward its next bowl appearance. It will be an exciting year!