We create other living/learning experiences, too, well outside our residential communities here in Tallahassee. Universities, like all other institutions today, must face up to the fact that our world is being shaped by the international economy and events far from North Florida. We know that our students who study and work abroad come back to us more interested in their classes and more interested in the larger realm of knowledge.

Panama Campus

We currently have year-round programs in four countries and summer programs in 18 countries.

I should particularly mention the incredible opportunity that is now offered to us with the acquisition of a facility in Panama, and I thank the Provost and Rick Jenks who made this new campus a reality.

By this time next year, we will have expanded these offerings, adding programs in China and Vietnam, and we expect to have plans for a year-round study center in France ready to implement. I hope that we will be able to add a permanent study center in Asia.

The Challenge of Diversity and Civility

I have talked today about transformation, yet I have not yet touched upon what is certain to be a dramatic change in a very few years. The demographers tell us that America is on the eve of large ethnic transformations.

Percentage Minority Students

Just as the racial and ethnic makeup of our nation's population has changed during the past decade and continues to change dramatically, so, too, has the student body here at Florida State. In the past decade we've seen significant increases in the number of minority students.

Our percentage of black students has risen from 7 per cent in 1990 to just under 12 per cent today. Hispanic students made up just under 4 per cent of our enrollment in 1990. Today that has more than doubled to 8 per cent.

Just this week we produced a one-hour television show about diversity and civility on the Florida State campus. It was an exciting and enriching conversation among students and faculty, moderated by Harvard law professor Charles Ogletree. If you didn't see it live on Channel 47 or at the station's website, the taped presentation will be available for use in classes.

Last week our students and faculty gathered by the hundreds to demonstrate our support for our colleagues at FAMU as they confronted bombing threats. Both of these are fine examples of our commitment to respect and encourage diversity and civility.

The Fall President's retreat at Wakulla Springs will also be devoted to our continued discussion of the issues of civility and the development of a welcoming atmosphere for students and faculty of great diversity.