Dear Alum,

It's important that we celebrate happy times -- like Family Weekend in September when I met students and their families -- and that we stick together during challenging times.

You're probably aware of the report from the Texas State Auditor's Office regarding excess state paid benefits to UNT. Its findings confirm what the UNT System and UNT found in our own internal investigation this spring.

While the state auditor's report recommends a reimbursement amount, we're waiting on a final recommendation. I believe Texas state officials will seek a thoughtful, fair resolution to this matter to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on our students or our mission. We've already taken steps to improve our budget process and we're making overall changes to transform UNT for the better.

I hope you'll continue to share online your dreams and expectations for UNT.

Here are some other ways you can stay involved in our progress:

• Attend Homecoming Nov. 3-8 and share your photos to win UNT gear. Cheer on the Mean Green against Florida Atlantic at Apogee Stadium Nov. 8.
• Join us in Dallas for the Nov. 5 UNT Kuehne Speaker Series lecture featuring retired Army Gen. Keith B. Alexander, the longest-serving director of the National Security Agency.

By working together, we will continue to shape a bright future for our students and our university.

UNT proud,
Neal Smatresk
President
@UNTPrez