Welcome to the Internet home of Florida International University, a top urban public research university in Miami, one of the nation's most dynamic cities. By choosing FIU, you are choosing an educational or employment path that will open your world to new ideas, cultures, languages, friendships and learning opportunities. Situated at the gateway to the Americas, ours is truly an international campus, one that serves as a model for the future of higher education. I invite you to explore our online resources for a wealth of information about FIU's educational programs, renowned faculty and cutting-edge research, our vibrant campus life and the bold, forward-looking philosophy that distinguishes our institution.

This University opened its doors in 1972 to the largest opening day enrollment of any university in the history of the United States. Our forward progress as a world-class research institute has not stopped since. Since I arrived in 1986, FIU's student body has grown from 15,000 to 35,000. We have seen $570 million of new construction totaling some 4.8-million square feet of new facilities. Right around the corner is the opening of the new Frost Art Museum, which will serve as a cultural hub for all of South Florida; a Marine Biology center with state-of-the-art technology, and the biggest student housing complex on our campus. FIU is the youngest university to have been awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most distinguished academic honor society. Our College of Business Administration undergraduate international business program is ranked among the Top 10 in the United States and the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is ranked sixth in the country. The FIU Latin American and Caribbean Center is among the best in the country with one of the largest concentrations of scholars in any university.

The University offers nearly 200 bachelors, masters and doctoral programs in 21 colleges and schools. Professionals and lifelong learners will find a variety of programs designed for career development and personal enrichment in Continuing and Professional Studies.

At all levels, FIU faculty members cultivate a supportive learning environment that encourages each student to realize his or her potential. An FIU education is uniquely imbued with a global perspective, one that understands the need for students to develop skills to excel in a multicultural and technologically sophisticated workplace. The university also is committed to meeting the needs of the community and serving as a catalyst for economic prosperity locally and beyond.

For instance, recognizing the demand for access to high-quality legal education, FIU opened its College of Law in 2002 with a requirement that all students complete community service. Since then, the College has established legal clinics that provide students with an opportunity to work in the legal fields of human rights, immigration, criminal litigation and business law. We hope to be equally successful in meeting community needs in the areas of health and medicine. In response to a growing shortage of culturally competent physicians, FIU has established a College of Medicine which will enroll its first class in the Fall 2009 semester, pending provisional accreditation. The FIU College of Medicine will offer an affordable and high-quality medical education as part of a sweeping health initiative within the university.

Along with excellence in teaching, FIU emphasizes research across the disciplines, particularly applied research that positions FIU faculty as leaders in their fields and provides students with hands-on learning experience. The university is ranked among the nation's elite institutions as Doctoral I Research University-Extensive, the highest classification by the Carnegie Foundation. Every day, FIU researchers are advancing knowledge of some of the most pressing issues of our times, from HIV and AIDS to hurricane disaster mitigation. In the areas of public health, nanotechnology and biomedical engineering, FIU researchers are forging new innovations that will save lives and improve our health.

FIU's achievements are certainly impressive; however, what truly differentiates the university is our ambitious vision for the future. Boundless opportunities lie ahead. I invite you to discover all FIU has to offer by touring our online community and visiting our campus. We look forward to seeing you.

Modesto A. Maidique
President