Our Commitment to the Future -
Making the Best Even Better

Building upon the foundation of the past, The University of New Orleans looks confidently to the future to make the best even better. In 2008, we will celebrate a seminal moment in the history of the University – UNO’s 50th Anniversary.   UNO has come a long way since its opening in 1958.  Louisiana State University in New Orleans (LSUNO as UNO was originally named) was conceived as a liberal arts college for commuting students, but by 1961, just three short years later, UNO fulfilled the vision of becoming a full four-year institution.  In 1974, our name officially changed to The University of New Orleans, more accurately reflecting UNO’s status as the urban university of the LSU system.

Today, UNO continues to be the premier urban research university of the State of Louisiana. The University provides essential support for the educational, economic, cultural, and social well being of the culturally rich and diverse New Orleans metropolitan area. UNO’s commitment to strategically serve the needs of this region is manifested through undergraduate and graduate programs along with mutually beneficial collaborations with public and private bodies whose missions are consistent with and supportive of UNO’s teaching, scholarly, and community service objectives. 

UNO is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for our students.  The University holds many notable distinctions: Carnegie Doctoral /Research University – High Research Activity (RU/H); Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Four-Year 2 Institution; and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (COC/SACS) Level VI institution. The Princeton Review lists UNO as one of the Best 361Colleges, one of the 146 Best Southeastern Colleges, and one of America’s Best Value Colleges.

UNO is dedicated to the future of our students, city and region.  In 2005, the Gulf region and, in particular, the Greater New Orleans area experienced the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States. UNO was not exempt from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina.  Our faculty, staff and students were dispersed across the country, and the campus experienced storm damage and loss of power. But, UNO met the challenges presented by Katrina. Under the leadership of Chancellor Timothy Ryan, the University acted swiftly to repair the storm-inflicted damages and, on January 30, 2006, classes resumed on the Lakefront campus. Although the main campus was closed for the fall 2005 semester, UNO offered classes during this time of adversity.  Courses were available online and at locations in Metairie, the West Bank, Mandeville and Slidell.  Due to the commitment and hard work of the UNO faculty and staff, 7,000 students were able to continue their studies.

Hurricane Katrina reinforced the importance of UNO’s mission and our ties to New Orleans, the region and the country. Our faculty, staff, and students are foremost among those rebuilding the community.  Without quality, affordable education, and without the skills that higher education provides, there can be no real return to greatness for New Orleans and the surrounding areas. 
We invite you to be a part of our future. By investing in UNO, you will help the University to enhance and build upon past accomplishments as we lead the way to the future. Simply put, your support helps make the best even better.

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