April 26, 2004

Dr. Jorge I. Vélez Arocho

Chancellor

University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez

Dear Dr. Vélez Arocho:

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the new CSE advisory board. We had an excellent initial meeting and we all are very optimistic that this board, in working with the university, can make significant contributions to the University.

We met with Professors Velez, Seguel, Vega and Dean Vasquez. They presented an overview of Puerto Rico, the University, the academic programs, research areas, student recruiting and job placement among other topics. These topics were all extremely helpful in understanding the University’s current environment and its future challenges.

We reviewed and approved the initial charter (attached) and appointed Nick Bowen from IBM as the Chair and Archer Lebron from Softek, Inc. as the vice chair.

We strongly support the proposed CS&E programs within the school of engineering and the formation of a new department of Computer Science and Engineering. We believe this is a critical step to support the following objectives:

1. Creating a high quality technical workforce that supports the emergence of knowledge based economy.
2. Strengthening and integrating the existing academic programs to facilitate attracting top rated students and faculty to the university.
3. Establishing a foundation for research and innovation.

Attached is an initial set of areas that the CSEAC identified. We would appreciate your thoughts on the critical issues that the board could focus on between now and the October meeting.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nicholas Bowen

Chair

CSEAC

ATTACHEMENT I. CSEAC Charter.

ATTACHMENT II. Proposed Focus Areas for the CSEAC.