It’s 2016 and students have officially returned to UND for the spring semester.

While the end of the year gives time to reflect on what has occurred, the beginning of the New Year provides a chance to examine the opportunities and challenges that face the university and North Dakota going forward.

Today, Ed Schafer, former governor of North Dakota, will take the helm of the university as interim president. His tenure as university president begins at a time when many changes are happening on campus, including the construction of the new School of Medicine and development of a master plan for campus.

In addition to the changes occurring around campus, it will be the first full semester with the Fighting Hawks nickname at UND. As booing at the hockey games over the break indicates, there is clearly some animosity toward the new nickname.

While the process to find a logo for the nickname continues at the university, only time will tell what the end product will look like and how attitudes will adjust to the nickname transition.

As Schafer serves as interim president, the university’s presidential search committee recently announced the submission of 38 candidates for president. The committee is currently working to review these applications and will meet in January to deliberate further.

The interviewing process is expected to take place in February and March, with a final candidate assuming the role by July 1.

Across the state, it’s hard to ignore the impact the downturn of oil prices will have on the near term economic future of North Dakota. While this isn’t breaking news for 2016, how the state adapts and reacts to the effects of historically low oil prices will certainly be something to keep an eye on.

Not only will this downturn in prices affect the sorts of employment and development occurring in the western half of the state, it has also noticeably affected the amount of tax revenue the state is expected to bring in. Important choices will need to be made in response to these changing circumstances.

Despite this drop in a commodity closely tied to the state’s economy, the 701 continues to be a place with a high quality of life and good opportunities for young people.

As 2016 begins, it’s an exciting time to be at UND and in North Dakota.