As Americans toss out the old and bring in the new, millions of people set goals to achieve during the new year.This common tradition of New Year’s resolutions is shared at the University among administrators and students alike.Chancellor Michael Martin said his personal resolutions include losing weight, improving his golf game, spending more time with his kids and visiting his father in Minnesota. As for the University, Martin strives for its betterment during 2009 as well.”We’re working very hard on sustainability here,” Martin said. “Our resolution is to continue our progress in making this an efficient and sustainable campus … [by bringing] these buildings into compliance with 21st century needs.”Martin said he also wants the University to win more national championships and to be a better neighbor “geographically, culturally and economically.”LSU System President John Lombardi said all universities have the same resolutions: higher quality in faculty and student work.”Our New Year’s resolution is to try to become even more efficient at supporting that high quality work of our students and our faculty,” Lombardi said, “And that may mean getting more money, it may mean getting better organized, it may mean better fund raising — whatever it takes.”Toya Spruel, business management freshman, said her New Year’s resolution is to “dedicate more time to school work instead of partying.”Michelle Chifici, anthropology sophomore, plans to diet, and Nadia Smith, biology senior, said her goal for 2009 is “the same as everyone else’s … to lose weight.”Tricia Milford-Hoyt, University Recreation assistant director of marketing and membership, said the facility sees a spike in student attendance and membership after New Year’s Day.Joshua Hebert, member service director of Bally Total Fitness in Baton Rouge, also said he sees an increase with membership and sales at the gym as calendars flip to January.Weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, according to USA.gov. As a way to help students achieve their goals, the University Recreation’s Healthy Lifestyle team offers free fitness assessments every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.—-Contact Mary Walker Baus at [email protected]