Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Given its comprehensive range and central location, IUPUI has a vast array of educational programs. At this time, IUPUI offers over 70 graduate degrees in whole or in part to students interested in pursuing a Ph.D., a professional degree, or a master's degree. Graduate education is critical to the campus mission, with more graduate and professional students completing their degrees at IUPUI than at any other Indiana campus. In terms of undergraduate education, IUPUI has been a national leader in the design of a process-oriented curriculum based on six principles of learning. In addition, the assessment of student learning - often with the support of cutting-edge technology - has shaped curricular revisions and enhanced faculty teaching. Faculty leaders have developed creative solutions to help beginning students to succeed through Learning Communities and Summer Bridge Programs, and have implemented service learning initiatives that have had global impact. Yet, as far as undergraduate student retention and graduation rates are concerned, IUPUI continues to lag behind its peer institutions. Aggressive planning is necessary in order to attract and support a better prepared, more diverse student body and to further enhance undergraduate learning and success. Once admitted, students must be retained and supported as they progress toward timely graduation. Student learning must be enhanced by inspiring faculty practicing innovative pedagogies - and these faculty must be appropriately rewarded for their efforts.
Major Initiative: Enrollment Shaping
The Enrollment Shaping Initiative will play a central role in enhancing student learning and achievement at IUPUI. Enrollment increases coupled with better retention will ensure higher rates of graduation among undergraduates. Shaping enrollment requires aggressive recruitment in conjunction with attention to ethnic diversity, students' intended majors, the proportions of in-state, out-of-state, and international students, and the academic preparedness and financial needs of admitted students. Planning aligned with this initiative reflects Indiana University's commitment to provide access and opportunity for the broadest range of learners. We must meet the needs of at-risk students as well as improve retention and graduation rates. Toward this end, $2.1 million has been dedicated to further support Pell Grant recipients and 21st Century Scholars. These funds represent the largest commitment of IUPUI financial resources for need-based aid in the history of the campus, and will help to ensure that qualified students succeed and graduate from IUPUI.
The principal elements of the Enrollment Shaping Initiative include the following:
- Implementation of action team recommendations on transforming the Honors Program into the IUPUI Honors College and the launch of the Honors Professional Admissions Program
- Aggressive, planned recruiting of out-of-state and international students in order to increase academic diversity and to give Indiana students a broader perspective
- Offering of free summer courses (mandatory in introductory mathematics and optional in writing) for newly admitted at-risk students
- Substantial expansion of the successful Summer Bridge Programs and Themed Learning Communities
- Continued experimentation with shorter course formats
- Provision of early feedback to students enrolled in all first-year courses, stressing high expectations and the benefits of timely graduation
- Increased funding for additional advisors, tutors, and mentors to help students succeed.
The Enrollment Shaping Initiative will enhance tuition revenue and thereby increase the stability of the campus budget. Enrollment shaping will inevitably have a positive impact on national rankings such as those published in the U.S. News and World Report, as scores should improve in several key areas that drive these rankings (e.g., graduation and retention, selectivity, graduation rate performance). 2008 Update
Additional Area of Focus: Enrich Campus Diversity
Additional Area of Focus: Increase and Strengthen International, Undergraduate Research, and Service Learning Experiences
Students will be introduced to these experiences through Summer Orientation programs, student-oriented publications, academic advisors, and Learning Communities. A strong infrastructure to support increased participation in such experiences exists through the Center for Research and Learning (particularly the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program), the Office of International Affairs, the Career Center, and the Center for Service and Learning. However, funds will be needed to support additional staff and to provide scholarships or financial assistance to deserving students. Innovative partnerships, such as those supporting International Service experiences, are particularly commendable and their reach should be broadened to include more students participating in a wider variety of field sites around the globe. International study is evolving into an essential component of a world-class education, and developments in this area fit well with the international imperative of Indiana University.
Status of Additional Action Items Related to Enhancement of the Resource Base:
Attract and Support a Better Prepared and More Diverse Student Population
Emphasize and Reward Effective Teaching
Enhance Undergraduate Student Learning and Success
