Reck
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As the only public, comprehensive, undergraduate and graduate degree- granting institution in north central Indiana, IU South Bend plays an important and unique role in the region … and it shows. For the 2004 fall semester, enrollment at IU South Bend increased 3 percent and credit hours went up 4.1 percent, with 7,501 students taking a record 70,511 credit hours.
In addition to enrollment growth, the number of under-represented students on campus rose to 11.1 percent, and our global character includes 219 international students. IU South Bend also reached an important milestone this fall when 60 percent of students were registered as full time.
Part of the growth is the result of a record number of transfer students coming to IU South Bend. For the fall semester, 549 transfer students enrolled in classes, an increase of nearly 40 percent from 2003. IU South Bend showed growth in transfer students from Ball State, Purdue, Ivy Tech State College and other institutions.
Many of the Ivy Tech transfers are part of the Transitions Program created in a partnership between IU South Bend and Ivy Tech three years ago. IU South Bend advises applicants who do not meet academic admissions standards to enroll in the Transitions Program at Ivy Tech in South Bend to begin their college careers. When they complete the prerequisite courses in math, English and at least three other courses listed in the Transitions agreement, their credits will transfer to IU South Bend toward the bachelor’s degree they are studying. The Transitions Program provides a healthy and successful working relationship between a community college and a comprehensive university—and the area economy receives the benefits of a more educated workforce.
IU South Bend is seeing the results of an enrollment management plan that began in 2003. A committee meets with me each month to review plans and execute strategies for enrollment each semester through 2007. The enrollment plan is integrated with the recently finalized IU South Bend strategic plan.
Other programs contribute to the growth at IU South Bend. The stories in this special focus section highlight how students, faculty, businesses and residents are working and learning together. Through the arts, research, partnerships and diversity, IU South Bend contributes to the quality of life in the communities it serves while representing the ideals of Indiana University.
Una Mae Reck, Chancellor, IU South Bend
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