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		Dear IUPUC Friends... Welcome to the first issue of the IUPUC e-newsletter! We want to share with you examples of our accomplishments on campus and our impact in the region. Regular communication via an electronic newsletter will allow us to highlight IUPUC students and alumni, faculty and staff, and campus initiatives and events. You will receive this new communication piece once a month – with bonus issues periodically throughout the year. I hope you enjoy this way of staying connected and, as always, I welcome and appreciate your feedback. Enjoy! Nasser H. Paydar, Ph.D. Vice Chancellor and Dean

		IU President-elect Michael McRobbie visits IUPUC Just days after his selection as Indiana University’s 18th president, Dr. Michael A. McRobbie used the words “remarkable” and “impressive” to describe IUPUC. “I’m extremely impressed by everything you’ve done here,” McRobbie said, addressing a crowd of nearly 100 during his visit to IUPUC on March 15. “You’ve done an outstanding job.” In preparation for his new role as president, McRobbie has been visiting IU’s regional campuses throughout the state. His visit to IUPUC included a tour of the campus building, the Columbus Learning Center, informal receptions with faculty, staff, students, donors, alumni and community leaders, and a formal speech to the public. McRobbie, who considers himself an “Australian by birth, but Hoosier by choice,” finds the 96 percent retention rate of IUPUC graduates in south central Indiana to be “extremely impressive.” He was also confident that IUPUC’s seven consecutive semesters of growth is the best in the IU system. “That’s pretty remarkable,” said the president-elect. He attributes IUPUC’s success to its importance in the region, quality faculty and a supportive community and says the success will continue at IUPUC and its fellow regional campuses by ensuring that IU “continues to provide first-rate education” at all its campuses. During his visits to regional campuses, McRobbie has identified issues to address in his new role and has taken a general interest in learning about all of IU’s campuses. At IUPUC, students universally expressed that small class sizes played a major role in their decision to enroll at the Columbus campus and is one of the key benefits they still enjoy. “Morale seems to be good and IUPUC seems to be fulfilling its mission in exemplary fashion,” McRobbie said. Currently serving as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, McRobbie will become Indiana University’s 18th president on July 1. He was unanimously appointed to the position on March 1 by the IU Board of Trustees after a seven-month presidential search that reviewed more than 200 potential candidates for the position. McRobbie, 56, a native of Australia, joined IU in January 1997 as vice president for information technology and chief information officer. In May 2003, he was given the additional responsibilities of vice president for research. The Board of Trustees appointed McRobbie to his current position in January 2006. He will replace Adam W. Herbert, who has served as IU president since August 2003. Read The Republic coverage... Read The Tribune coverage... See photos at Dr. McRobbie’s site...

		Seventh consecutive semester of growth at IUPUC For the seventh consecutive semester, IUPUC has experienced enrollment growth. Nasser H. Paydar, vice chancellor and dean, called the accomplishment significant and is pleased with the continuing success of the institution. “Our spring enrollment continues our recent growth and certainly reflects the positive energy that exists on our campus,” he said. “The sustained increase in the number of students and credit hours taught at IUPUC shows that the region is responding to the university’s academic expansion. At the core of these programs are the quality of our faculty and the dedication of our staff.” IUPUC is becoming the campus of choice in southeast central Indiana: The number of high school students sending SAT scores is on the rise, the incoming class for each of the past three fall semesters has increased, and there has been a dramatic increase in the number of traditional students enrolling at IUPUC. During his recent visit to campus, IU President-elect Michael A. McRobbie called IUPUC’s sustained growth “remarkable.” “It’s the best in the whole of the IU system,” McRobbie said. Also notable, said Paydar, is that IUPUC is improving the retention of these students through special new strategies. These programs, such as regular Choose Your Major workshops, help focus students on earning their degrees. “We are engaging our students in new ways and on new levels,” Paydar said. “Whether it’s advising them about career opportunities emerging from our expanded curriculum or creating sanctuaries where they can study and contemplate the art that surrounds them, there is a new and shared sense of purpose at IUPUC.” And after graduation, 96 percent of IUPUC graduates remain in southeast central Indiana, which McRobbie noted is evidence that the campus is “fulfilling its mission in the region.”

		Early college program challenges, rewards high schoolers Will Kostrzewsky describes himself as a normal teenager. He enjoys sports and hanging out with his friends. However, the Columbus East High School student has one trait he shares with only 11 other Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation seniors. He’s started college at IUPUC through the new Early College Program, called SPAN (Special Programs for Academic Nurturing). “The Early College Program is a fantastic opportunity for motivated high school students to get a head start at college,” said Carol Kostrzewksy, Will’s mom, who directs the program at IUPUC. “They receive quality instruction from IU professors in small-sized classes which gives them exposure to a real college setting alongside current college students.” Students in the program earn both high school and Indiana University credit. The BCSC Board approved the dual-credit program at its January 22 meeting. “Earning college credits while still in the nurturing environment of the high school appeals to our parents,” said Dr. John Quick, BCSC superintendent. High school students starting college early is a growing trend, and the IUPUC program is modeled after successful national programs. “Of course, we hope that lots of these high school students will continue their higher education at IUPUC,” agreed Kostrzewksy, “but for those who have other plans, they will receive Indiana University credit which is transferable to any university in the country.” That made the decision easy for her son who has been planning on attending IU Bloomington to major in finance with minors in French and international business. “I knew that I wanted to study business,” Will said. “And I needed the high school credit anyway, so why not both. It’s a nice change of pace for seniors.” He, along with five other high school students, are taking Introduction to Business Administration on Wednesday evenings this semester. The course is one of more than 50 available to Early College Program students. “This class gives me a good feel for what college is like,” Will added. “It’s definitely different from the high school classes I’m in. There is more respect in the classroom. The level of thinking, the workload is more serious.” East senior Julie Moore is in the same business course. “I am doing really well. I want to go into Human Resource Management, so I would have to take this class next year anyway.” Julie has already been accepted to IUPUC and may take a course or two here this summer. “I think I will benefit from this course because I will already know what to expect in other courses, how to manage time and what exams are like,” she said. “I have a really busy lifestyle with little-to-no free time.” The Early College Program is for eligible high school seniors and juniors. Students interested in participating in the program are encouraged to apply at least six weeks prior to the start of the semester. Kostrzewsky advises students wishing to apply for the fall semester to complete the application process by May or June since it requires guidance counselor endorsement. Classes start to fill up closer to the start of the semester, so students should apply early so they can register for the course they want at the time that is most convenient for them. Applying early also allows students time to meet with an academic advisor or career counselor to help them get started on the right path. Another reason for applying early is that it will increase a student’s chances of earning one of the scholarships IUPUC created specifically for qualified students accepted into the program. Will thinks having a friend participate in the program can help, too. “It’s not as overwhelming compared to if you’d do it alone,” he said. He would also encourage students to remember to take it seriously and that one has to make time for it outside of class time. Bill Haeberle, lecturer in business, said, “I think that the program is a great thing for the students. It builds competencies, confidence, and momentum for the first semester of the freshman year.” Haeberle teaches the course attended by Kostrzewsky and Moore. “They have a better sense of what to expect in a college course,” he said. “They get a chance to be in a class with other students of varying ages and life stages. It takes a few weeks for them to get used to being in a class of other students with a wide range of ages and work experience, but they adapt and adjust well.” “I think this is a good program,” Moore added, “because the students who participate in this program may decide to go to school full time here next year.” Students interested in the program may visit www.iupuc.edu/span or contact Carol Kostrzewsky at 812-314-8535 or ckostrze@iupuc.edu.

		Upcoming IUPUC Events IUPUC Information Session Program for prospective students to learn more about IUPUC. April 14, 10 a.m.-Noon IUPUC, Learning Center (Room 1400) Contact info: 812-348-7311 IUPUC Funtastic Fridays! This is a hands-on program for prospective students to learn more about IUPUC through talking to Student Ambassadors who graduated from area high schools. Guest students will view a short presentation about degree programs, tour the Learning Center and receive information about financial aid and scholarships. The $50 application fee is waived for high school seniors who apply at these sessions. High school students are encouraged to join the games, gifts, food, and fun! April 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18 10 a.m.-Noon IUPUC, Learning Center Contact info: 812-348-7311 or admissions@iupuc.edu Click here for more IUPUC events...