Trustees endorse program prioritization, Distinctive Programs

April 27 2007

Indiana State University’s Board of Trustees Friday endorsed separate plans to provide increased funding and recognition for the university’s most distinctive and promising programs while also eliminating or consolidating up to 64 low-enrollment programs.

The university’s Distinctive Programs Initiative will receive a $1.75 million boost from the President’s Fund for Academic Excellence (link to story), which provides additional resources and recognition for established Programs of National Distinction, Programs of State and Regional Distinction and up-and-coming Programs of Promise.

“Both program prioritization and the Distinctive Programs Initiative are dramatic steps toward defining Indiana State University’s relevance in the changing higher education environment. The university family has worked tirelessly and collaboratively to get to this point,” said Michael Alley, president of the Board of Trustees.

Teacher education and financial services • the two areas designated as Programs of National Distinction • have distinguished themselves by securing additional funding and resources from sources other than the state and university, Alley noted. “That is also true for a number of the other programs that have been identified as Programs of State and Regional Distinction or Programs of Promise. As we broaden the impact of the university, we look forward to garnering more external funding that is so necessary to diversity our funding base.”

Any current students affected by the elimination of programs will be allowed to complete their degrees or move to other appropriate majors, noted Trustee Ron Carpenter.

Also on Friday, Alley announced that a required public hearing on tuition has been scheduled for 2 p.m. May 15 in the State Room of Tirey Hall. Board action on tuition for 2007-08 and 2008-09 will immediately follow the hearing.

In other action, ISU trustees:

  • Authorized the university treasurer to develop a plan of financing for construction of the Student Recreation Center and to reimburse certain costs of the project and obtain necessary state approvals. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with completion targeted for 2009.
  • Approved the Minas Center for Investment and Financial Education Endowment to support the operations of the investment and financial education programs, to provide opportunities for learning and personal growth to the students, faculty and staff in the program and to otherwise enhance the quality of the investment and financial education program. The endowment was established by Randall and Nancy Minas.
  • Approved a name change for the Dewey Institute for Lifelong Learning to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The proposed name change comes as a result of a $100,000 operating grant the institute received from the Berhard Osher Foundation to expand its offerings of lectures, courses and special events to meet the needs and interests of older adults. The grant is renewable for two additional years with the opportunity to apply for a $1 million endowment if the institute demonstrates potential for success and sustainability.

    Writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Indiana State University, (812) 237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu

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Indiana State University's Board of Trustees Friday endorsed separate plans to provide increased funding and recognition for the university's most distinctive and promising programs while also eliminating or consolidating up to 64 low-enrollment programs

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