FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NDIANAPOLIS — Undergraduate students at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis are the beneficiaries of a new, comprehensive approach designed to advance student success and degree attainment with the creation of the Division of Undergraduate Education.
Under the leadership of Kathy E. Johnson, associate vice chancellor for undergraduate education, the new division will leverage IUPUI’s existing strengths and augment critical alignment of campus-wide initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning, and will help ensure a coordinated effort focused on student learning outcomes and high-quality degrees.
The Division of Undergraduate Education, which is aligned with student success priorities outlined in both the IUPUI Strategic Plan and IU’s Bicentennial Strategic Plan, will offer administrative supervision to premier academic programs associated with the first-year experience, academic support programs and holistic support programs for underserved student groups. It will also provide leadership for emerging initiatives related to support for transfer students and sophomores, re-engagement of degree completers (learners who have some college but no degree) and expanded participation of undergraduates in high-impact practices.
The division will comprise the following units and will be supported by the Office of Student Data, Analysis and Evaluation, whose mission is to collect, preserve, analyze, interpret and disseminate information regarding undergraduate student learning and success while optimizing enrollment management:
- University College — Provides a common gateway to academic programs, promotes academic excellence, and enhances student success and persistence.
- Undergraduate Affairs Committee — Oversees curricula and policies related to IUPUI’s common general education core as well as the approval of new degrees, minors and certificates.
- Degree Completion Office — Provides holistic support to students returning to college to complete degrees.
- Center for Coordinated Undergraduate Initiatives — Assists faculty and staff leaders who are engaged in leading high-impact practices that distinguish the IUPUI undergraduate experience.
“IUPUI has always been recognized as a thought-leader in the domain of undergraduate education. Our faculty care deeply about student learning and high-quality curricula, and the range of academic support services provided by our dedicated staff is phenomenal,” Johnson said. “The division’s structure will enable us to better coordinate our support for all undergraduates — particularly transfer students — as well as create a campus culture in which four-year degree completion is the norm.”
IUPUI has a strong track record of success in developing innovative undergraduate curricula and in creating opportunities for students to engage in high-impact practices. For the 13th consecutive year, IUPUI was recognized for its learning communities and service learning programs by U.S. News & World Report in its 2015 edition of Best Colleges. Additionally, IUPUI was noted by U.S. News as an “Up-and-Comer,” ranking seventh in the nation based on the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academic, faculty and student life, and also evidenced by its leap into the top 200 national universities.
“IUPUI remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the academic and social needs of all students by cultivating a sense of belonging and supporting students in their progress toward on-time graduation and a career,” said IUPUI Executive Vice Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar.