2008 Woodie Awards
Bantz address talks of how IUPUI is "gaining momentum," meeting goals
Courtney Essett
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: College News
- Page 1 of 1
Chancellor Charles R. Bantz spoke of IUPUI's strengths and shortcomings during his fourth annual State of the Campus Address on Tuesday, Nov. 6 in the University Place Conference Center auditorium.
The hour-long address, entitled "We're Gaining Momentum," seemed more like a chat with friends than a speech. Guests who arrived before 4 p.m. were given a booklet outlining Bantz's speech and presentation.
"We had an enormously detailed story to tell," Bantz said of the eight-page handout.
During his speech, Bantz spoke about the successes of IUPUI, including nationally-recognized undergraduate learning, increased financial aid and new campus projects.
"Undergraduate students we know need our financial support," said Bantz.
The Chancellor announced gift aid for the university is up 35 percent since 2003. He also revealed plans to initiate a 21st Century Scholars grant and increase support for the Federal Pell Grant Program. Bantz also doted on the new campus center, which has a scheduled move-in date of Dec. 3. He also spoke about upcoming housing projects able to accommodate up to 1,000 students.
But he also recognized the university's weaknesses. Bantz called attention to the student graduation rate, which he says is off target with the university's goal to double graduates by 2010. He believes that students get stuck in their senior year.
"We're going to take collective effort to make that [graduation] happen," he said.
Bantz believes more themed-based learning and bridge programs would help increase retention and graduation rates.
Diversity has been a hot topic for the past few years and Bantz made sure to address it. He said each school has a diversity plan and council. After the new campus center is completed and occupied, a new multicultural center will be located in the University College building.
Chancellor Bantz said he believes that the campus vision fits well with that of President Michael McRobbie.
For more information about campus progress or to see the outline of Chancellor Bantz' speech, visit www.imir.iupui.edu.
Contact Courtney Essett at cessett@iupui.edu.
The hour-long address, entitled "We're Gaining Momentum," seemed more like a chat with friends than a speech. Guests who arrived before 4 p.m. were given a booklet outlining Bantz's speech and presentation.
"We had an enormously detailed story to tell," Bantz said of the eight-page handout.
During his speech, Bantz spoke about the successes of IUPUI, including nationally-recognized undergraduate learning, increased financial aid and new campus projects.
"Undergraduate students we know need our financial support," said Bantz.
The Chancellor announced gift aid for the university is up 35 percent since 2003. He also revealed plans to initiate a 21st Century Scholars grant and increase support for the Federal Pell Grant Program. Bantz also doted on the new campus center, which has a scheduled move-in date of Dec. 3. He also spoke about upcoming housing projects able to accommodate up to 1,000 students.
But he also recognized the university's weaknesses. Bantz called attention to the student graduation rate, which he says is off target with the university's goal to double graduates by 2010. He believes that students get stuck in their senior year.
"We're going to take collective effort to make that [graduation] happen," he said.
Bantz believes more themed-based learning and bridge programs would help increase retention and graduation rates.
Diversity has been a hot topic for the past few years and Bantz made sure to address it. He said each school has a diversity plan and council. After the new campus center is completed and occupied, a new multicultural center will be located in the University College building.
Chancellor Bantz said he believes that the campus vision fits well with that of President Michael McRobbie.
For more information about campus progress or to see the outline of Chancellor Bantz' speech, visit www.imir.iupui.edu.
Contact Courtney Essett at cessett@iupui.edu.
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