IUPUI and IU Bloomington again offer programs that "focus on student success"

Sept. 13, 2011

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- This year's U.S. News and World Report "Best Colleges" guide singles out several Indiana University programs for special mention, including the Kelley School of Business and student-focused initiatives at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and IU Bloomington.

IUPUI continues to be seen by U.S. News and World Report as an "Up-and-Comer," based on comments from university presidents, provosts and admissions deans. Several programs on the campus were recognized for offering a "focus on student success."

IU Bloomington also continues to be among the top public universities, and the Kelley School of Business scored top five rankings for its entrepreneurship (No. 2) and marketing specialties (No. 5). The business school ranked sixth among those at public universities and tied for 12th overall.

U.S. News asked college presidents and other administrators which higher education institutions recently had made "most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life, campus or facilities." The publication ranked IUPUI third in its list of "2012 Up-and-Comers."

IUPUI Campus Center

IUPUI Chancellor Charles R. Bantz said the report reinforces what many on his campus and elsewhere already know.

"We know IUPUI makes an impact every day because our innovative faculty are national leaders in civic engagement and student success," Bantz said. "As a result, IUPUI is increasingly recognized for first-year experience, service learning and learning communities. Our continuing recognition as an 'Up-and-Coming School' demonstrates that IUPUI's bold innovation and commitment are making an impact that is recognized nationally."

IUPUI and IU Bloomington were recognized for offering "programs that help undergrads thrive." IUPUI was cited for its first-year experiences, learning communities and service learning programs, which help students to feel more connected. IU Bloomington was cited for offering substantial academic work abroad for credit and valuable international experience.

This was the 10th consecutive year that U.S. News had highlighted the two campuses for offering such programs. "Some colleges and universities are much more determined than others to provide freshmen and all undergrads with the best possible experience, recognizing that certain enriched offerings, from service learning to learning communities to study abroad, are linked to student success," editors wrote.

U.S. News ranked IU Bloomington 31st among public national research universities, a slight decrease from 29th last year, but up from 33rd three years ago.

"It is gratifying to see recognition for our outstanding study-abroad opportunities, along with validation of the Kelley School of Business as one of the nation's elite programs," said Executive Vice President and IU Bloomington Provost Karen Hanson. "The U.S. News rankings, while they provide a limited view of what constitutes an excellent undergraduate education, are always closely watched, and they again confirm that IU Bloomington is among the leading public universities."