The truth in the numbers

This time every year, the Chancellor's Cabinet sits down to discuss the budget for the upcoming fall. Most of the numbers discussed in this meeting refer to enrollment from the past fall and current spring term, as well as how to adjust the budget accordingly. Some numbers that have come up in recent meetings may seem discomforting to some but, in all reality, may actually show promise for a positive future for IU South Bend.

When looking strictly at just the numbers from this past fall, enrollment is down about 2.39 percent from last year's all-time record high, according to an article written by Una Mae Reck, Chancellor of IUSB. In the article, which is titled The story behind the enrollment numbers at IUSB, Reck goes on to state that credit hours are also down 3.48 percent.

To the average student, 2.39 percent seems so small, but according to Cory Gilmartin, Student Body President, there is someone other than the students who must worry about this small number.

"Students won't be directly affected, but departments across campus will have about a three percent cut" said Gilmartin.

Dr. Jeff Jones, Vice Chancellor of IUSB, gave some insight as to why enrollment may be dropping. The reasons Jones gave included the state requesting that IUSB eliminate the developmental studies courses that were originally offered on campus. Also, graduate enrollment has declined most likely due to teachers not being required to earn a master's degree in order to continue teaching. A third and also significant reason that is causing some students not to enroll is the law that was recently passed by the state that requires verification of being a U.S. citizen; because of this some students don't receive financial aid from the state.

"You could grow up in South Bend for most of your life, go to John Adams High School right across the street and end up paying out of state tuition" said Jones.

Recently, IUSB has also tightened their admission standards in order to attract better quality students. The students, who have been recently admitted, have displayed SAT scores that are up 20 points from past freshmen classes. IUSB is also making the choice to engage in productive recruiting which allows the university to seek out students through lists and choosing which students fit the academic profile that the university desires.

Performance funding is a partial reason as to why IUSB is making this change. The better the students perform academically along with the graduation rate of the university will determine how much funding they receive from the state. By increasing restrictions, it allows IUSB to move toward higher quality and have stronger students attending, so that they receive the funding that can better IUSB campus-wide.

With the cuts in the budget, as well as admissions standards being tightened, there are a lot of behind-the-scenes changes that are happening at IUSB. These changes will help the university in the long-term, even though some of them may only be temporary.  Jones stated, "we're going in a strategic direction and we've decided to increase the quality of the student who attends, which will allow for IU South Bend to have a bright future."