Indiana University Indianapolis has received certification as an Indiana College Core campus from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. This designation is part of the institution’s strategy to enhance educational opportunities in the state by enabling high school students to earn college credits at no cost through the Indiana College Core program.
Overview of the Indiana College Core
The Indiana College Core comprises 30 credit hours of college-level coursework across six competency areas. This framework is intended to facilitate the transfer of credits between all public colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as select private nonprofit institutions.
Benefits for Students
The program offers several benefits for students, including:
- Financial savings on college credits, allowing students to accumulate credits while still in high school.
- A structured curriculum that prepares students for college-level courses, promoting a smooth transition to higher education.
- Flexible scheduling options that accommodate students’ work, internships, and study abroad plans, helping to prevent delays in their education timeline.
- Opportunities for students to advance their degree progress by fulfilling general education requirements during high school.
Benefits for Partnering High Schools
High schools that partner with Indiana University Indianapolis also gain advantages from this certification. Participating schools have access to various resources, including:
- Certification and credentials for high school teachers to deliver IU courses.
- Funding for summer training seminars to prepare teachers for instructing IU courses.
- Availability of resources from Indiana’s leading urban research university.
Institutional Commitment
Latha Ramchand, the first chancellor of Indiana University Indianapolis, highlighted the institution’s dedication to supporting Indiana high schools and recognized the program’s potential impact on students’ college readiness and long-term success.
Support and Assistance
To support these partnerships, Indiana University Indianapolis offers dedicated assistance through an Indiana College Core coordinator. This role aids schools in various aspects, such as teacher certification, student recruitment, and program completion. Christina Downey, associate vice chancellor for undergraduate education, emphasized the emphasis on improving student outcomes through collaboration with Indiana high schools to expand early college access.
Future Expansion of the Initiative
The Indiana College Core initiative continues to expand, fostering connections among partner schools for collaborative endeavors and providing strategic guidance through programs such as the IU-Indiana College Core Network. Interested schools seeking to implement the Indiana College Core program can reach out to J.R. Russell for further information.
(Original source: Indiana University News)