Vincennes University, Indiana University East, and the Indiana University School of Continuing Studies have formed a partnership to increase baccalaureate education opportunities for students at the Vincennes University Jasper Campus. Indiana University East will offer online bachelor’s degree completion programs to VU Jasper Campus students who have completed or will complete applicable associate degrees.
“VU is proud to partner with IU East to offer greater access to a wide range of baccalaureate degrees for Jasper area residents. Partnerships such as this will help Indiana economically as the state pursues the goal of improving access to higher education for Hoosiers,†said Vincennes University President Dick Helton.
Administrators from the institutions made the announcement today (November 30) at the VU Jasper Campus at an event celebrating the new partnership. Helton, VU Jasper Campus Dean Alan Johnson, Indiana University Vice President for Engagement Bill Stephan, Indiana University East Chancellor Nasser Paydar, and IU General Studies Degree Program Director Daniel Bopp all spoke at the event.
“This partnership agreement between VU and IU came about as a result of requests from local residents,†Johnson said. “It presents an excellent opportunity for VUJC students and others in the community to have direct access to Indiana University degrees. It’s been energizing to work with a major institution that is so responsive to the needs in our region.â€
Stephan said that Indiana University is responding to the needs of the Jasper area.
“Indiana University is committed to exploring new means and methods by which we can enable Hoosiers to pursue baccalaureate degrees,†Stephan said. “By offering IU curriculum online to students at the Vincennes University Jasper Campus, we are responding to community need and helping to further ensure that Jasper remains economically competitive in a knowledge-based global economy.â€
The Indiana University East programs are offered online and include the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts in English – Technical and Professional Writing, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Communication Studies, and Bachelor of Arts in Natural Science and Mathematics – concentration in Mathematics. The IU School of Continuing Studies will offer the Bachelor of General Studies degree, which can be completed with online and/or independent study courses. Students in these programs will earn an Indiana University degree.
“This agreement demonstrates the power of partnership,†Paydar said. “Increasing baccalaureate attainment is integral to the economic development of the state. Through this partnership, our universities will make bachelor’s degrees accessible to more students.â€
All applicable associate degrees at Vincennes University will transfer to IU East with all credits being accepted. IU East and the IU School of Continuing Studies will provide academic advising to Vincennes University students, including having events at the Jasper Campus to assist prospective transfer students through the application and enrollment process. Students will also be eligible for scholarship opportunities through IU East, based on their academic achievements.
“Under this agreement, the IU School of Continuing Studies will continue its 35-year history of delivering undergraduate distance education courses – now completely online and specifically to meet degree completion needs of Indiana citizens in the southwestern portion of the state,†said IU School of Continuing Studies Dean Daniel Callison.
For more information, students can contact Indiana University East Director of Distance Education Tom Avery at 800-959-EAST ext. 300 or thavery@iue.edu, or visit www.iue.edu/finish. For more information on the General Studies Degree program, students can contact the IU School of Continuing Studies at 800-334-1011 or http://scs.indiana.edu.
An open house, including refreshments, will take place on the Vincennes University Jasper Campus in the New Classroom Building, room 128, on Thursday, December 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Students can make appointments to speak with IU academic advisor Jim Johnson prior to December 9 by calling 800-334-1011. Students are encouraged to bring transcripts for any college courses completed. Everyone is welcome.
