Indiana University Kokomo Receives National Recognition -- KOKOMO, Ind., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/indiana-university-kokomo-receives-national-recognition-134868848.html[6/25/2014 11:02:49 AM]

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Indiana University Kokomo Receives National Recognition

Lumina Foundation president testifies to U.S. House education committee on campus' initiativeKOKOMO, Ind., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Indiana University Kokomo has receivednational attention for its cutting-edge approach to saving students money while ensuring degreecompletion, after the university was named as a leader in innovation during an education committeemeeting on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, November 30.James Merisotis, president and CEO of the Lumina Foundation, highlights IU Kokomo's "Student SuccessTuition Discount" program as a frontrunner in blazing new trails for tuition cost-saving measures amongcolleges and institutions nationwide. Merisotis testified before the Higher Education and Workforce TrainingSubcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Education and the Workforce Committee. The topic ofdiscussion was "Keeping College Within Reach: Discussing Ways Institutions Can Streamline Costs andReduce Tuition.""A good example is found right in my home state of Indiana at Indiana University Kokomo where studentswho commit to completing 30 credit hours per year, maintaining continuous enrollment, and makingsatisfactory academic progress receive three successive years of discounted tuition, producing a savingsequal to one full year's tuition by the end of the program," Merisotis said to the committee, referring to oneof the four strategies the Foundation advocates to increase course and degree completion.The initiative, which began this fall semester, was developed after Chancellor Michael Harris appointed aGraduation Task Force to implement innovative methods to improve graduation rates. During hisinstallation speech in October 2010, Harris emphasized the commitment of the university and importanceof increasing the number of students who graduate."I ask for every creative and innovative analysis, and very bold, unusual cutting-edge recommendations,"Harris said. "IU President Michael McRobbie has challenged all IU regional campuses to improvegraduation rates. Academic excellence and student success are at the heart of our enterprise. We continueto examine policies, process, space, technology and structure. Let there be no mistake, more of ourstudents must complete their degrees!"Currently, 40 students are enrolled in the pilot program, which centers on three successive years ofincremental discounted tuition beginning at 20 percent, then 30 percent, and ending with a 40 percent

Indiana University Kokomo Receives National Recognition -- KOKOMO, Ind., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/indiana-university-kokomo-receives-national-recognition-134868848.html[6/25/2014 11:02:49 AM]

reduction in the senior year. The end result is a tuition discount equivalent to one full year and degreecompletion within four years. Students are tracked to ensure the requirements are met.One rationale for this innovative program is to create a countervailing force to employment, the numberone obstacle identified by faculty and staff as impeding persistence and on-time graduation."If we can replace or reduce work as priority for our students, we believe we can positively impactgraduation rates," Harris said. "We will continue to be responsive to the needs and preferences of those weserve by ensuring that we maintain a competitive edge and offer significant added value in our education."The Lumina Foundation is a private, independent institution and is the nation's largest foundationcommitted to increasing students' access and success in postsecondary education. Goal 2025 defines theirmission. The goal states "to increase the percentage of Americans who hold high-quality degrees andcredentials to 60 percent by 2025." Lumina pursues this goal by identifying and supporting effectivepractice, encouraging effective public policy, and using their communications and convening capacity tobuild public will for change. They were established in Indianapolis, Indiana in August of 2000."Education, specifically higher education, is one of the most critical factors in our nation's long-termeconomic growth plans," said Merisotis. "A dramatic increase in educational attainment must become a topnational priority if we intend to build our labor pool and beat out other countries for the jobs of the future. AtLumina, we support organizations that are committed to increasing the number of Americans with high-quality degrees and credentials to 60 percent by the year 2025."The members of the House workforce education committee can be found at this link:http://edworkforce.house.gov/Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.Media Contact Marie Radel Director, Media & Marketing(765) 455-9468meradel@iuk.eduSOURCE Indiana University Kokomo

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prnewswire.comIndiana University Kokomo Receives National Recognition -- KOKOMO, Ind., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --