Around The Campus

Course information available online\nInformation about 400 courses and 10 degree programs that can be taken away from campus are now available online. The Web site, www.indiana.edu/~iude/, offers a database of IU courses available on the World Wide Web, interactive video, independent study, videotape, broadcast and cable television and satellite. The database can be searched by subject area, course delivery method, level and semester.\n"The online database reflects the University's determination to provide the convenient, high-quality student services called for in the IU strategic plan on distributed education," Erwin Boschmann, associate vice president for distributed education, said in a press release. \n"The Office of Distributed Education will continually work with campuses, schools and departments to provide a unified view of distributed education programs at IU, which is annually ranked among the most 'wired' campuses in the nation," he said.\nFirst lady will influence fashion, professor says\nDiscussion of first lady Laura Bush's dress selection for the inauguration reflects a long-standing national interest in first lady fashions, said Deborah Christiansen, assistant professor in the apparel merchandising and interior design department.\n"There has always been a national fixation with clothing and appearance, especially among the most visible people in society," Christiansen said. "It speaks volumes that the First Ladies Gallery at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is, and has long been, their most popular exhibit. This goes back to a time when fashion was dictated by the upper classes, even royalty.\n"Mrs. Bush's choice of red for her inaugural gown reflects Nancy Reagan's style," she said. \n"The color is very patriotic and therefore appropriate," Christiansen said. "It also is a color of strength, not at all passive, so to me it sets a mood for Mrs. Bush's involvement in political activities"