The amendment to IU’s expressive activity policy headlined the IU Board of Trustees meeting Thursday and Friday in Fort Wayne, but the board voted on and approved other agenda items.
Here are three takeaways from the board’s final meeting of 2024.
IU Indianapolis Athletic Center named after late trustee
The new athletic center at IU Indianapolis approved in June will be named James T. Morris Arena, or “The Jim.” Morris, an IU alumnus and longtime trustee, died in July at 81 years old.
“No individual epitomized the idea of service to IU and the city of Indianapolis more than Jim Morris,” IU President Pamela Whitten said in a press release Friday. “This recognition is only fitting for our vision of an arena that will serve both the university and the community. It was Jim’s advocacy at the Statehouse that helped propel this project forward, and now generations of IU students and campus visitors will benefit.”
The 137,500-square-foot, $110 million arena will be located on the south side of the IU Indianapolis campus, just north of the White River. Construction is expected to wrap up in 2026.
Housing and dining rates to increase 2% in Bloomington
The board approved a 2% rate increase for housing at IU Bloomington next year, bumping the average price to $12,431 per year. Dining rates also increased by 2%.
The cost for a standard residence hall room at the Bloomington campus is $7,954 this year, with enhanced rooms at $10,953.
Housing rates increased 2% at IU Indianapolis and IU Southeast, while IU South Bend will see a 3% rise, the board voted.
IU Treasurer Donald Lukes said in a press release the cost increases will allow the university to invest in housing and dining facilities, operations and activities.
Student success platform announced, launched at three campuses
IU Fort Wayne, IU Columbus and IU East will be the first campuses to use a new platform for students to build their degree and visualize their progress.
The platform is run by Stellic, a degree management company, and used by universities across the United States.
“Implementation of this new tool will help Indiana University students better visualize their pathway to graduation,” Whitten said in a press release. “It also creates a far better user experience, making it easier for students to successfully plan and obtain their IU degree.”
IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend and IU Southeast will begin using the platform in the spring, and the service will launch at IU Bloomington and IU Indianapolis next fall.
The board’s next meeting is tabbed for Feb. 20-21, 2025, at IU Indianapolis.
