Ivy Tech Continues to Offer Free Textbooks in 2022-23 Extending the Ivy+ Program to All Students
Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech Community College, announced at today’s State Board of Trustees meeting an extension of the Ivy+ Textbooks program. Ivy+ will continue to cover the cost of required textbooks for all eligible students in the 2022-23 academic year. This is the second year textbooks will be provided at no cost to students.
“Continuing to find innovative ways to lower costs for our students is an important part of the overall value we are providing to students and to our community,” said Dr. Ellspermann. “We know that the cost of textbooks are often a limiting factor for our students, and we are pleased to be able to provide free textbooks for another year.”
In Fall 2021, more than 55,000 students received free textbooks for a savings to students of over $14 million. In spring 2022, more than 47,000 students have already enrolled and will receive similar savings.
Ivy Tech’s Ivy+ tuition program also continues in 2022-23, providing a new tuition model for full-time students. When students take at least 12 credit hours a semester, they pay a flat rate and can add additional credit hours for no additional cost. The flat rate encourages full-time students to take additional courses each term, helping them graduate faster and save money. As part of the Ivy+ tuition program, part-time students will see their tuition frozen in 2022-23 at the same rate as the previous academic year and will pay the lowest per-credit-hour fee in the state.
Bloomington traditional hot spot to close after 40 years
A Bloomington tradition since 1972 is deciding to close its doors and “take a break” for while in hopes to rebound from the economic strain caused by government reactions to the health emergency. Bear’s Place issued the following statement on social media, to its followers . . .
“Bear’s family and friends-
We have some unfortunate news to share. We have decided to close Bear’s at this time. The current business climate has just made things too difficult, and we feel the best course of action is to take a break and put our efforts toward the future of Bear’s Place. We are looking forward to jumping into the creative process and deciding how, where, and when to bring Bear’s Place back. We’ll let you know what that looks like when we know. Until then, thank you honestly for the endless love and support.
-Bear’s Place”
Indiana denies Graduate Student attempt to unionize
Indiana University has turned down a demand from some graduate student workers to host a union election at the Bloomington campus. The Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition invited The United Electrical Workers to hold elections earlier this month, but the University responded with a letter rejecting such action based on the fact that their work is entwined with their education, and are subsequently not being covered by HR 12-20, the policy referenced in the cause for action.
“Student academic appointees are students first; if they want to be treated under staff policy, they would be giving up important benefits meant to protect their status as student, and preserve their time for coursework and research,” said IU spokesperson Chuck Carney.
This Week in Hoosier History
1867 – Clara Barton delivered a lecture in Terre Haute, Indiana. According to the reporter for the Evansville Daily Journal, she was the best female lecturer in the United States. She founded the American Red Cross in 1881 and served as the first president.
For more local news . . .
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