I agree. I think VU is being very realistic in pivoting fundamentally towards the community college students and local technical and professional training.
So far its just a dual admittance program. But I wonder if this could eventually lay the groundwork for a merger. It could actually be a boon to whatever faculty and staff survive into that institution, if it brings their salaries up and gives them participation in the Ivy Tech Community College pension plan. I haven't looked into it, but most state community college compensations and pensions are far better than the struggling private schools.' I hope VU admins are thinking holistically about all this, to see if it can salvage the employee as well as the student enrollment dynamic.
Unfortunately there is no precedent for a private school becoming a public institution. Not that VU would want to do so anyway. It seems as if they are thinking about building relationships that previous admins were too snooty to ever consider. Much like how the school would be an athletic powerhouse if the snooty admins didnt decide against funding after the sweet 16 run
The Ivy Tech partnership is just a first step. Valpo is also actively seeking to create connections and arrangements with businesses and educational institutions in Chicago, as well as local high schools, that could assist a bit in increasing enrollment down the line. This is in addition to the recently announced cooperation agreement between the nursing program and the University of Chicago Medicine program.
I have heard Padilla speak about how his view of our Christian Mission involves helping others access college and get a chance at a good education. The Access College and this connection with Ivy Tech definitely fit that believe/plan of moving forward. Also, it really does seem that these sort of connections are common for all sorts of universities, public and private and Valpo has long not leveraged that opportunity or given back to the community in a way that might inspire some good will.
My contribution to this discussion is simply this: VU needs a "win."
Paul
I would certainly classify this as a win. Padilla made statements saying they need to appeal to all people, and this is a way to do so. The scholarship that would be offered to these students would put tuition on par with most public institutions pre financial aid. I do wonder if we will see VU add the enrollment numbers of Ivy Tech into theirs in order to artificially boost their enrollment numbers by a significant margin. It might be shady to do so. But people do only look at the numbers.
My contribution to this discussion is simply this: VU needs a "win."
Paul
There’s only so much cost cutting that can be done. From this point forward the only win that’s going to pull Valpo out of its financial free fall are steady, sustainable increases in enrollment. I guess we’ll know in September and when the next Moody’s report is published.
@whvalpo This is exactly why I see them adding the enrollment metrics of Ivy Tech. Would boost metrics at least and make the University look better. Also paying for Ivy tech for the first 2 years and finishing off on a reduced price VU would be very attractive to prospective students as you still get all the amenities of VU including an ID and an email address. If these students are able to get on campus housing as well, it would help to boost enrollment as non-commuter students would be more enticed to come.
@vuindiana Isnt the whole problem with people not living on campus related to the dorm situation being very undesirable. I was under the impression that no one wanted to live in the dorms due to their dated design and build quality.
Well it seems that most schools still have a requirement, but this extends to freshman only usually. Despite the housing market, Valpo has some very favorable renting rates so I would see why students would choose to live off campus rather than live in the dorms. I know people who used to be in the renting business backing these claims.
As for the Lutheranism, it seems that besides BYU and other Mormon institutions, people largely don't attend schools for their denomination anymore. Don't get my wrong, Christians will still attend Christian institutions, but unless its BYU or Bob Jones, denomination largely doesn't seem to matter anymore. Heck as a Catholic I attended a mass at the Chapel and my Great Grandfather thought I should go to confession. My mother on the other hand attended multiple services at the Chapel and thinks it is wonderful I attended. Really shows the contrast between generations and their beliefs on denominational schools and services. Biggest reason for attending schools in the modern day is either for
A: A degree that is accredited
B: Sports
Hopefully we are on track to have both A and B, but people are still dissuaded by the low enrollment numbers as is (Hence the comments about merging the Ivy Tech numbers with Vu numbers for an artificial boost)
Then it seems to me there is a problem with cost vs amenities. Here at IUI, the oldest dorm on campus is a converted Asylum, and rent is about 3k a semester. This dorm has a layout where rooms are not all a standard size, there is pipes inside your room, and the nearest campus facilities are a 10 min walk from the site. Compared to the newest dorm which has a standard layout, modern feel, and the nearest campus facility is not even a minute from the dorm room. This will run you about 4k a semester. There are also apartments which share the 4k cost. They heavily mark down the rent on the substandard facility. I am unaware as to the cost at VU, but from what I have been told, the facilities compare to the 3k facility.
