The First Step Toward Student Success

Every August, our campus comes alive at move-in day. Watching students and families move into residence halls this past weekend reminds us that a new academic year is more than just starting classes — it’s about opening the door to new possibilities. And this year we welcome an even larger cohort of freshmen – our enrollment growth rate for this year will exceed last year’s growth rate of 10% and is the strongest it has been in 8 years!

This week, that energy continues with one of our best traditions at IU Indianapolis - Bridge Week.  Bridge Week is all about helping our newest Jaguars as they learn about campus resources, meet classmates, and begin building the connections that will sustain them. Research tells us that a student’s sense of belonging is one of the most powerful predictors of persistence and graduation. That’s why Bridge Week is about more than icebreakers; it’s about cultivating the community that connects, nurtures, and supports our students.

To our new students:

• Be curious.
• Build connections.
• Seek support early.

Higher education is about preparing students for life through the networks, mentors, and confidence they develop along the way.

Go Jags!

Latha Ramchand
Chancellor