IPFW gaining momentum in many areas

By Michael A. Wartell, Chancellor of IPFW

IPFW is expanding and improving at an unprecedented pace. Students are able to take advantage of a number of services, such as tutoring in the Transitional Studies lab, writing assistance in the Writing Center, walk-in testing services at the Mathematics Test Center and computer assistance in the university’s Information Technology Services area. By enhancing the academic services offered to our students, we are helping to prepare better qualified graduates for northeast Indiana’s employers.

IPFW also has taken steps to enhance our community relations. The new Science Information Center at the Helmke Library will provide better, more efficient retrieval of scientific information for area college students, high schoolers and researchers. IPFW is also host to the largest academic science library within a public institution.

Additionally, IPFW’s move to NCAA Division I athletics will mean more visibility for the city of Fort Wayne and will ultimately allow our local economy to flourish. Visiting athletes, parents and fans will stay in area hotels, dine in area restaurants and shop in area stores. The rewards are more than economic, however. Higher academic standards and increased visibility among area high schoolers brought on by the move to Division I will mean we’ll see better academically qualified students enrolling at IPFW. And with the planned opening of residence halls in fall 2002, IPFW is beginning to take the shape of a traditional university campus.

As IPFW continues to grow, we strive to maintain the feel of a small and welcoming campus. Our student-to-faculty ratio remains low, and our faculty and staff continue to work closely with students. With free tutoring, smaller class sizes and faculty who care, the student-centered philosophy that has brought IPFW this far will surely carry us into the future.

http://www.ipfw.edu/