Herbert to map IU's priorities

IU President Adam Herbert is expected to outline in his State of the University address today several initiatives to substantially increase IU's research budget, complete the University's mission differentiation project and remain a leader in information technology.\nHerbert will deliver his second annual speech since his inauguration at 3 p.m. today in the Frangipani Room of the Indiana \nMemorial Union, where he is expected to set forth a list of priorities and goals the University is to focus upon for the upcoming year and in the long term.\n"(Herbert) will talk about academics and preserving and protecting all the good things we have," said IU Director of Media Relations Larry MacIntyre.\nSignificantly improving University sponsored research, particularly in the life sciences, is expected to be one of the focal points of Herbert's address. MacIntyre said Herbert will discuss his goal to increase IU's research grants from $477 million during the past academic year to $760 million by 2013. \n"Sponsored research really has been a major priority of the president since he has got here," MacIntyre said. "It's a very ambitious goal, and he wants to encourage all of the faculty at IU to be a part of it."\nDetermining mission differentiation between the eight IU campuses is another topic Herbert is expected to detail during his speech. As debate still echoes within the administration regarding whether to raise admissions standards at the Bloomington campus, MacIntyre said Herbert will talk about future steps and offer guidance to ensure the University makes the right decision.\nHerbert is also scheduled to speak about guaranteeing the information technology program at IU remains one of the best in the country. \nWhile MacIntyre said the University believes that many of its arts and humanities programs are already among the best in the country, he said Herbert will detail ways to maintain the program's excellence, such as upcoming activities in the School of Music to attract music teachers who are at the pinnacle of their fields. \nSecuring additional fund-raising for the University is another priority Herbert will address. MacIntyre said though IU is one of the most successful fund-raising institutions in the country, preserving that status is just as difficult as achieving it. \nHerbert is also scheduled to discuss ways to further contribute to Indiana's economy, preparing students for careers in a global culture and economy, and increasing the University's operational efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.