Closing will not affect Bloomington’s Continuing Studies program

Programs in the Bloomington Continuing Studies will not be affected by the closing of the School of Continuing Studies, said Kyla Cox, director of communications and outreach for the Bloomington Continuing Studies.

President Michael McRobbie announced the closing of the School of Continuing Studies on Wednesday, which could save the University as much as $4 million, according to an IU press release.

“The decision on the School is just part of a much larger effort by the president to reduce costs and save money,” said Larry MacIntyre, assistant vice president for University Communications.

Bloomington Continuing Studies programs include Lifelong Learning and Professional Development, Mini University and Leadership Bloomington-Monroe County. In the spring semester, 921 students were enrolled in non-credit programs, Cox said in an e-mail.

“None of those are affected,” Cox said. “We are continuing operations as usual.”
The Bloomington program will be celebrating its 40th anniversary later this year, having been established in 1971, four years before the establishment of the School of Continuing Studies. Its non-credit programs are usually short in duration and for personal or professional benefit, Cox said.

“These are primarily program designed for adults in the community who want to enjoy and access Indiana University,” Cox said.

Dean of the School of Continuing Studies Daniel Callison said that specifics of the closing have not been worked out. McRobbie has appointed a seven-member panel, headed by Executive Vice President and Provost Karen Hanson, to manage the closing.

“The committee has not met and probably will not meet for several weeks,” said Callison, who is one of the panel’s members. “Certainly for the immediate future it’s business as usual.”

— John Seasly