A message from Provost Karen Hanson

We are delighted you’re here.

This issue of the campus visitors guide, brought to you by our award-winning student newspaper, the Indiana Daily Student, explores what it means to be a Hoosier.

While the origin of the word “Hoosier” has been the subject of debate for two centuries, we hope you will agree that the distinctiveness of the Bloomington campus is beyond debate. Visiting our beautiful campus is the best way to experience campus culture and traditions and to begin to learn what it means to be an Indiana University Hoosier.

In this guide, you’ll learn a bit about the vibrant arts scene at IU and in the Bloomington community, opportunities for recreation and entertainment and the diversity of our academic community.

Many visitors to our campus are taken with the beauty of its natural woodland setting.
Herman B Wells, our legendary 11th president, insisted on the retention of green spaces on the campus. You’ll want to be certain to visit Dunn’s Woods, the historic eight-acre woodlot at the center of our old campus crescent. Severe storms this spring uprooted a large number of trees, but Dunn’s Woods remains an integral part of our campus. Nearby, you’ll find a bronze statue that depicts Herman Wells in his prime, sitting on an IU park bench.

IU-Bloomington is also home to an incredibly dynamic arts community. Our Jacobs School of Music is consistently praised as being the finest in the nation. Our IU Auditorium hosts performances and lectures by leading artists and thinkers. Our Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center presents engaging theatrical performances.

The IU Art Museum is home to treasures from around the world. The new IU Cinema exhibits contemporary films from around the world as well as newly restored classics. It is the best equipped university cinema in the country, and most showings are free.

Just off the campus on Kirkwood Avenue, on Fourth Street and on the courthouse square, you’ll find unique shops as well as restaurants that feature a wide variety of world cuisines.

Of course, outstanding academic programs are at the heart of Indiana University. The distinguished faculty members who teach in our programs combine scholarship and professional experience and help develop every student’s full potential. 

Enjoy your time in Bloomington and at Indiana University.

Whether you are here as a student or as a visitor, to attend an athletic event or a performance, to visit family or friends,or just to explore all that IU offers, we are glad you’re here.

We hope your visit makes plain why we are proud to be Indiana University Hoosiers.

Sincerely,
 
Karen Hanson
Provost and
Executive Vice
President