IU Day comes but once a year, thank goodness. Attending IUPUI means attending a school with a unique campus culture and history that’s still a satellite of Bloomington. Call me jaded or boring, but I’m not a fan of celebrating IU Day when not only is the campus more than just IU, it has a rich urban history that is always left out.
Okay, I am jaded and boring. Never in my life have I been enthusiastic about school pride or iconography, especially as a college student. I am sapped of patience after four years. More and more administrative processes go through Bloomington.
Not to mention the years of whispered rumors that IUPUI will be split and leave Purdue behind. It seems unlikely and I’ve never gotten a concrete, on-the-record answer about it to date.
I’m not alone in being less than enthused about IU Day. Student culture at IUPUI is less about making time to have fun on campus and more about getting off campus as quickly as possible to get to work or finally sleep at home. Even as more traditional freshmen come, many other students are transfers and older students returning for a second shot.
Perhaps I’m holding IUPUI in an unfair position: it is a satellite campus. It is what it is. I understand completely why universities need to celebrate and commemorate and maintain shiny, consistent brands. It looks good for prospective students and alumni.
And it’s not like we don’t have our own mascot. At least jaguars are cuter than Hoosiers.
But the issue remains: IUPUI is more than just an extension of Bloomington. Cavanaugh Hall does not sit in Monroe County. Our student life is completely distinct, as is the history of the campus.
Since IUPUI’s 50 year anniversary came this semester, it’s easy to see how those in power talk about the displacement: by not calling it displacement. By framing it as
a blessing to an urban neighborhood--thanks to IUPUI, the area didn’t just fall into utter disrepair, as it would have inevitably. It was a replacement, nothing more nor less.
I know that’s not the truth. And I rag on this fact whenever it’s time to celebrate how wonderful this campus is. I would make demands of the university to correct these wrongs, but first the university needs to openly and readily acknowledge what it’s done.
It’s just tough to be thrilled by the magic of IU Day when I’m so disappointed this institution doesn’t think about the damage it has perpetuated in meaningful ways. It’s my last IU Day, but I’m still not keen to be here for it.
What the vote of no confidence means for the future of IUPUI
By Abby Godsen | April 13On April 16, a vote of no confidence presented by Bloomington’s Faculty Council will be held against IU’s current president, Pamela Whitten, provost, Rahul Shrivastav and vice provost of faculty and academic affairs, Carrie Docherty. As IUPUI approaches a pivotal point in its history with the split, the unrest within leadership could disturb the continued cultivation of IUPUI’s campus.
Indiana legislature passes major bills affecting the education system
By Abby Godsen | April 1Editor’s Note: This article highlights only a few of the bills being presented in Indiana courts and does not address any bills impacting other states. The research and information presented is accurate to the time of publication and does not reflect developments after the publication date. The views ...
Herron School of Art and Design annual wearable art show to take place March 28
By Hanne Brandgard | March 27Since 2004, Herron School of Art and Design has put on the Wearable Art Show. This event gives interested students a chance to test their creativity and transform their art from a stationary work to a piece of clothing. This year’s 20th anniversary show will take place on March 28 at the EFAC building.
