Indiana Uniersity’s “IU 2030 Plan” outlines many bold initiatives. From student success to statewide service to several other formless phrases, one can say with confidence that the future lies ahead of the Hoosiers.
And recent legislative actions have propelled a very specific element of this plan towards becoming reality.
Seeking to grow its student base, in recent months IU has lobbied representatives to pass what is now known as the “border bill,” establishing a boundary adjustment commission that seeks to absorb several Illinois counties into the state of Indiana.
“Think of all the possibilities,” said President Pamela Whitten.
While throwing darts at a map of the midwest, Whitten explained that absorbing most of – and eventually all of – Illinois into Indiana means more space for branch campuses.
“IU Springfield, IU Peoria, IU Rockford, heck they’ve got a Bloomington of their own over there!” Whitten said.
Needless to say, student and faculty reactions have been predictably mixed.
“Finally Napierville kids can get some in-state tuition,” said Kelley student Shay Suburbski.
“Gonna be real, yo, lowkey didn’t know Indiana and Illinois were different states. So I guess it’s cool?” said Californian Cody Flyover.
By 2030, Whitten hopes to unite all Hoosiers under the capital plan, absorbing the entire state of Illinois into Indiana and building a chain of branch campuses leading to this endeavor’s ultimate endpoint – IU Chicago.
