Brakes put on Ivy Tech amid enrollment, graduation questions

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Ivy Tech Community College’s construction plans are being put on hold and it will face a state review of its programs over concerns about low graduation rates and declining enrollment.

Ivy Tech was the only one of Indiana’s public colleges that didn’t receive money for any major building projects in the new two-year state budget that takes effect July 1.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Luke Kenley says he wanted a time out on Ivy Tech projects. He points to a 25 percent drop in Ivy Tech’s enrollment over the past three years.

Ivy Tech leaders say a state report showing fewer than 30 percent of its students graduating within six years doesn’t fully consider that few attend full time and many transfer to other schools.