Photo by Chris Meyer IU Northwest's sculpture garden is an interesting melding of the historically industrial landscape of the region and the grasses and flowers that represent the ecological heritage of northwestern Indiana. Through a collaboration of sculpture and landscape architecture, the area provides a sanctuary to students, staff, faculty and visitors. Today's feature section highlights recent news from IU's northernmost campus.

Internet firesides

In the tradition of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, IU President Adam Herbert has launched a series of "fireside chats" to keep stakeholders abreast of recent university developments. But unlike FDR's audiences, who pulled up to the light of their radio consoles, Herbert's audience can watch a videostream any time, fireside from Bryan Hall, on their computer screens.

Predicting pandemics

Informatics researchers at IU are using airline routes to discern global patterns of disease spread.

Can Haiti's election problems happen here?

Yes, says SPEA's Tim Koponen. A major threat to the integrity of the voting process is the difficulty of staffing the polls on election day. Through its American Democracy Project, IU is partnering with state government to inspire participation in poll working among young voters, who are needed to replace an aging population of poll-place volunteers. The plan is the first of its kind in the country.

The Bard in Hoosierland

A naughty, bawdy "Comedy of Errors," with original music reminiscent of barrelhouse piano, opens tonight at IPFW. Meanwhile, IU Kokomo readies for a performance of "The Merchant of Venice" by a troupe of Shakespearian actors brought to campus by an IU New Frontiers in the Arts and Humanities grant.

Tomorrow's university leaders

Faculty from six IU campuses comprises the inaugural class of the IU Leadership Development Project, an initiative to develop the potential of those identified as next-generation academic and administrative leaders.

Additional top stories

  • IU life sciences at the Statehouse
  • COAS dean search open forum Feb. 28
  • New artwork by Peg Brand
  • Acacias subject of IUSB Distinguished Research Lecture
  • Trusting the Internet
  • Hand-held computing devices to assist dialysis patients
  • IUPUI students mentoring at risk elementary school students
  • Hoosier view