An aerial view looks out over the Indiana University Northwest campus.
[ Music ] >> College is a time for learning, exploring, and growing.
It's when you get to shape the person you want to be and the life you want to live.
Mascot Rufus the Redhawk poses for a socially distanced photo with adults and children in face masks. Elsewhere, a red outline of the state of Indiana covers the front of a shirt. Inside the outline is the Indiana University logo and the words, "We are in this together". People gather around outdoor tables stacked with to-go food containers.
And at Indiana University North West, it's a journey you won't take alone.
Our award winning faculty, caring staff, and encouraging support teams are here for you every step of the way.
We care about your future.
We care about your success, and it shows.
Inside, three young women wearing face masks sit in front of a large digital screen with the letters I U N S G A. A young man in a face mask stands at a podium off to the side.
This year, many of our students have persevered in the face of the pandemic and have done their best to thrive in their own way.
A young woman stands in a lobby wearing an I U sweatshirt. On screen text. Paige Wisner. Biology, Class of 20 24.
I didn't really know what to expect when I transitioned from high school to college, especially in the middle of Covid-19.
In high school, my online classes were very different than they are here.
The technology here is better, my classes are more engaging and I am learning so much more!
An infographic titled, "Learning Options for Students," diagrams the features of in-person, online, and custom classes. In-person includes face-to-face learning along with hybrid learning using a computer. Online includes synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid online learning. Custom includes personalized learning.
Some of my classes are online and some of my classes are in person.
It all just depends on your course of study.
My professors have been very supportive and understanding and they work really hard to make sure that I'm doing well in school and in life.
A gloved hand squeezes a dropper in a test tube. Two people in lab coats, gloves, and face masks work in a lab.
Many of the hands on learning opportunities students enjoy are still available, they just look a little differently.
A young man stands in front of a line of computers. On screen text. Angad Sidhu. Biology, Class of 20 21 and, President, Student Government Association.
>> One of the cool things about being a student here is the strong interaction between faculty and staff.
We're a pretty small campus, so there are a lot of opportunities at IU North West you won't find anywhere else.
Angad works in the lab.
For example, I'm conducting research alongside my biology professor.
We are studying antibiotic resistant bacteria and ways to stay one step ahead of superbugs.
The pandemic hasn't slowed down our research.
We have been taking extra safety precautions like wearing masks and sanitizing the lab very thoroughly.
>> Efforts like these as well as an ambitious testing program have led to low rates of Covid-19 on campus.
IU researchers recently found that infection risk was not higher among students attending more in person courses making IU North West one of the safest campuses in the States.
A woman stands in a hallway with large windows. On screen text. Precious Conrad. Social Work, Class of 20 22.
>> The fact that everyone works so hard on campus to keep us safe means a lot to me.
It shows me that people care and it feels good to know that my professors and friends have my back.
A professor in a face mask speaks at the front of a class. Masked students sit distanced from each other in the lecture hall.
When I doubt myself, I think about all the love and support and remember why I am in school in the first place: to help me achieve my dream and encourages me to keep going.
A white board reads, "Ceramics". A masked student sits in a workshop as she runs a brush over a piece of pottery. Later, a student with blonde hair molds a lump of clay on a spinning potters wheel. Then, finished ceramic pieces fill an outdoor shelf.
>> At IU North West, we want students to succeed because we know that the pay off is tremendous.
College degree holders earn more money and have more job stability.
With the recent showing that the average bachelor's degree holder from IU North West sees an increase of more than $20,000 in earnings each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Indiana.
But perhaps more importantly, the adversity we are all facing now is leading to new ways of doing things and teaching us to overcome any obstacles in our way.
The blonde student picks a ceramic piece from the shelf. Next, she examines a bowl in front of a table covered in a variety of other painted and glazed ceramic bowls.
The silver lining is that these reimagined experiences are preparing students to enter a world where innovation and resilience is needed more than ever.
>> If you're wondering if you can still have fun in college while dealing with a pandemic, the answer is definitely yes.
With seventy student led clubs on our campus, our student volunteer leaders have been working around the clock to make sure we stay connected to each other.
In the night, cars in a parking lot face a large projector screen. In the day, people gather around outdoor tables stacked with to-go food containers.
We hosted drive in movie nights, food drives, and giveaways, philanthropy week, Zoom games, sporting events, and so much more.
A wall reads, "Welcome to Indiana University Northwest. Home of the Redhawks". A basketball player jumps and dunks a basketball into a hoop.
We're all in this together, so why not have some fun together?
>> Yeah, it's been great.
If you're thinking about putting off college, don't.
>> I really pushed myself this semester, and I am so glad I did because it's worth it!
>> To learn more about how you, too, can thrive at IU North West, visit IUN.edu today.
A view rises into the air looking out over the campus. On screen text. Indiana University Northwest. I U N dot E D U.
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