Education

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN—In an era in which artificial intelligence tools are rapidly reshaping how we access and share information, Ball State University Libraries has introduced a new research guide to help students, faculty, staff, and community members use AI more thoughtfully and effectively. The interactive guide, now available at bsu.libguides.com, equips users with foundational skills to assess the credibility, accuracy, and ethical implications of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and image generators. Through five short videos and practical examples, the guide teaches users to identify potential misinformation, recognize AI-generated bias, and apply AI output in meaningful…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Three Ball State University students are the recipients of the American Association of University Women Muncie Branch’s 2025-26 scholarships, each worth $1,500. The recipients working on earning a bachelor’s degree are Lizzie Burton, whose major is computer science in cybersecurity and secure software design, and Shawnee Dance, whose major is accounting/finance. The third recipient, Allison Thomas Snoddy, is working toward a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. AAUW raises money for its scholarships through its annual used book sale, which takes place annually the Saturday before Memorial Day and continues through the Saturday after Memorial…

By Bobbi Bosch— INDIANAPOLIS —Nextech, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to creating universal access to computer science (CS) curriculum and experiences for all K-12 Indiana students, in partnership with TeenWorks has launched a new paid internship program for Muncie and Anderson high school students. The Catapult internship program received start-up funding from an Indiana University Health Community Impact Investment Fund (CIIF) grant. Catapult is an experiential, paid internship for high school students who aspire to a career in technology. Taught by industry professionals in conjunction with a licensed computer science teacher, participants develop technical skills, create authentic peer relationships, improve workplace readiness,…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— During its annual budget meeting today, the Ball State University Board of Trustees approved no increase in student tuition and mandatory fees for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 academic years. The Board also formally adopted the University’s Strategic Plan for 2025–30, which will guide institutional priorities and resource allocation over the next five years. The two-year tuition and fee freeze continues the University’s commitment to responsible financial stewardship and efficient operations while prioritizing strategic investments that support Ball State’s educational mission. “Ball State has a long-standing tradition of responsible financial stewardship,” said Rick Hall, chair…

Editor’s note: Due to inclement weather, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Village South Residential Development has been postponed to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 17.    By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the launch of the Village South Residential Development. The event will take place at 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 17., at the intersection of West North Street and North Martin Street in Muncie. This new housing project is part of the University’s broader revitalization plan for The Village—a public-private partnership with city leaders and private developers, including Trademark Construction,…

By Jenna Kastan— MUNCIE, IN— The BlackRock Foundation has announced a $500,000 two-year grant to Cradle to Career Muncie, a community-driven initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes and economic mobility in Muncie, Indiana. The funding will support the implementation of the new Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School (MCHS). The Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School are designed to put students on track to meet Indiana’s new diploma requirements, with the goal of completing 10 of the 42 required credits and selecting a “readiness seal” – enrollment, employment, or enlistment  and service – by the…

By Scott Smalstig— YORKTOWN, IN – Thanks to reaching a significant fundraising goal, Yorktown Community Schools officially began construction on a series of major enhancements to the football stadium on June 2. The Yorktown Community Schools Foundation has successfully raised $750,000 in private contributions through its Onward Tigers Campaign, enabling this long-anticipated project to move forward. The planned upgrades include installing high-quality synthetic turf, a modern press box, improved bleachers, and a new scoreboard—transforming the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility for both students and the community. “This milestone is the result of our community coming together in support of our…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — The Ball State University campus and the greater Muncie community have through the end of July to visit a special exhibit honoring the literary work of J.R.R. Tolkien, on display in Archives and Special Collections on the second floor of Bracken Library. Presented by University Libraries, the exhibit features selections from the Deborah and Fritz Dolak J.R.R. Tolkien Collection, which was generously donated to Ball State in 2013. The display honors the creativity, linguistic genius, and enduring influence of Tolkien—renowned author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In addition…

By Lesley Devoss—  MUNCIE, IN – Students from Ivy Tech Community College’s Human Services Group Process and Skills (HUMS 206) course recently completed a series of group sessions with justice-involved individuals at Delaware County Community Corrections (DCCC), focusing on the central theme of motivation and personal growth. The collaborative project provided an opportunity for students to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting while helping participants explore what it means to stay motivated in challenging circumstances. Over 8 weeks, students facilitated and supported motivational group sessions designed to help individuals identify personal goals and develop strategies for change. Topics included the…