William M. Plater Institute on the Future of Learning

Purpose of the Institute

The Plater Institute on the Future of Learning is an annual campus-wide event that brings national leaders in higher education to meet with the IUPUI campus community. IUPUI has an established tradition of being among the vanguard of U.S. institutions in developing cutting-edge programs to promote student success, broaden and deepen campus engagement and foster best practices in teaching and learning. The Plater Institute serves as a forum that brings together faculty and staff from all segments of the institution to:

• learn about key topics on the national agenda for higher education,
• explore new strategies and information that can be taken back to their respective units to enhance existing and/or develop new programs that increase student success,
• network with other members of the campus community to promote collegiality, collaboration and leadership in teaching, research, service and administration.

 

Biography of William M. Plater

The William M. Plater Institute on the Future of Learning was established to recognize the leadership of Bill Plater, executive vice chancellor and dean of the faculties at IUPUI from 1987 to 2006. The Institute provides an opportunity for the university and Indianapolis community to build upon his commitment to excellence in teaching and learning by collectively exploring significant issues in higher education that will influence the future of learning.

As chief academic officer, Plater led campus efforts to improve undergraduate retention, strengthen civic engagement, incorporate assessment of programs and learning, foster international programs, enhance the effective use of technology, develop IUPUI as a model for comprehensive faculty development programs, and increase research productivity -- all components of his vision for IUPUI to become a leading urban research university. From teaching to administrative work, Bill Plater has played an integral role in the shaping of IUPUI’s future. Highly regarded by his colleagues, his fierce loyalty and dedication to IUPUI continues to be an inspiration to many.

In July 2006, Plater became the director of the Workshop on International Community Development. With his extensive experience in building communities within IUPUI’s campus and beyond, his new role will further the global recognition of IUPUI.