University of Iowa President Sally Mason on Thursday outlined significant progress on some of her key goals over the next few months, which include increasing enrollment and positioning the university.

In a regularly scheduled availability with reporters at Jessup Hall, Mason said applications, admissions, and acceptances all remain well above where they were at this point last year, especially among Iowa residents. The university is working hard to ensure admitted students enroll in the UI, contacting them through mail, email, and engaging them in social media campaigns.

Mason also provided an update on the "Iowa Degree in Three," a new pathway to a more timely graduation.  This fall students can sign up for an accelerated program in communication studies, English, history, international studies, marketing and theater arts.  Mason first unveiled the three year graduation plan in September. Students agree to meet academic and advising milestones, while the university commits to ensure required courses or alternatives are available.

You can find additional information here.

Mason also extended her congratulations to Dance Marathon organizers and participants for another record-setting "Big Event" Feb. 6 and 7, noting the student-run organization, first staged at the UI in 1995, raised more than $2 million for the UI Children’s Hospital. The total is nearly $300,000 more than last year and roughly double the amount raised in 2008, Mason's first year as UI president.

Mason's next media availability is scheduled for April 2, from 10-10:30 a.m. The remaining date (subject to change) is listed below.

• Wednesday, May 13, 2015 — 10-10:30 a.m.

Journalists are welcome to attend the on-the-record sessions and should RSVP to Jeneane Beck-Brewer jeneane-beck @uiowa.edu or at 319-384-0054. Because space is limited, UI staff will videotape the discussion on a pool basis and provide unedited video files to media outlets.