Kaler Touts Progress in 2nd State of the University of Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler is touting progress made at the university in the past year.

Kaler delivered his second State of the University address Thursday. He says the school has made progress on ideas he pitched during his first address last year, including a year-round academic calendar.

Kaler also noted savings in energy, technology and administration. The university has been criticized at the state Capitol in recent months over its administrative spending.

Kaler says the university has done a lot but says "we must and we will do more."

Kaler noted progress on new "entrepreneurial leaves" to allow faculty to explore business ideas. That program will start this fall.

Kaler also says the university has boosted funding for graduate students' fellowships by $750,000.