Purdue to split off parts of IUPUI in pursuit of 'a bigger and more visible Purdue' in Indy
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University's presence in Indianapolis is about to expand — or rather, be split in half.
In what was termed a "bold new vision for higher education in Indianapolis," the decision announced on Friday aims to "transform" 52-year-old IUPUI into two separate academic organizations.
In late 1970, Indiana University and Purdue entered into an agreement for the joint venture of a shared campus in Indianapolis. This was known as Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis, or IUPUI.
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IU was originally "designated as the responsible institution with power, authority and responsibility for managing and operating IUPUI for the benefit of IU and Purdue," according to the Memorandum of Understanding.
Now, after 50 years, each university has decided it is time to start on a projected two-years-to-completion realignment plan.
This realignment will move forward with IU assuming responsibility and authority over the School of Science at IUPUI, the Music and Arts Technology department and programs that are currently operated by IU within the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI. IU also will retain all other schools, departments and IUPUI programs with some exceptions.
Purdue will assume responsibility for the Department of Computer Science at IUPUI as well as the university's departments and programs "covered by" the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI with the exception of the Music and Arts technology department.
This separation aims to expand each university's strengths and research activity in the city of Indianapolis, according to an announcement. Enrollment growth is something Mitch Daniels, president of Purdue, highlighted in regards to the split.
“This new vision will enable the number of Purdue’s STEM graduates to grow and also provide more opportunities to our students and faculty both in Indianapolis and in West Lafayette," Daniels said in the release. "What we are announcing today responds to calls we have heard from Indianapolis and across the state for a bigger and more visible Purdue in Indianapolis. Our state and its largest city require a world-class, high-technology research presence of the quality Purdue represents."
Purdue plans to expand in Indianapolis
Purdue also announced its intentions to physically expand its applied research with a new institute branch near IUPUI: "In addition to its new urban campus, Purdue intends to open a branch of its Purdue Applied Research Institute on or near the current IUPUI. Overall, Purdue anticipates growing today’s Indianapolis enrollment by more than 1,000 students."
Further details of this split will be worked out over the next two years. The realignment is scheduled to be completed by the fall 2024 semester.
“This is an historic moment for Indianapolis, for IU, and for our entire state,” Pam Whitten, president of IU said in the release. “We are building on IUPUI’s more than 50 years of accomplishment to propel us into becoming one of the preeminent urban research universities in this country. In addition to expanding our science and technology programs, we plan to grow across the board, create more opportunities for students, and become even more deeply integrated with the Indianapolis community through close relationships with local businesses, nonprofits, sports organizations, and more.”
This article will be updated.
Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mchristopherson@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue, IU to divide IUPUI into separate schools
