Purdue News

November 17, 2000 Purdue responds to higher education commission proposal WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's president today (11/17) commended the Indiana Commission for Higher Education's overall 2001-2003 budget recommendations, but cautioned that some portions would limit the state's economic development opportunities. Purdue President Martin C. Jischke said, "The commission is to be commended for its support of education and all it means to the future prosperity of the State of Indiana. Without doubt, it views education as critical to Indiana's stake in the New Economy. "The recommendation also wisely includes additional funding to improve the quality of New Economy degree programs at Indiana's public universities." The commission recommends additional support for programs in biomedical engineering, computational sciences, genomics and biotechnology on the Purdue West Lafayette campus; computer technology at Purdue North Central; computer technology, process control, entrepreneurship and mechatronics at Purdue Calumet; and a computer-assisted visualization center, business and information systems programs and a center for regional support of business skills at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne. "In addition, we are gratified that the commission has lent its support to our building projects to enhance our engineering and computer science efforts on our West Lafayette campus. Both speak to strategic initiatives for the state, as well as for Purdue. However, high priority projects at our Calumet and Fort Wayne campuses received no attention." Jischke said he also is concerned that the commission did not support Purdue's continued request to adjust base funding levels for Fort Wayne and North Central, which both have funding levels below the statewide average for regional campuses. "This $2 million inequity is limiting our ability to reduce dependence on part-time faculty and to attract faculty in high-demand disciplines, as well as to provide modern, well equipped laboratory facilities," he said. Jischke said he also was concerned about the shortfall of support for several key programs that serve Indiana's economic development effort. "If Indiana is going to step to the next level in its economy, it must provide our existing businesses with the kind of technical expertise Purdue provides through its Technology Assistance Program," Jischke said. "For less than $1 million, Purdue proposes to expand this program so we can provide technical expertise within a short distance of most major industrial and high-tech regions of the state." The commission also recommended funding only about half of the Purdue initiative to improve its Statewide Technology Programs across the state. "The commission's recommendation will mean additional support for the programs at South Bend/Elkhart and the creation of a new program in industrial technology for Columbus," Jischke said, "but it falls short by not supporting new programs in industrial technology for Kokomo, Richmond and New Albany. The Indiana General Assembly will begin considering higher education funding when it meets in January. "Overall, I'd have to say this is a good point at which the General Assembly can start when it begins its deliberations. Sources: Martin C. Jischke, 494-9708 Writer: Jeanne V. Norberg, 765-494-2084; jnorberg@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page