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Purdue University in Indianapolis FAQ

Find answers to the questions that students, faculty and staff are searching for most and learn more about the new Purdue University in Indianapolis campus.

General

What is happening?

Indiana’s two world-class public research universities, Indiana University and Purdue University, are taking their 52-year-old collaborative IUPUI vision to the next level: creating a next-generation urban campus in which each institution operates independently, leveraging the strength of both globally respected reputations. Under the new structure, both universities will be able to expand academic and research portfolios, investing millions of dollars in both individual and collaborative efforts.

Why was the decision made?

The dramatically growing needs of our state call for a correspondingly bold move to provide the world-class higher education and research capabilities our economy needs. Central Indiana business and community leaders have expressed concern about shortages of talent well-trained in the engineering, sciences, technological and health care disciplines, and a related gap in local capacity for high-end research.

The plan will increase the number of job-ready graduates in an innovation-led economy, fuel economic growth in the region and the state, and enhance service to the Indianapolis community and beyond. It also provides a platform for collaboration in which each university’s strengths will enhance funding opportunities for joint research initiatives, including creation of a joint health sciences engineering institute. This new institute will develop new life-enhancing therapies and technologies while simultaneously creating a highly sought-after pool of professionals whose unique research and training will create startups and attract new companies to Indiana.

What will happen to the IU and Purdue programs on campus?

IU will continue to own and operate the Indianapolis campus.

Purdue will assume responsibility for engineering, computer science and technology as a fully integrated expansion of Purdue West Lafayette. The new structure will allow Purdue to grow engineering, technology and computer science enrollments in Indianapolis and create exciting opportunities for current West Lafayette students to “study away” in Indianapolis while pursuing internship or cooperative work opportunities with Indianapolis companies. 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, housing many together in a new residential building near their academic buildings. IU will take over operation of what is now the School of Science at IUPUI, except for its Department of Computer and Information Science, which will become part of Purdue.

In addition to Purdue’s computer science programs in Indianapolis, IU will accelerate training for tomorrow’s IT workforce by expanding its Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering with new computer science programs in Indianapolis. IU also expects to enhance integration of its science programs with its School of Medicine and other allied health science schools, expanding the number of students who will be prepared for health science-based careers, improving the pipeline of doctors and nurses and keeping more graduates in the state. IU will also establish innovative collaborations in new research areas, which will benefit the state through increased funding and resulting startups. In addition, IU will have responsibility for providing certain administrative services for both academic organizations and for maintaining the intercollegiate athletic program. IU will continue to provide innovative educational experiences for the more than 27,000 students in other IU programs such as business, law, nursing, social work and a wide range of other academic disciplines.

Will IUPUI keep its existing name?

Purdue, IU and IUPUI will operate under their respective identities in Indianapolis after the transition. The exact names for each university’s presence in Indianapolis will be one of the projects of our working groups. While IUPUI will cease to exist as a unique entity, its proud legacy and degree programs will continue through this new model.

What is the process for working through the details of the restructure? How will faculty, staff, and students be engaged?

Purdue and IU will engage a set of working groups to develop specific operational plans for the realignment. These work groups will likely include the following areas: HR and Finance, Student Success, Facilities, IT/Systems, Enrollment Management, Communication and Branding, Research, Donor and Alumni, and Athletics.

How will Purdue West Lafayette be impacted by this restructure?

Day-to-day operations in West Lafayette will not be impacted by the restructure in the short run. Longer term, the separation will give Purdue West Lafayette students easier access to work for Indianapolis firms while continuing their academic progress toward a degree. Faculty may have opportunities to teach/conduct research in Indianapolis. In general, the Indianapolis campus will be an expansion of West Lafayette activity – a new urban campus

Why now?

IUPUI has been innovative, resourceful and collaborative in serving the needs of Indianapolis, central Indiana and the state, educating hundreds of thousands of people and bringing leadership and engagement to our state. As successful as it has been, we are reaching the limits of what can be accomplished in the existing partnership structure. A new structure will give each university the flexibility to invest and grow to the extent Indianapolis and the state need them to.

What is the timing of the change?

Over the next year, IU and Purdue will work together to develop the full operational plan for the transition, with the realignment expected to be completed in time for the Fall 2024 semester. Few, if any, changes in the current model will be made before that date.

What is Purdue working to address in the restructuring?

Central Indiana business and community leaders have expressed concern about shortages of talent well-trained in the engineering and technological disciplines, and a related paucity of local capacity for high-end research. These leaders have been explicit in their desire for a dramatically expanded Purdue presence in Indianapolis.

Many companies have reported that they are sometimes forced to contract or invest elsewhere due to these shortfalls of top-quality talent. The number of job-ready Purdue STEM graduates there needs to grow. While many graduates of the flagship West Lafayette campus find their way to internships and jobs in central Indiana, a large opportunity exists to engage more of them with Indy-area firms if they were residents in Indianapolis for a year or more of their Purdue experience. Likewise, Purdue’s research assets and portfolio in Indianapolis need to expand dramatically to meet the needs of companies in central Indiana. As part of this expansion, there is a need and desire for a deeper research partnership with Indiana University and especially the Indiana School of Medicine. While it has been valuable and important, Purdue’s engagement in Indianapolis is no longer adequate to serve the talent and research needs of a dynamic, more technology-driven local economy.

What will the new Purdue campus be called?

Final naming and branding for the Purdue University campus in Indianapolis has not been decided on and will be one of the early priorities.

What are the benefits to the greater Indianapolis community?

Currently, about 5,100 students are pursuing Purdue degrees at Indianapolis. An estimated 86% of these graduates will take their first jobs in Indiana, making an important contribution to the state’s 21st century economy. Longer term, the plan is to fully integrate the Indianapolis campus with West Lafayette. With this move, Purdue anticipates growing today’s Indianapolis enrollment by more than 1,000 students, providing more STEM graduates to take jobs in Indianapolis. In addition, through expansions of the Purdue research portfolio, including launching a branch of the Purdue Applied Research Institute, Indianapolis will benefit from a much deeper Purdue research presence and the collaborations and partnerships that presence will support.

What will be the relationship between Purdue West Lafayette and Indianapolis after the restructure?

The plan is to fully integrate Indianapolis programs with their Purdue West Lafayette counterparts. Longer term, engineering, computer science and technology (Polytechnic) courses taught in Indianapolis will have equivalence with classes taught in West Lafayette. When the transition is fully complete, a Purdue West Lafayette degree would be awarded to students in Indianapolis upon graduation.

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Students

How will undergraduate students admitted to and enrolled in IUPUI programs prior to the July 1, 2024, transition be impacted by the restructure?

Until July 1, 2024, IUPUI student programs and services will continue to be offered as they are today. Commitments made prior to July 1, 2024, to IUPUI students pursuing Purdue degrees, such as scholarships, university-funded fellowships, tuition reciprocity agreements, the opportunity to complete degrees, and (subject to customary Board-approved adjustments) tuition and fee rates, will be honored through the standard time to complete your degree program, assuming you fulfill the applicable requirements of these arrangements and continue to make satisfactory academic progress in accordance with university policies. The terms of existing IUPUI articulation agreements will be honored for students who enroll by or before August 19, 2024. Any changes to programs and services which result from the transformation of IUPUI into separate academic organizations in which Purdue and IU each govern their own programs will be announced prior to July 1, 2024.

How will future Indianapolis campus undergraduate students be impacted by the restructure?

Ultimately, students enrolling at the Indianapolis campus in a major, degree or program within the Purdue realigned academic units will be admitted as Purdue students using the admission standards of Purdue West Lafayette. There will likely be some transition period before this occurs.

How will core classes be delivered?

The separation will allow for course equivalence across the board to promote maximum flexibility between Purdue West Lafayette and Indianapolis. However, Purdue students at the Indianapolis campus may be expected to enroll in general education courses and programs offered by IU.

How will tuition be handled?

Each university will set and collect its own tuition and fees. Purdue student fees for services provided by IU will be set by IU at the same level as it charges its own students for such fees.

How will student services be provided to Purdue students?

After the separation, Purdue students at the Indianapolis campus will have access and the ability to join and participate in all student services and extracurricular student activities offered by IU at the Indianapolis campus. That includes student housing and dining; parking; student organizations, associations, groups, clubs and societies; library access and usage; health, wellness and counseling services and other student support resources; and athletic events, recreation and intramural sports and such other extracurricular activities, services and resources. IU will issue Purdue students enrolled at the Indianapolis campus student identification cards required for participation in the student services.

I am currently in the IUPUI College of Science in a program other than Computer Science – can I still graduate with a Purdue degree?

Yes. For three years following the July 1, 2024, realignment date, students enrolled in a degree on or prior to that day may choose to receive a degree from either IU or Purdue upon graduation if their program is being transferred to the other university. 

What degrees will be offered in Indianapolis by Purdue after the change?

The plan is for students to earn Purdue West Lafayette degrees in engineering, technology (Polytechnic) and computer science in Indianapolis.

How will the restructure impact graduate students? 

When the transition is fully implemented, Indianapolis graduate programs will be merged with Purdue West Lafayette programs, all governed by the Graduate School. A Purdue West Lafayette degree would be awarded. 

What are the benefits of the separation for Purdue students?

The separation will provide a high-quality choice for students who want a Purdue engineering, computer science or technology (Polytechnic) degree but have a preference for studying in an urban setting. Longer term, the plan is to fully integrate the Indianapolis campus with West Lafayette, making it possible for West Lafayette students to spend time in Indianapolis and continue progress toward their degree while pursuing work opportunities with Indianapolis firms.

In addition, this separation will allow Purdue to develop an even deeper relationship with and support for Purdue Polytechnic High Schools and other STEM pipeline building programs in greater Indianapolis.

When will the Fall 2024 curriculum be set?

The Purdue University in Indianapolis portfolio of academic offerings will be available by June 2023. The official academic catalog that includes specific courses for AY 2024-25 will be published June 2023.

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Faculty and Staff

What are the benefits of the separation for Purdue West Lafayette faculty?

Among the many benefits of an urban presence are possibilities for tighter faculty-industry collaborations, improved access to the Indianapolis entrepreneurial ecosystem, better opportunities to attract faculty who prefer an urban lifestyle, advantages for dual-career hires and deeper connections to the IU Medical School.

How does guidance for tenured and tenure track faculty alignment apply to pre-tenured faculty?

Pre-tenured faculty will follow the same guidance as tenured faculty to determine departmental alignment. Department heads will work directly with all pre-tenured faculty to have conversations about tenure expectations.

When will I be contacted after I submit my CV, Teaching and Research Statements to department head(s) on February 1? 

Faculty will be informed of departmental outcomes by spring break.

Will there be an appeal process to review outcomes? 

No

What are the benefits of the separation for current IUPUI faculty and staff?

IUPUI faculty and staff who are part of the Purdue programs being transferred will become full members of the Purdue family and will benefit from an expanded Purdue presence in Indianapolis. The new relationship with Purdue West Lafayette is expected to expand opportunities for faculty to teach/conduct research.

How will my compensation/benefits be impacted by the transition to Purdue?

One of the working groups will be addressing this topic, but every effort will be made to ensure compensation and benefits are comparable to current levels.

Will staff members keep their jobs after the restructure?

Purdue plans to offer all staff members who are employed by IU on June 30, 2023, employment after the separation is complete on June 30, 2024.

If a faculty member if going up for tenure this year or next at IUPUI, should they follow the tenure home process for faculty not yet tenured or use the process for tenured faculty?

IUPUI faculty will follow IUPUI P&T guidelines for the current tenure cycle (AY23) and the AY24 cycle. Faculty in this situation will follow the T/TT faculty alignment guidelines this year to determine the appropriate West Lafayette academic department home and tenure track home decision.

Will faculty going up for tenure and/or promotion at IUPUI in AY23 or AY24 have to follow an additional process post-tenure or post-promotion to ensure their tenure and/or promotion will be accepted in the WL department with which they are aligned?

No. Dr. Peter Hollenbeck will work with the faculty member and WL department heads this fall and coming spring to determine tenure home alignment so faculty will not need to follow an additional process. When IUPUI TT faculty who are being considered for promotion in 2022-23 or 2023-24 are being reviewed for a home by PWL units, those units will be made aware of the timeline, and will accept them on the basis that their subsequent tenure/promotion process will be honored at PWL.

How will any IUPUI/PWL salary differences (ranges) be handled?

This remains to be determined. HR will begin in spring 2023 to review and analyze staff roles at IUPUI and to compare them to the PWL job family structure and pay bands. The results will be communicated in autumn 2023.

Can faculty seek tenure home advice from multiple departments? 

Yes, faculty are encouraged to request advice about possible tenure home fit from multiple departments. This can be sought either in parallel or in sequence.

How will the CV review process be managed? 

Faculty wanting to do so may reach out to Dr. Peter Hollenbeck, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, to request a CV review. Dr. Hollenbeck will work with the faculty member to make sure appropriate departments are engaged. Dr. Hollenbeck will request the reviews on the faculty member’s behalf and ensure reviews are provided in a timely manner.

What happens between March 10 and May 9? 

After departmental reviews, department heads will inform their deans of the results. The deans will review recommendations and similarly inform the Provost of recommendations from the college. Faculty will be notified of final decision no later than last day of the semester, May 9.

Will there be opportunities for joint appointments between departments? 

The initial process is focused on tenure home alignment. Joint appointments will be handled following normal university practice after tenure home has been decided.

How will my faculty contract/tenure be handled?

After the separation, Purdue will assume all rights and obligations of the appointment letter of each tenured IU transferred faculty – i.e., if a faculty member at IUPUI has tenure, that faculty member will hold tenure at Purdue West Lafayette in the College of Engineering, the College of Science or the Polytechnic Institute. However, the specific organizational structure for the Indianapolis urban campus is still in the planning phase and may differ from the current IUPUI structure. Accordingly, the tenure home for individual faculty members may be different than their current IUPUI appointment – for example, a current IUPUI electrical and computer engineering faculty member’s tenure home may be in the Polytechnic Institute in West Lafayette.

Will there be a formal pathway or opportunity for faculty to indicate a willingness to join programs that are not part of the realignment?

Faculty can request feedback regarding potential suitability in other departments. Moreover, if a review committee at West Lafayette sees possibilities for tenure home in another West Lafayette academic department (outside Engineering, Computer Science or Polytechnic Institute), that information will be shared with the IUPUI faculty member.

What standards will be applied to the CV’s of IUPUI faculty when PWL units consider them for a tenure home? How will those take into consideration the faculty roles into which they were hired, and in which they succeeded, at IUPUI? 

PWL units will apply their existing standards for acceptance into a unit as a tenure home, in the context of the individual’s appointment (teaching, research, engagement) and considering their record of accomplishment at IUPUI.

How will FY appointments at IUPUI be handled after the transition?

Consideration will be given to the reason for FY appointment (e.g., administrative appointment, other job responsibilities). FY appointments are typically made for administrative appointments. If the units and job responsibilities change or cease to exist, those administrative appointments will be modified accordingly, and faculty would revert to AY PWL status.

What will be the rights and responsibilities for any IUPUI faculty that become “University tenure” faculty?

University tenured faculty will carry all rights that accrue to their specific rank.

Teaching responsibilities will likely come from the units which have teaching needs in Indianapolis, and with which their expertise is best aligned.

Sponsored program services will be provided by Purdue University Office of Sponsored Programs, and the Provost’s Office will serve as the grant and contract unit for assigning credit.

Lab space and staff support will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The likely starting point is wherever the faculty member resides now, physically, at least for the short term, and with appropriate staff support.

Access to PhD students is to be determined but will likely involve recruiting students admitted to programs in their area of expertise. University tenured faculty can supervise graduate students if the Graduate School accepts their status and the proposed mentoring arrangement.

How performance reviews will be handled is to be determined. The Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs will be the supervisor and will likely enlist in the reviews PWL leadership with disciplinary expertise in areas where the faculty member has teaching/research engagements.

Titles for these faculty are to be determined but will carry their rank.

What will the process be for PUI faculty seeking joint appointments?

New department/school homes will first be determined; then faculty can explore joint and/or courtesy appointments with their new department head.

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Campus

What physical facilities will be assigned to Purdue?

Space and physical facilities will be the focus of a work group and will be determined over the coming year.

How will research be impacted by the restructure? What plans are being made?

In addition to its new urban campus, Purdue intends to open a branch of its Purdue Applied Research Institute in Indianapolis. Purdue and IU have also agreed to the creation of a new health sciences engineering institute to harness the power of the universities’ collective academic and research strengths and ongoing collaboration between Purdue’s Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and other Purdue health-related disciplines, and Indiana University’s School of Medicine and health-related disciplines to develop new life-enhancing therapies and technologies while simultaneously creating a highly sought-after pool of professionals whose unique research and training will create startups and attract new companies to Indiana.

Will any new facilities be constructed?

The working groups will explore additional building projects, including a possible new residence hall, to support growth in Purdue enrollment.

Have a Question?

If you have a question not answered here, please contact us via email at purdue-indy@purdue.edu.