NewU board approves statement of ethical principles, academic programs

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue NewU Board of Trustees on Friday (Dec. 8) voted to approve a Statement of Ethical Principles and Pledge to Students, a code by which all NewU faculty, administrators, staff and support team members, as well as all service partners, vendors, collaborators and other associates will be required to conduct themselves.

Mike Berghoff, chair of Purdue’s Board of Trustees and the NewU Board of Trustees, said Purdue demands the highest levels of ethics and compliance in all operations and considered Kaplan University’s compliance record an important factor in deciding on the acquisition.

“KU’s existing protocols are exemplary and were verified by the Higher Learning Commission in 2016,” Berghoff said. “As we move forward to launch NewU, and as part of our overall commitment to the highest standards of quality and integrity, we want to affirm and establish strong and clear codes of conduct for NewU’s administration, faculty and staff as well as our service partners and associates.”

The statement commits NewU to:

* Responsible, transparent and accurate marketing.

* No incentive compensation for applications, enrollments or other related counts.

* Admissions based on published requirements.

* Clear and accurate information on program cost.

* Access to financial counseling.

* Regular publication of performance metrics.

* Transfer credit and licensure disclosures.

* Qualified faculty who are evaluated and participate in professional development at least annually.

* Adequate student support including 24/7 desk help.

* Comprehensive career services and employment preparation.

NewU trustees also approved a code for NewU students that includes a student bill of rights, code of conduct and codes covering violence prevention, procedures and responsible use of technology.

In addition, Purdue NewU will continue to offer what is now known as the “Kaplan Commitment.” During a three-week introductory period, students begin their coursework and can opt out any time during that period with no tuition cost or other financial obligation, except for their application fee.

Also, academic programs authorized in August by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education were officially approved by the NewU board. The programs, which are currently offered at Kaplan University, will be offered by NewU once the anticipated acquisition is complete.

Programs approved by CHE in August total 129 and include certificate, associate, bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate certificate, master’s, post-master’s certificate and doctoral programs.

The NewU Board of Trustees is a six-member panel charged with overseeing the operations and management of Purdue’s online venture. It is composed of five Purdue University trustees and one at-large representative.

Board members are:

* Mike Berghoff, chair, Purdue Board of Trustees.

* Paul Bott, professor emeritus, California State University, Long Beach, and vice chair, Kaplan University Board of Trustees.

* JoAnn Brouillette, Purdue Board of Trustees.

* Malcolm DeKryger, Purdue Board of Trustees.

* Mike Klipsch, Purdue Board of Trustees.

* Don Thompson, Purdue Board of Trustees.

In April, Purdue University announced the creation of the new public university with its plan to purchase Kaplan University and its institutional operations and assets. The new university, which has not yet officially been named, will be distinct from others in the Purdue system, relying only on tuition and fundraising to cover operating expenses, and no state appropriations will be utilized.

NewU has received approvals from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is expected to act on Purdue’s request in February. Both Purdue and Kaplan universities are currently accredited by the HLC.