Center Approval or Establishing a University Center

The Institutes and Centers at Discovery Park District organize faculty and staff groups to engage in joint research and educational activities within a discipline or across disciplines. Current Purdue policies* address the establishment of Centers within single departments, Centers involving departments/schools within the same College, and Centers that involve departments/schools from multiple Colleges and/or involve participation of outside agencies, such as other Universities, federal agencies, or corporation. Centers in the latter class are identified herein as University Centers.

Requests for approval of new University Centers should be initiated by the faculty of the participating departments and reviewed/endorsed by the Heads and Deans or their designees before the request is presented for final approval. The authority to approve University Centers with a research mission is currently delegated to the Office of Research. Centers without research activities are approved by the Provost. Review by both authorities may be involved in some cases. Staff associated with the Office of Research assist in and manage the process.

To facilitate assessment of the Center's mission, faculty participation, future plans, and other characteristics or requirements, the leaders of the proposed activity are required to complete the Center Requirements Application form and obtain endorsement from appropriate Heads and/or Dean. The form is available provided at the following location.

Center Requirements Application

The completed form should be sent to EVPRPCenters@purdue.edu. Additional materials such as cover letters, white papers, or prospectuses are not required but may be submitted as separate documents. Questions should be directed to the same address.

Approved centers will be listed on the Office of Research web site with pointers to Center staff and to the center web site if one exists. Centers may be required to submit information or reports on a periodic basis to maintain approved status.

* Executive Memorandum C-6 (under review for revision or replacement)