Establishing a University-Recognized Center

Current Purdue policies* address the establishment of:

1. Centers within single departments
2. Centers involving departments/schools within the same College
3. Centers that involve departments/schools from multiple Colleges and/or involve participation of outside agencies, such as other universities, federal agencies, or corporations.

Centers in this latter class (#3 — centers that involve departments/schools from multiple Purdue Colleges/departments and/or involve participation of outside agencies, such as other universities, federal agencies, or corporations) are identified herein as University-Recognized Centers.

NOTE: Approval as a University-Recognized Center does not imply commitment of funds or other resources from the Office of Research.

Requests for approval of new University-Recognized 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 to the Office of Research. 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 Office of the Provost. Review by both authorities may be involved in some cases. Staff associated with the Office of Research assist in and manage the approval process.

To facilitate assessment of the new 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 here:

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

If a University-Recognized Center ceases to exist, the University-Recognized Center leaders should notify the EVPRPCenters@purdue.edu email.

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