TO:
Students, Faculty, and Staff
FROM:
Dr. Thomas L. Keon
Chancellor
Purdue University Calumet
Date:
August 6, 2014
Re:
Op-Ed Release, Purdue Northwest
Dr. James B. Dworkin
Chancellor
Purdue University North Central
In the interest of helping to clarify the future use of the Purdue University Northwest (PNW)
designation for the unified university, and the steps our two campuses are taking to gain Higher
Learning Commission approval of the unification, we have submitted the attached editorial to
local newspapers. We expect this opinion piece to be published beginning within the next
several days.
Not yet Purdue University Northwest
By THOMAS L. KEON and JAMES B. DWORKIN
We have recently cleared a major hurdle in selecting a name for the unified institution between
Purdue Calumet and Purdue North Central: Purdue University Northwest, or on second
reference Purdue Northwest (PNW). The Purdue University Board of Trustees approved this
name at its July 18 meeting.
For the time being, however, our respective campuses will continue to be identified as Purdue
University Calumet and Purdue University North Central, while the Purdue University Northwest
designation must wait in reserve. Here is a brief explanation of why.
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The process of unification takes a significant amount of time and planning. It also
requires the North Central Association’s Higher Learning Commission (HLC), to
acknowledge the existence of our newly unified institution. For that to occur, both
campuses must closely align various aspects of our academic requirements and
standards.
As part of the unification process, an application must be filed with the HLC. Satisfying
all the various requirements of the application likely will take at least 12 to 15 months.
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Why so long for two campuses that currently enjoy strong standing with the HLC? Well,
for starters, the application requires documentation of a detailed strategic plan,
marketing plan, financial plan and academic plan, a comprehensive description of the
unified university’s new structure, and review by the Indiana Commission for Higher
Education.
Also, administrative restructuring between our campuses requires software platform
changes in financial and student data. Those of you familiar with the process of such
software changes know it can take two to three years with an ample budget. We plan to
take a conservative route to keep costs down.
On the academic side, faculty from each campus must work together to review
programs and make decisions about degree requirements and courses. While many
American universities offer the same degrees, actual degree requirements may differ
significantly. Most degree programs offered by Purdue Calumet and Purdue North
Central are similar but not identical.
Also of note, strong governance structures drive various university engines. In particular,
the faculty controls coursework, degree programs, the university calendar, and many
other aspects of an institution’s academic environment.
At present, there are two faculty senates, two student governments, two professional
staff associations, and two clerical and service associations representing Purdue
Calumet and Purdue North Central. For our two campuses to become Purdue
Northwest, these groups must merge into single organizations. The process requires
new by-laws to be written and representation sorted out.
After a number of the steps above are underway, the application of Purdue Northwest
as a newly unified university can be made to HLC. Subsequently, it will take some nine to
12 months for HLC to consider and officially recognize the unified Purdue Northwest.
In the meantime, we will remain Purdue University Calumet and Purdue University North
Central, respectively, likely until mid-2016, or sometime thereafter. We hope this clarifies the
new name and its use.
Thomas L. Keon is Chancellor of Purdue University Calumet in Hammond. James B. Dworkin is
Chancellor of Purdue University North Central in Westville.
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Informational Bulletin #4 Op-Ed, News Release, Purdue Northwest