Policy on Academic Centers, Institutes and Laboratories
Centers, Institutes and Laboratories are academic units that create and/or disseminate
information but do not offer coursework for academic credit. Their purpose is to provide
focus and organizational structure for study and scholarship within a defined area of
interest. These units may contribute to curriculum and degree programs housed within
academic departments but do not serve as the home for academic programs or
coursework. Faculty associated with such units must be members of academic
departments through which they acquire tenure and promotion. Institutes and Centers
are similar, although Centers more frequently represent multidisciplinary or
interdisciplinary activities. Laboratories are generally smaller and focused on specific
research programs within a discipline.
With the concurrence of the Chancellor, the Faculty Senate may approve proposals for
such units. A proposal should describe the activities of the unit, the organizational
structure and oversight, resources to be devoted to the unit and letters of support from
academic departments as appropriate.