October 24, 2019
Purdue has formally announced that it plans to no longer rely on IU regional campuses to deliver general education courses to Purdue Polytechnic Institute (PPI) students. These courses will be offered by Purdue instead. This change affects PPI locations in Columbus, Kokomo, New Albany, Richmond and South Bend. For Kokomo, Richmond and South Bend, this will also entail moving from currently leased IU facilities to different locations; the timing of said moves is still to be determined. We still welcome and urge PPI students to take elective courses from IU campuses. The Purdue communication that went to students recently can be viewed here for your information.
We value our partnership with PPI and wish the PPI South Bend students well as Purdue moves their Polytechnic model in a new direction. We are committed to working with the Purdue leadership, especially those working at the PPI South Bend, to ensure a smooth transition. I will also be meeting with Linda Chen, Phil Iapalucci, Monica Porter, Deans, department chairs and directors to discuss the situation and seek their input.
As additional details emerge, I will continue to keep everyone informed. For now, please reassure any Purdue students currently studying with us that they are most welcome here and that we would like to continue to help them reach their educational goals.
Future uses of the building that PPI South Bend occupies will be considered by the Campus Strategic Space Planning Committee. I understand the campus had a similar committee in the past and I have asked Phil Iapalucci to reconstruct and reconvene it so we can have a group who reviews and recommends to the Chancellor more strategic uses of our buildings and spaces. More to come on this Committee soon.