Inside INdiana Business is reporting that the new campus master plan from Purdue University has received the endorsement of the university’s board of trustees. The board has also approved “at-risk” pay for President Mitch Daniels, as well as a new online degree program.
Known as the Giant Leaps Master Plan, the effort aims to align the physical campus in West Lafayette with the “mission and programmatic goals of the university.” Purdue says the master plan deals with near-term decisions and actions and also helps lay the foundation for the next 50 years.
The master plan is comprised of five key goals:
- Invest in teaching, research and collaborative spaces.
- Prioritize strategic renovations.
- Focus housing and dining investments.
- Enhance open space connectivity and campus circulation.
- Strengthen campus identity and gateways.
“Throughout the course of developing this master plan, we took our time gathering data, listening to the feedback we received and prioritizing the themes that resonated and best supported the university’s strategic vision,” said Michael Gulich, director of campus master planning and sustainability. By focusing on connectivity, collaboration, vibrancy, sustainability and flexibility, we expect this master plan to meet the needs of the university for many years to come.”
The board also voted to award the “at-risk” portion of President Mitch Daniels’ salary, which is based on performance measures outlined by the trustees in December. Daniels will receive 100 percent of his at-risk funds, totaling $220,000. That is in addition to his base pay of $430,000.
Daniels’ salary is based on performance goals in four areas, according to the university: Student affordability, Student success, Fundraising, and Research productivity and reputation. The board cited continued strides in graduation rates, affordability and fundraising, as well as the launch of Purdue Global and the transformation of Purdue Fort Wayne among Daniels’ successes in the final evaluation.
Additionally, the board has approved a new online Executive Master of Health Administration degree program, which still remains subject to approval from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. The program will be housed in the university’s College of Health and Human Sciences.