University Code FAQs

What is the background of the "University Code?"

The "University Code” is an historical reference to a compilation of various sources of authority relating to the governance of the University, which at one time included pertinent state statutes, the Trustee bylaws, the Board of Trustees’ delegations of authority to the President and other officers, and (later) the bylaws and constitutions of the University Senate and regional campus senates. Originally "codified" in 1928, it resulted from a proposal by President Edward Elliott to compile these sources into a single, centrally-maintained document that might serve as a helpful reference resource for campus stakeholders.

What is the current status of the "University Code?"

For reasons further explained below, and despite continued references in some current documents (e.g., the Bylaws of the University Senate), the University Code is now obsolete. Many if not most of the University Code's original constituent parts are still in force in the form of state statutes, trustee resolutions, charter documents and university policies, but as an actively maintained codification of source material, the "Code" itself is a relic of the past.

Is the University Code the source of, or does it otherwise govern, the Trustees' authority?

No. The Code is not itself a source of independent authority. It was merely a codification of different rules issued from various sources of authority, including the Trustees themselves. The Trustees are vested with their authority by Indiana law, including IC 21-27-7-4 and IC 21-27-7-5, which provide that the Board has the authority "to do all acts necessary and expedient to put and keep Purdue University in operation" and "to make all bylaws, rules, and regulations required or proper to conduct and manage Purdue University."

Are references to the University Code in the Senate Bylaws erroneous?

No, but they are antiquated. The University Code has not been updated in over thirty years. In the digital age, and as folks were readily able to access the Indiana Code, the Trustee bylaws, University policies, and Senate documents online, the concept of a "codification" of these sources of authority became increasingly less relevant. Consequently, as these sources were amended and republished over time and on a case-by-case basis by those responsible for them, the University Code (in the form of a physical paper collection of sources) was not correspondingly amended.

What in the University Code pertains to the faculty's role in shared governance at Purdue?

Subsections A-4.00, A-4.05 and A-5.00 are a codification of a delegation made by the Board of Trustees in May 1964, when it adopted a resolution to approve "The University Code, Part II, Regulations for the Internal Administration of Purdue University, Section A." These subsections collectively comprise the Board's "Delegation of Authority and Responsibility to the Faculty of the University." Although the University Code has not been maintained in recent years, this delegation has never been rescinded, so it remains in full force and effect (although it has been modified on occasion, including in 1970 to add language recognizing the Senate chairperson's opportunity to make regular presentations at Board of Trustee meetings). In short, the references to the "University Code" in, for example, the University Senate bylaws essentially refer to the underlying language of the 1964 delegation.

Is the delegation of authorities and responsibilities to the faculties of the University irrevocable?

No. The Board of Trustees may amend the 1964 delegation at any time, in its discretion. This reservation of powers was expressly recognized and documented at the time the Board adopted the 1964 resolution. For example, the preamble to the delegation of responsibilities to the faculty stipulates that those powers and responsibilities are granted and exercised "subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees and in consultation with the President." In addition, in language required by the Board as a condition to adopting the 1964 resolution, it is clear that the delegation provisions "may be amended as required from time to time by the Board of Trustees of Purdue University." The language further states that "[n]othing in the above . . . shall be construed as restraining the Board of Trustees from taking such action as they determine to be necessary in the discharge of their legal responsibilities."