Independence for IUPUI?

Plans to create an independent university succeeding Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis could be finalized this week, but the bill must first pass through two readings in the Indiana Senate -- all of which must occur in the span of 48 hours.\nShould the House pass the bill, it would establish a commission to evaluate the possibility of turning IUPUI into the University of Central Indiana, largely severing its union with both IU and Purdue universities.\nIU Vice President of Public Affairs Bill Stephan said there is currently no need for alarm, but said nothing is certain in terms of what could happen.\n"There are a whole host of unknowns," Stephan said. "Some believe the level of federal funding could be put at risk," if IUPUI breaks from IU.\nStephan said current discussions between University officials and Senator Lawrence Borst, the bill's author, have proven productive. Stephan added that Senator Borst has expressed concern and interest in making the value of IUPUI better understood.\nBorst told the IUPUI Sagamore Jan. 17 that he launches the bill every year "in response to the arrogance of university hierarchy." He said he feels IUPUI needs more "local input."\nBorst could not be reached for comment Sunday. \nAlthough an approved bill could create chilling effects for IUPUI in areas of faculty recruitment and attaining capital campaign, Stephan said any estimates at this stage would be purely speculative.\nThough the bill must be presented before the full Senate before Tuesday, IUPUI political science professor Bill Blomquist said the bill is widely predicted to die within the Senate.\n"We have to pay attention to Tuesday," Blomquist said. "The next two readings will determine whether the bill will go onto the House for approval. In the past those opposed to the bill don't think it has been in the best interest of the students. Personally, I'm not familiar enough with Senator Borst's motives to know why he continues to propose this bill."\nBorst has expressed some unhappiness with the IU system and administration, Blomquist said. \n"This year he has pushed the bill a little harder," he said. "Senator Borst was able to negotiate the bill out of the Senate Public Policy Committee with a 5-3 vote. He's cutting close it close with the Tuesday deadline, but there are a bunch of other bills in the same stage."\nIn the past, Borst has proposed the bill before the Senate. The bill passing out of the Senate Public Policy Committee two weeks ago marks the first time the bill has had a hearing in at least a decade. \nIU Trustee Pat Shoulders said this bill is "absolutely wrong" for the students, the universities and the state of Indiana.\n"In my view, the bill should not go through," Shoulders said. "It's not supported by the faculty or students…I hope the legislative members of the state of Indiana will agree."\nShoulders added that he knows of no justification for Borst's bill, and said he sees no reason for the proposal.