Development of An Operating Policy At the Regional Purdue Agricultural Centers… Exceeding Researcher and Other Clientele Expectations in Economically Challenging Times.

Within the College of Agriculture at Purdue University, facilities, infrastructure, operations, and management expenses at the field level across the state are the responsibility of the regional Purdue Agricultural Centers (PACs).  To continue to provide research support services that are efficient, effective, and of the highest scientific integrity given the wide diversity of the field-based animal and crop research at these locations, there existed a need for a policy clearly defining roles and responsibilities.  Current cost and service support information was secured internally and through the cooperation of other land grant research station staff and/or campus-based administration.  The goals associated with policy development included economic feasibility and sustainability and also focused on the continuation of meeting and, at times, exceeding researcher expectations and the enhancement of educational opportunities at the regional PACs.  The process and implications associated with developing such a policy that will impact nearly all academic departments across the college will be discussed.