Beyond Academic Departments: The Story of Institutes and Centers

University-based institutes and centers were examined in terms of their origins, structure, functions, characteristics, control, and their role in the university. It is suggested that institutes and centers enable higher education institutions to accept new responsibilities and pursue them in new ways. A combination of societal, professional, and institutional forces contributed to the rapid growth of institutes and centers, including the growing dependence of society on scientific and technological innovation and the related availability of funding for research and development. The functions carried out by institutes are usually more restricted than those of departments and usually are confined to one or two combinations, such as the performance of research, the administration of public service, or the facilitation of instruction and research. Three general types of institutes are identified: standard institutes, which resemble the typical bureaucratic organization; adaptive institutes which are more likely to use part-time and temporary personnel and to shift programs to meet changing resources and needs; and "shadow institutes," which are sometimes dormant but represent a capacity for meeting needs when they arise. Among the contributions of institutes are that they allow the institution to emphasize problem-oriented research or public service and that they are effective for interdisciplinary efforts. Recommendations to strengthen the role of institutes and centers within the university are offered. (SW)