Purdue Global Eliminates Faculty Confidentiality Agreement

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Purdue University's nonprofit online program is ending its practice of requiring faculty to sign confidentiality agreements following criticism from a national group of professors.

The Journal & Courier reports that Purdue Global Chancellor Betty Vandenbosch told nearly 2,000 faculty members Wednesday that officials are eliminating the "confidentiality and restriction agreement" professors previously had to sign before teaching.

The agreements covered Purdue Global ownership of materials faculty develop and asked professors to promise not to speak out against Purdue once leaving the program.

The American Association of University Professors uncovered the agreements last month. The group said the agreements stifle faculty's academic freedom and rights.

Purdue announced last year that it was acquiring the for-profit Kaplan University, which was later renamed Purdue Global .